A bill to try to bring casino gambling to the state was prefiled last year
A new bill in South Carolina could open the door for a casino resort in Santee, bringing a major economic boost to the region. House Bill 3353 (HB 3353), which was prefiled with the House Judiciary Committee last year, aims to expand gambling in the state. If approved, the proposal would be put before voters, giving residents the final say on whether South Carolina moves forward with a casino project.
The plan under discussion involves transforming the former Santee Outlet Mall into a billion-dollar casino resort. The project is being pushed by the Santee Development Corporation, with company representative Wallace Cheves highlighting its potential to revitalize an area that has faced economic challenges. If everything moves forward as planned, the resort could welcome guests as early as 2026 or 2027.
Local officials have been discussing the proposal, though some, including Vance Mayor Michael Aiken, are still gathering details. Aiken recently stated that he is looking to learn more about the project and plans to meet with Cheves soon. While there is excitement about the possible development, it remains dependent on changes to state law.
Cheves emphasized that beyond the construction investment, the casino resort could generate major financial benefits for South Carolina. He pointed to the success of the state’s lottery, which has contributed $8 billion to education since 2002, as an example of how regulated gaming can have a lasting impact. The casino project is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and inject billions into the local economy over its first decade.
While supporters believe the project could transform the region, it still requires legislative approval. The South Carolina General Assembly will play a key role in determining whether the plan moves forward, making the next steps crucial for those backing the casino resort.
