Developer Suggests 1 Billion Dollar Casino, Encountering Legal Obstacles in South Carolina
A Large-Scale Gamble in the Palmetto State
A developer with a knack for casino projects, Wallace Cheves, is gunning for South Carolina's first legal casinos, eyeing a breathtaking $1 billion casino resort in Santee, SC. Situated off Interstate 95 at the ex-Santee Outlet Mall site, this daring venture could potentially transform the state's position on gambling.
Cheves' plan goes well beyond the usual casino fare, envisioning a hotel, spa, restaurants, and retail spaces, all geared towards building a complete destination resort. The developer highlights his commitment to private enterprise, emphasizing, "This investment should be driven by private enterprise, not taxpayer dollars."
Economic boons and Legislative hurdles
The Santee Development Corporation predicts awe-inspiring economic benefits from this casino. They anticipate generating approximately $8 billion in economic activity and creating more than 4,600 jobs in the first ten years. A region often known as the "Corridor of Shame" for its economic struggles stands to benefit greatly.
However, the path to realization abounds with challenges. Current law bans gambling in South Carolina. The project's future relies on winning over the South Carolina General Assembly and the Governor, Henry McMaster.
Legislative Battleground
A bill called the "I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act" has been introduced by Dorchester Republican state Rep. Chris Murphy. This legislation would approve casino construction in certain "Tier IV" counties along I-95, making Orangeburg, Marlboro, and Dillon potential sites.
The bill also calls for forming a South Carolina Gaming Commission to manage casino operations, while legalizing various forms of gaming presently prohibited in the state.
Political Power Plays
Cheves boasts strong political influence, as evidenced by campaign finance reports detailing sizable contributions to several state lawmakers and substantial donations to pro-Trump political action committees.
Some legislators are already backing the venture. Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, an Orangeburg Democrat, suggests the project signifies "an economic renaissance" for the area, analogizing its potential influence to that of BMW in the Upstate.
As the proposal progresses, it tests South Carolina's readiness for gambling expansion and development in underprivileged regions. The ascendancy could significantly alter the state's gaming landscape and set valuable precedents for future casino developments in the vicinity.
Insights:
- Location: Planned for the former Santee Outlet Mall site (now Santee Village Square)[5], targeted opening in 2026/2027 if approved[5].
- Components: Casino, hotel, restaurants, convention center, spa, entertainment venues[1][2].
- Economic promises: 4,600+ jobs (600 directly at the casino), $58 million in annual tax revenue, $8 billion economic impact over 10 years[1][4].
- Regional competition: Concerns expressed by the Catawba Nation’s Kings Mountain casino (operational in North Carolina)[3].
- Previous attempts: The latest legislative push to legalize casinos in South Carolina did not pass[2].
- Gubernatorial opposition: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) has expressed opposition to gambling[1].
- No formal timeline: As of May 2025, no formal timeline exists for renewed legislative action[2][5].
Wallace Cheves, a developer known for casino projects, aims to establish South Carolina's first legal casinos, with a $1 billion resort planned for Santee, SC. The resort will hinge on private finance and hinge not on taxpayer dollars, as Cheves advocates for private enterprise.
The project, christened the Santee Development Corporation, anticipates coruscating economic benefits, including generating $8 billion in economic activity and creating over 4,600 jobs in the first decade. Yet, the potential benefits might hinge on overcoming challenges, such as the current ban on gambling in South Carolina.
The venture could necessitate the formation of a South Carolina Gaming Commission to manage casino operations and legalize various forms of gaming prohibited in the state, as proposed in the "I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act."
Despite initial gutteral opposition from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, political influence, as evidenced by campaign finance reports, could potentially hinge legislative support for the project. This high-stakes business decision could set significant precedents for the industry, potentially hinging on the state's readiness for gambling expansion in underprivileged regions. The casino, with its proposed components like a convention center, entertainment venues, and hotels, could largely benefit the region, often known as the "Corridor of Shame" for its economic struggles.
