The Rise of the I-95 Casino Boom: What You Need to Know
Potential Legislation Poised to Introduce Gambling Establishments in South Carolina
Got your eyes on the prize? Here's the lowdown on the hottest gambling news swooning the South Carolina legislature!
Ever heard of the "I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act"? It's the talk of the town, and we've got the come-up on South Carolina's potential new playground for fun, fortune, and feedin' the kiddos' education fund.
Richard Janvrin, your friendly neighborhood scribe and master of all things casino-y, breaks it down for you! With a journalism degree tucked under his belt from the University of New Hampshire, this southern gunslinger has been sharpshooting sports, betting, and all things online casino since 2015. He's got the eyes of an eagle and the thirst for matters that matter – hence, his never-ending quest to cover the online casino beat.
Now, hold on tight, cause here's the rollercoaster you wouldn't wanna miss:
The Great Debate
The "I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act" officially known as House Bill 4176 – debuted on the South Carolina legislature scene, putting gambling on the map. This puppy aims to knead the South Carolina Gaming Commission's dough and let a few select counties along the I-95 corridor LAY DOWN THE CASH in the casino game. So far, there's been over TWO HOURS of heated testimony, but no votes have been slapped down yet. Goodness, that's a long debate!
As of late April 2025, the bill's coolin' its heels in committee rooms, and subcommittees are doing deep dives on it. It's one of a few bills jockeyin' for position to bring casino gambling to SA state—a major change given the past LUV for banning such shenanigans.
The First Card Outta the Deck
The Santee Development Group has waved the first ace, drawin' up blueprints for Orangeburg County's new casino, which is rumored to rise from the ashes of the abandoned Santee Mall. Said group plans to trade the usual neon-lit dreamland for a cozy lodge style casino to fit the local vibe. And hey, ain't nothin' wrong with a little change! The Santee Development Corporation, who owns the property, is all for it. The plan envisions a casino that'll help schools, the economy, and job creation, just like a well-oiled machine.
The Cash Cow Conundrum
The experts predict the economic impact of this casino cow'll be BIG: expect over $75 million in annual tax revenue, approximately 4,618 jobs (including direct, secondary, and induced employments), and a whopping 4 million visitors yearly, including those from out-of-state. The construction phase alone ain't no joke – nearly 7,000 jobs and over $400 million in labor income are projected.
In case you're keepin' score:
- House Bill 4176 (I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act) status: Still up for grabs; no final vote yet, but there's been plenty a hearing and testimony[1][2][4][5].
- First planned casino location: The reimagined Santee Mall in Orangeburg, set to rise as a lodge-style casino by the Santee Development Group[2][5].
So there you have it, folks – the golf ball's rollin' down the fairway, and we're ready to watch the game unfold! Stay tuned for more scoops from your boy, Richard – keep it locked!
References
[1] Connect SC. (n.d.). I-95 Casino Bill Remains Stuck in Committee. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://connectsc.com/i-95-casino-bill-remains-stuck-in-committee/
[2] Post and Courier. (n.d.). I-95 casino bill advances, but committees yet to receive report detailing impact. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.postandcourier.com/news/i-95-casino-bill-advanced-but-committees-yet-to-receive-report-detailing-impact/article_8e0c4c1e-47c8-11ed-84d5-7cb74a22fa62.html
[3] The State. (n.d.). I-95 Casino Bill Would Allow for Up to Three Casinos in Aiken, Orangeburg and Richland Counties. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article250424485.html
[4] WACH Fox 57 News. (n.d.). Lawmakers take another look at I-95 casino bill. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.wachfox.com/news/local-news/lawmakers-take-another-look-at-i-95-casino-bill/article_134722dd-99c5-11ed-8c12-38f91bbb5153.html
[5] WTOC 11 Savannah. (n.d.). I-95 casino bill could bring millions in revenue for South Carolina. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.wtoc.com/2023/01/11/i-95-casino-bill-could-bring-millions-revenue-south-carolina/
[6] The State. (n.d.). Orangeburg, Santee Mall envisioned as potential site for casino. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article245526689.html
[7] Greenville Journal. (n.d.). Orangeburg county I-95 casino project on track to move forward. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.greenvillejournal.com/orangeburg-county-i-95-casino-project-on-track-to-move-forward/article_44be2f44-34b9-11eb-9f2d-a620a57cb065.html
[8] Post and Courier. (n.d.). Known Casino developer plans Orangeburg casino, one of three sites possible for casino bill. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.postandcourier.com/news/kentucky-casino-developer-plans-orangeburg-casino-one-of-three-sites-possible-for-casino-bill/article_633dcafc-1f55-11ed-b67a-622d6671deb4.html
[9] The State. (n.d.). South Carolina Gaming Commission to regulate I-95 casinos, per latest legislation. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-inside-scoot/article249548514.html
[10] Greenville News. (n.d.). Plan called for three South Carolina casinos, but the number is changing. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.greenvillenews.com/story/news/2023/01/22/sc-gambling-sites-casinos-sen-gerald-gleaton-ortho-georgia-inland-port/69141770007/
- In South Carolina, Richard Janvrin, an accomplished journalist with a passion for online casinos, decodes the 'I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act' gaining traction in the state legislature, which aims to legalize casino gambling along the I-95 corridor.
- House Bill 4176, also known as the 'I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act', has sparked heated debates, with over two hours of testimony but no votes taken as of late April 2025.
- The initial proposal for a casino comes from the Santee Development Group, which plans to redevelop the abandoned Santee Mall in Orangeburg County into a lodge-style casino.
- If successful, the new casino in Orangeburg County could annually generate over $75 million in tax revenue, create approximately 4,618 jobs, and attract around 4 million visitors, including out-of-state tourists.
- The casino industry is projected to significantly contribute to the economy, with nearly 7,000 jobs and over $400 million in labor income during the construction phase alone.
- Another controversial topic under discussion is the potential protection that the 'I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act' would offer to online casinos, live dealer games, sports betting, slot machines, and other gambling activities.
- South Carolina's stance on gambling has historically been strict, so the bill's passage could mark a significant change in the state's casino-and-gambling landscape.
- The progress of House Bill 4176 and its potential impact on finance, business, politics, and general news will be closely monitored by policy-and-legislation analysts, journalists, and casino enthusiasts alike.
- By 2025, the online casino industry may undergo substantial changes, linked to the developments in South Carolina and other states' policies regarding gambling and gaming-related activities.
