South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: In Committee

H 4176 — Gaming Commission

Last action — Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced March 06, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Stalled 24% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 19 sponsors

    19 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "I-95 ECONOMIC AND EDUCATION STIMULUS ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 36 TO TITLE 1 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMING COMMISSION THAT MAY AWARD CASINO LICENSES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

31 added · 224 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill H 4176 clarifies the definitions of key terms related to casino operations, such as "operator," "person," "suitability license," and "vendor." Additionally, it specifies that the executive director appointed by the commission will be compensated without consideration of casino profits, aiming to ensure independence in operations. These changes are significant as they establish clearer regulations for casino management and promote transparency in how the commission operates, which can help maintain the integrity of the gaming industry in South Carolina.

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2025-2026 Bill 4176 Text of Previous Version (Apr.
2025-2026 Bill 4176 Text of Previous Version (Mar.
30, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026Bill 4176Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter(Text matches printed bills.
06, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026Bill 4176Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter(Text matches printed bills.
Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.) Indicates Matter Stricken Indicates New Matter   Committee Report April 30, 2025   H.
Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)                 A bill   TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "I-95 ECONOMIC AND EDUCATION STIMULUS ACT" by adding chapter 36 to title 1 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMING COMMISSION THAT MAY AWARD CASINO LICENSES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.
4176   Introduced by Reps.
Murphy, Brewer, Gatch, Stavrinakis, Wetmore, Rutherford, Herbkersman, W.
Newton, Rose, Robbins, Bernstein, Cobb-Hunter, Bamberg, Govan, Grant, Kirby and Alexander   S.
Printed 4/30/25--H.
Read the first time March 6, 2025   ________   The committee on House Ways and Means To whom was referred a Bill (H.
4176) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by enacting the "I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act" by adding Chapter 36 to Title 1 so as to establish the South, etc., respectfully Report:
That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:
      Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by deleting Section 1-36-10(14) from the bill.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 1-36-30 and inserting:
    Section 1-36-30.
(A) There is established the South Carolina Gaming Commission to provide governance and oversight of casino gaming authorized under this chapter.
The commission and its employees are subject to the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act, South Carolina Ethics Reform Act, and South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Venue for the commission is in Richland County.
    (B) The commission is composed of three members.
One member must be appointed by the Governor who shall serve as chairman of the commission, one member must be appointed by the President of the Senate, and one member must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Decisions of the commission must be made by majority vote.
A quorum of the commission is two or more members.
    (C) A member must:
       (1) be a resident of the State of South Carolina;
       (2) not have been convicted of a felony offense or bookmaking or other form of unlawful gambling.
A background investigation must be conducted on each commission nominee.
The commission shall pay for the cost of the investigation and may contract with the State Law Enforcement Division or appropriate federal agency for the performance of the investigation;
       (3) meet the qualifications for electors as provided in Section 7-5-120;
and        (4) not have been an elected public official, an office that would be considered for purposes of the prohibition against dual-office holding, as provided in Section 24, Article III of the Constitution of this State, and Section 2-1-100, for at least one year before appointment.
    (D) An individual is not eligible for appointment as a member of the commission if the individual:
       (1) is an officer or official of a political party;
       (2)   has a direct pecuniary interest in the gaming industry;
       (3) has been convicted of a felony;
       (4) has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving gambling, theft, computer-related offenses, forgery, perjury, dishonesty, or unlawfully selling or providing a product or substance to a minor;
       (5) has been convicted of a violation under this chapter;
or        (6) has been convicted of an offense in a federal court, military court, or court of another state, territory, or jurisdiction that under the laws of this State would disqualify him pursuant to items (3), (4), or (5).
    (E) In making appointments to the commission, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as appropriate, shall consider legal, financial, accounting, and marketing experience and race, gender, and other demographic factors to ensure nondiscrimination, inclusion, and representation of all segments of the State to the greatest extent possible.
    (F) The term of each commission member begins on March first and shall continue for a period of four years with each new appointment or reappointment being four years and validly serving until his successor is appointed and qualified.
Vacancies, if any, must be filled for the balance of the then-remaining term and an appointment to the vacant office must be made by the appointing authority that made the original appointment and under the same standards as the original appointment, mutatis mutandis.
    (G) A member of the commission may be removed from the commission by the appointing authority if, in the opinion of the appointing authority, the member has committed misfeasance or malfeasance in office or neglect of duty.
    (H) The commission shall meet no less than quarterly and may hold additional regular and special meetings at the call of the commission.
The members shall not receive a salary but may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses as provided for commissions and boards.
    (A) There is created a commission to be known as the "South Carolina Gaming Commission," which is considered to be a public commission and an instrumentality of the State.
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The commission and its employees are subject to the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act, South Carolina Ethics Reform Act, and South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Venue for the commission is in Richland County.
    (B) The commission is composed of five members.
One member must be appointed by the Governor, one member must be appointed by the President of the Senate, one member must be appointed by the Senate Finance Chairman, one member must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one member must be appointed by the House Ways and Means Chairman.  Decisions of the commission must be made by majority vote.
A quorum of the commission is three or more members.
    (C) A member must:
       (1) be a resident of the State of South Carolina;
       (2) not have been convicted of a felony offense or bookmaking or other form of unlawful gambling.
A background investigation must be conducted on each commission nominee.
The commission shall pay for the cost of the investigation and may contract with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or appropriate federal agency for the performance of the investigation;
       (3) meet the qualifications for electors as provided in Section 7-5-120;
and        (4) not have been an elected public official, as provided in Section 24, Article III of the Constitution of this State and Section 2-1-100, for at least one year before appointment.
    (D) A person is not eligible for appointment to the commission if the person:
           (a) is an officer or official of a political party;
           (b) has a direct pecuniary interest in the sports wagering or gaming industry;
           (c) has been convicted of a felony;
           (d) has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving gambling, theft, computer-related offenses, forgery, perjury, dishonesty, or unlawfully selling or providing a product or substance to a minor;
           (e) has been convicted of a violation under this chapter;
or            (f) has been convicted of an offense in a federal court, military court, or court of another state, territory, or jurisdiction that under the laws of this State would disqualify him pursuant to items (c), (d), or (e).
    (E) The term of each member begins on March first.
For purposes of staggering the terms of the commission:
       (1) the member appointed by the Governor is appointed for an initial term of four years;
       (2) the members appointed by the Senate Finance Chairman and the House Ways and Means Chairman are  appointed for initial terms of three years;
and        (3) the members appointed by the President Senate and the Speaker of the House are appointed for initial terms of two years.
    (F) After the initial terms, the term of an appointed or reappointed member is four years.
    (G) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (E), at the end of the member's term, the member continues to serve until his successor is appointed and qualified.
    (H) A vacancy on the commission must be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
    (I) A member of the commission may be removed from the commission by the appointing authority if, in the opinion of the appointing authority, the member has committed misfeasance or malfeasance in office or neglect of duty.
    (J) Three members of the commission constitute a quorum for the purposes of voting and conducting the business of the commission, and such attendance may be by electronic or telephonic means.
    (K) The commission shall elect a chair from among its membership.
The chair shall serve in that capacity for one year and is eligible for reelection.
The chair shall preside at all meetings and has all the powers and privileges of other members.
    (L) The commission shall meet no less than quarterly and may hold additional regular and special meetings at the call of the commission.
    (M) The members may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses as provided for commissions and boards.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 1-36-70(D) and inserting:
    (D)(1) The proceeds from the privilege tax must be credited to the general fund.Ninety-seven percent of the privilege tax collected pursuant to this section must be transmitted by the Department of Revenue into the state general fund.
A portion, in an amount to be determined by the General Assembly, must be allocated by the General Assembly in its annual general appropriations bill or any bill appropriating monies for previous or current fiscal years to the South Carolina Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Disabilities to receive monies from the fund for the prevention and treatment of compulsive gambling disorder and educational programs related to that disorder.
       (2) Three percent of the privilege tax collected under this section must be credited to the eligible counties.  The Department of Revenue shall deposit such collections equally into the local general funds of each eligible county as defined in Section 1-36-10.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
  B.W.
BANNISTER for Committee.
  _______                 A bill   TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "I-95 ECONOMIC AND EDUCATION STIMULUS ACT" by adding chapter 36 to title 1 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMING COMMISSION THAT MAY AWARD CASINO LICENSES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.
        (22) "Suitability license" means a certificate issued by the commission finding the individual meets the qualifications and character requirements as may be required or established by the regulations of the commission to work for or with the licensee in the ownership, operation, or management of gaming activities of the casino.
    (22) "Suitability license" means a certificate issued by the commission finding the individual meets the qualifications and character requirements as may be required or established by the regulations of the commission to work for or with the licensee in the ownership, operation, or management of gaming activities of the casino.
    Section 1-36-40.
      Section 1-36-40.
           (a) at least ten years of experience in casino gaming;
(a) at least ten years of experience in casino gaming;
      Section 1-36-90.
      Section 1-36-90.    (A) The commission may expend, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, monies received from any source, including income from the commission's operations, for effectuating its purposes, including the payment of the initial expenses of organization, administration, and operation of the commission.
(A) The commission may expend, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, monies received from any source, including income from the commission's operations, for effectuating its purposes, including the payment of the initial expenses of organization, administration, and operation of the commission.
----XX---- This web page was last updated on April 30, 2025 at 11:30 PM
----XX---- This web page was last updated on March 06, 2025 at 12:24 PM
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Action History

