Introduction
Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, the small town of Santee, located along Interstate 95, is facing a pivotal moment. The proposal to develop a $1 billion casino resort, put forward by entrepreneur Wallace Cheves, has ignited a heated public and political debate. While the project could revitalize the local economy, it also raises critical concerns tied to statewide cultural norms and legislative resistance.
The Project: A $1 Billion Casino Development
Cheves has set his sights on the former Santee Outlet Mall—now referred to as Santee Village Square—as the ideal location for the proposed resort. The ambitious plan envisions the construction of a casino, luxury hotel, dining establishments, and entertainment venues. According to economic projections, the project could yield an estimated $8 billion in regional economic impact over the first decade, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and attract millions of tourists.
Importantly, Cheves has emphasized that the investment will be entirely private, requiring no public funding or tax incentives—a point that has garnered cautious support from certain business groups and municipal leaders.
The Legislative Path: House Bill 3353
To make the casino a legal reality, South Carolina’s legislature would need to approve House Bill 3353, introduced in December 2024 by Representatives Todd Rutherford and Hamilton Grant. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow for casino-style gambling, sports betting, and horse race wagering in economically distressed areas of the state.
The legislation outlines that revenues generated from gambling would be directed toward road maintenance and infrastructure development, a move designed to appeal to fiscally conservative lawmakers and rural communities in need of public investment.
Yet the bill faces significant hurdles: it would not only need legislative approval but also a statewide referendum, given South Carolina’s history of public opposition to gambling.
Historical Tensions: Gambling in Santee Isn’t New
This isn’t the first time that gambling has been proposed for Santee. Over two decades ago, the Catawba Indian Nation—a federally recognized tribe—sought to establish a high-stakes electronic bingo hall at the very same location. However, that initiative was met with strong opposition from both state lawmakers and local residents, largely due to concerns over competition with the state lottery and the moral implications of gambling expansion.
Years later, the Catawba tribe went on to secure federal approval to build a tribal casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, a project backed financially by Cheves himself. Ironically, their partnership later fell apart, adding an extra layer of personal and political complexity to the current Santee proposal.
Political & Cultural Resistance
South Carolina is one of the most conservative states in the country when it comes to gambling legislation. Most forms of gambling, with the exception of the state lottery, remain heavily restricted or outright banned. Religious organizations and conservative coalitions wield considerable influence in the state’s General Assembly.
Governor Henry McMaster, a vocal opponent of gambling, has reiterated his resistance to the proposal, warning of the social and economic consequences associated with gambling addiction and increased crime.
Additionally, there remains lingering distrust due to past corruption scandals tied to lobbying efforts from gambling interests. Notably, the “Operation Lost Trust” FBI investigation in the late 1980s and early 1990s resulted in the arrest of 17 state legislators, further hardening anti-gambling sentiment in the political culture.
Economic Hopes vs. Social Values
From a pragmatic standpoint, supporters argue the casino could rescue a dying economy, particularly in Orangeburg County, where 22% of residents live below the poverty line. Local officials see the potential for job creation, tourism, and renewed infrastructure as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Opponents, however, question whether such a project aligns with the state’s identity and values. They cite the potential for increased addiction, displacement of small businesses, and disruption of community cohesion.
What Comes Next?
The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee. If it survives the committee phase, it will move to the full House and Senate before potentially heading to a statewide public vote. If the measure passes all hurdles, construction could begin as early as 2026 or 2027—a timeline that, while ambitious, is seen by investors as feasible given the private backing of the project.
Santee, for better or worse, stands at a crossroads. The outcome will not only shape the town’s future but could also set a precedent for how South Carolina handles gambling legislation for years to come.
