A state senate subcommittee is considering two bills authored by Republican Glenn McConnell of Charleston, that would change gambling laws. A meeting was held Wednesday. One bill would update existing gaming laws and the other calls for a constitutional amendment that would authorize churches and charities to hold raffles. State law now prohibits people from playing card games, including poker, even at home. It is also illegal for churches and nonprofit groups to hold raffles or casino nights.
McConnell says South Carolina law needs to change. “I think it’s absurd that in South Carolina that people can’t play poker in their own homes if they’re not doing it for profit,” said McConnell. “Secondly, I think it’s ridiculous that you can’t buy a raffle ticket for a cake in South Carolina because it’s illegal. Lastly, I think it’s ridiculous to have a law on the books that says, in effect, you can’t play Monopoly or cards at your kitchen table because they have cards or dice in the game.”
Public hearings are scheduled on the issues Monday in North Charleston and the following Monday in Greenville, the center of opposition to the legislation.