The proposal to build a $1 billion casino in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, stands as a bold initiative—one that could dramatically reshape the state’s local economy and establish it as an emerging destination in the U.S. gaming landscape. Yet, fully understanding the implications of this project requires more than numbers—it demands a careful look at the social, legal, and economic nuances, and lessons learned from similar endeavors across the country.
Economic and Social Context in South Carolina
South Carolina, long celebrated for its coastline and rich historic fabric, has experienced modest economic growth in recent years. Still, pockets of the state—particularly those bordering Interstate 95—have faced persistent economic stagnation, high unemployment, and limited private investment. In this context, the casino proposal in Orangeburg is being hailed by proponents as a potential lifeline: a catalyst for job creation, increased tourism, and a significant boost in tax revenues.
Economic Impact: The Numbers Behind the Pitch
According to preliminary projections, the casino could attract more than 4 million visitors annually, create over 4,600 direct jobs, and generate in excess of $75 million in annual tax revenue. Even more striking is the long-term forecast: an estimated $8 billion in economic activity over the first decade.
If realized, these figures would represent a historic shift for the region, where economic opportunity has often lagged behind more urbanized parts of the state.
But the project isn’t just about the casino itself. Ancillary businesses—hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues—could spring up in response, potentially transforming the entire Orangeburg corridor along I-95.
The Social Trade-Offs
Yet, any large-scale gambling project is not without controversy. And this one’s no exception.
Concerns have emerged over the potential for increased crime rates, gambling addiction, and a rising cost of living that could price out lower-income residents. Case in point: cities like Las Vegas have seen violent crime spikes (for instance, a reported 33.85% increase in robberies in 2023 compared to the state average), often linked to tourism-heavy infrastructure.
Further, studies suggest that communities with casinos often experience higher rates of personal debt and bankruptcies—indicating that the economic gains may come at a very human cost.
Lessons from Atlantic City—and Elsewhere
Atlantic City serves as a cautionary tale.
Once dubbed “America’s Playground,” the city faced economic decline as gaming expanded in nearby states. In 2014 alone, one-third of its casinos closed, triggering widespread job loss and slashing municipal revenues. Attempts at revitalization, like the $2.4 billion Revel Casino, failed to gain traction—closing within two years of opening and later selling for pennies on the dollar.
South Carolina lawmakers and developers must therefore ask: can Orangeburg avoid this fate?
Legal Landscape and Regulation
The proposal is part of the “I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act”, introduced on March 6, 2025, which would authorize the formation of the South Carolina Gaming Commission. This body would oversee licensing and regulation of casinos, initially focusing on counties along the I-95 corridor—including Dillon, Marlboro, and Orangeburg.
However, legal hurdles remain.
For the bill to pass, it must secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the General Assembly. Moreover, the issue will ultimately go before voters in a statewide referendum—giving the public the final word on whether casino gambling should be legalized.
The stakes are high, not just for Orangeburg, but for the future of gaming across the Palmetto State.
What Other States Are Doing
Looking beyond South Carolina, Virginia offers an insightful case. In 2024, voters in Petersburg approved, with a remarkable 82% majority, the construction of the Live! Gaming & Entertainment District—a $1.4 billion project featuring a casino, hotel, and shopping district.
Their motivation? Similar to South Carolina’s: create jobs, attract visitors, and provide a fresh economic engine for a struggling area.
So far, early signs suggest it’s working.
Privately Funded and Politically Strategic
An interesting wrinkle in South Carolina’s plan: no public money will be used. Developer Wallace Cheves, who has been spearheading the Orangeburg proposal, emphasized that the project would be entirely privately financed—meaning no taxpayer burden.
This distinction is politically strategic. In a state with strong conservative values and a traditionally cautious stance on gambling, the assurance of zero public funding could prove key in swaying public opinion and legislative support.
Final Thoughts: Opportunity or Gamble?
The proposed billion-dollar casino in Orangeburg is not just a business venture—it’s a bet on the future of a region long overlooked in state planning and investment. Supporters argue that the project could redefine the local economy, while critics warn of hidden costs that no projection model can fully capture.
In truth, both sides make valid points. The challenge for lawmakers and voters is to determine whether the potential benefits—jobs, tourism, revenue—outweigh the undeniable risks.
What is certain, however, is that this proposal has ignited a debate that transcends politics and development. It cuts to the heart of what kind of South Carolina people want to build—and who gets to decide.
