Casino near charleston sc

Searching for casinos by Charleston, SC? This guide reviews the closest gaming options, including Big M Casino boats and other nearby venues with slots and table games.

Discover Charleston SC's Best Gaming Cruise and Nearby Casino Alternatives ==========================================================================

For residents of and visitors to the historic port city seeking high-stakes gaming action, the most direct route leads to the Catawba Two Kings establishment in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Situated approximately a 3-hour and 30-minute drive northwest, this destination operates 24/7. It currently features a temporary facility with over 1,000 modern slot machines, electronic table games including blackjack and roulette, and a dedicated high-limit area. Food and beverage services are available on-site, providing a complete gaming experience without requiring an overnight stay for those on a day trip.

Another prominent option involves heading south to the coastal waters. The Big M Ship, a gaming vessel, departs from Little River, just outside Myrtle Beach, which is roughly a two-hour drive from the greater metropolitan area. This floating entertainment venue offers two distinct cruises daily. Onboard, patrons find a selection of table games like 3 Card Poker and Let It Ride, alongside hundreds of slot machines. The experience combines the thrill of gaming with a scenic voyage on the Atlantic.

For individuals willing to travel slightly further, Harrah's Cherokee establishment in Cherokee, North Carolina, presents a larger, resort-style alternative. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. This extensive complex boasts over 3,000 slot machines and more than 160 live table games, including a substantial poker room. This location is part of a full-service resort featuring multiple hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a suitable destination for a weekend getaway from the Lowcountry.

Finding Casino Entertainment Near Charleston, SC

The primary option for live table gaming and slot machines proximate to the Holy City is the Catawba Two Kings establishment in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. This pre-launch facility operates 24/7 with over 1,000 gaming machines. The drive from the metropolitan Charleston area typically takes around three hours, covering approximately 200 miles via I-26 W and US-74 W. Electronic table games, including blackjack and roulette, are available alongside traditional reel and video poker slots.

For those seeking maritime gaming adventures, the Big M Ship departs from Little River, SC, which is about a two-hour drive north from the city's downtown. This vessel sails twice daily, five days a week, offering voyages into international waters where gaming is permitted. Onboard, patrons find Las Vegas-style games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Let-It-Ride, and 3 Card Poker. The ship also features a variety of slot machines. All passengers must be at least 21 years old.

Within the immediate vicinity of the South Carolina Lowcountry, legal wagering is restricted. State regulations prohibit traditional land-based gaming houses. Therefore, residents and visitors must travel to neighboring states or embark on specialized cruises to participate in such activities. Planning for travel time and associated costs is a necessary part of arranging an outing for this type of amusement.

What are the legal gambling options within a day's drive of Charleston?

The closest venue with traditional table games and slot machines is the Harrah's Cherokee Valley River facility in Murphy, North Carolina. This establishment is approximately a 4.5 to 5-hour drive from the greater Charleston metropolitan area. It features over 1,000 video gaming machines, including popular video poker and electronic blackjack variants. The floor also includes 70 live dealer tables for blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. The property is managed by Caesars Entertainment and is operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

A second, larger option is the Harrah's Cherokee Hotel & Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina. The journey takes about 5 hours. This destination offers a significantly larger gaming floor with more than 3,000 video machines and over 160 live tables. Its poker room hosts regular tournaments and cash games. This location provides a complete resort experience with multiple restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment venues.

For those interested in maritime gaming excursions, the Big M Casino departs from Little River, South Carolina, which is a roughly 2-hour drive north of the city. These ships sail three miles out into international waters where onboard gambling is permitted. The cruises typically last about five hours. The boats feature slot machines, blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. Two different vessels operate, often with one focused more on non-smoking patrons. Schedules and departure times vary by season, so checking their calendar is required.

South Carolina itself permits a state lottery and certain forms of charitable bingo. However, for a full-scale gaming house experience with live dealers and extensive slot selections, a trip to one of the tribal-owned properties in western North Carolina is the primary land-based choice.

How do cruise ship casinos departing from Charleston operate?

Gambling halls on ships leaving the Port of SC open once the vessel reaches international waters, typically three to twelve nautical miles from the coastline. This jurisdictional shift allows them to operate under maritime law, bypassing state and federal U.S. gaming regulations. The gaming floor remains closed while the ship is docked or navigating within U.S. territorial waters.

Wagering and Payouts

  1. Payment Methods: Wagers are made using the ship's onboard account system, linked to a credit card or a cash deposit. This is done via the stateroom keycard, often called a “Sail & Sign” card or similar proprietary name. Direct cash is sometimes accepted at tables but rarely at slot machines.
  2. Payouts and Taxes: Winnings are credited back to the onboard account. For substantial jackpots, typically those exceeding $1,200 from a single slot machine win, a U.S. citizen will receive an IRS Form W-2G. The cruise line may be required to withhold federal taxes from the payout.
  3. Game Rules and Odds: The rules for games like blackjack or video poker can differ from those in land-based establishments. Payout tables for video poker are often less favorable, and blackjack rules may specify that the dealer hits on a soft 17, slightly increasing the house advantage.

Player Programs and Age Requirements

The minimum age to enter and participate in the gaming areas on most cruise lines departing from the U.S. is 18. This is a key difference from land-based American facilities, which usually require patrons to be 21. Loyalty programs are distinct from shore-side counterparts; points earned at sea are typically valid only for that specific cruise line's fleet and may offer perks like complimentary drinks in the gaming lounge, onboard credits, or discounts on future sailings.

What are the top-rated casino alternatives and card rooms in the Charleston area?

Big Slick Bar & Billiards on James Island hosts weekly Texas Hold'em tournaments, attracting a consistent crowd of local poker enthusiasts. For a different style of gaming, The Carolina Queen offers evening cruises departing from the city's waterfront, featuring onboard table games and electronic gaming machines while navigating local waterways. These venues provide the primary options for individuals seeking live gaming action within the vicinity of the Holy City.

Gaming Venue Comparison in the Charleston Vicinity

Venue

Primary Offering

Location

Typical Schedule

Atmosphere

Big Slick Bar & Billiards

Texas Hold'em Poker Tournaments

James Island

Weekly, check social media for exact nights

Casual, local sports bar feel

The Carolina Queen

Table Games & Electronic Machines

Charleston Maritime Center

Scheduled evening cruises

Social, scenic water views

Local Charity Poker Events

No-Limit Hold'em & Pot-Limit Omaha

Varies (VFW/Elks lodges)

Irregular, announced in advance

Community-focused, fundraising

Charity poker events, often held at VFW or Elks lodges throughout the Lowcountry, present another avenue for card players. These games are sanctioned for fundraising purposes and their schedules are announced through local community boards and social media groups. Players can find No-Limit Hold'em and sometimes Pot-Limit Omaha games at these gatherings, with proceeds supporting local causes. https://primeslotscasino365.casino requires proactive searching for event announcements but offers a unique community-driven playing experience.