  1. Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means

  2. Member(s) request name removed as sponsor: Gatch

  3. Debate adjourned

  4. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Williams

  5. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Waters

  6. Member(s) request name removed as sponsor: W.Newton, Herbkersman

  7. Continued

  8. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Gilliard, Rivers

  9. Scrivener's error corrected

  10. Debate adjourned until Wed., 5-7-25

  11. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Garvin

  12. Committee report: Majority favorable with amend., minority unfavorable Ways and Means

  13. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Govan, Grant, Kirby, Alexander

  14. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Cobb-Hunter, Bamberg

  15. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

  16. Introduced and read first time

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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19 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 151 not signed on

Sponsors (19)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (151)

151 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 151 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

finance labor education
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Frequently asked questions

What does H 4176 do?
A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "I-95 ECONOMIC AND EDUCATION STIMULUS ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 36 TO TITLE 1 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMING COMMISSION THAT MAY AWARD CASINO LICENSES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.
Who sponsors H 4176?
H 4176 is sponsored by Murphy, Chris, Representative Gary S. Brewer, Jr., Representative Leonidas E. "Leon" Stavrinakis, Representative Elizabeth "Spencer" Wetmore, Representative J. Todd Rutherford, Representative Seth Rose, Representative Robby Robbins, Representative Beth E. Bernstein, Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Representative Justin T. Bamberg, Representative Jerry N. Govan, Jr., Representative Hamilton R. Grant, Representative Roger K. Kirby, Representative Terry Alexander, Representative Kambrell H. Garvin, Representative Wendell G. Gilliard, Representative Michael F. Rivers, Sr., Representative Courtney S. Waters, and Representative Robert Q. Williams.
What is the current status of H 4176?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced March 06, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track H 4176?
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