Long before the Covid-19 recession hit, this media consistently argued that the South Carolina state government should give up its gambling monopoly and allow the private sector to roll the dice …
We now believe that such a move is an economic necessity …
Last April, we wrote a column on this subject, saying “South Carolina leaders need to start a serious conversation about casinos on the coast as they face a decidedly uncertain future for one of the main drivers of the state’s economy.”
Since then, the state’s tourist economy has experienced an unprecedented collapse … losing more than $ 5.5 billion in revenue in 2020.
The projections for 2021 are equally bleak …
Of course, readers will remember that even before the recession hit, this vital segment of the state’s economy was already showing signs of weakness due to its continued failure to diversify as a destination – and due to the continued failure of local leaders to maintain security, destinations clean and taxpayer-friendly.
That is why we strongly endorse “the development of a casino economy off the coast of South Carolina – which would not only help the state recover from the coronavirus pandemic, but would also make this vital sector of our economy firmer (and more diverse). ) standing forward. “
The need to obtain a “firmer base” through casinos on the coast is also gaining urgency.
At the end of last week, Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper and based in South Carolina Catawba Indian Nation reached an agreement to allow a $ 273 million Las Vegas-style development called Resort Two Kings Casino, which would be located near Interstate 85 in Kings Mountain, NC – about half an hour west of Charlotte, NC
For those who are doing the math, it is just a few kilometers from the Palmetto State border – which still refuses to host these casinos.
The 60,000 square foot complex is seeking approval for Class III games, which according to the federal code (25 CFR § 502.4) allows for “card games like baccarat, Chemin de Fer, blackjack and pai gow ”, as well as“ casino games like roulette, dice and keno ”.
It also provides “any sports bets and parimutuel bets, including, but not limited to, horse racing, dog racing or jai alai bets.”
This is another form of game that we endorse for the South Carolina coast, by the way …
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A temporary gambling operation could be up and running on the Kings Mountain website this fall, while the full casino – which will feature more than 1,300 slot machines and a luxury resort – is due to open in 2022.
An estimated 4,000 jobs will be created by the facility and its surrounding ventures.
“Kings Mountain will become a major economic driver in North Carolina,” Mayor Scott Neisler said. “We hope to create thousands of good jobs for our local workers. We thank the Catawba Nation for extending their partnership hand to make this dream come true. “
Wallace Cheves Greenville, SC is the lead developer of the project, which is awaiting final approval from the United States Department of Interior (DOI) – as well as the decision of a judicial challenge from the Eastern flock of Cherokee Indians.
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Cherokee operates two gambling facilities nearby – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Cherokee River in Harrah. According to Cherokee, the Catawba project is statutory invalid and has been tainted by the alleged “involvement of individuals known to violate the laws of the game” – as well as by what tribal leaders claim to be “extensive evidence of potential corrupt practices by local authorities” .
“The proposed Kings Mountain casino was born out of an illegal act and continued to revolve around controversy and unethical behavior,” leader Cherokee Richard Sneed said in a statement. “It is disappointing to know that the governor felt compelled to sign an agreement that promotes this scheme and threatens the integrity of tribal games everywhere. But this compact doesn’t change anything. We continue to believe that the courts will affirm the illegality of this casino and when that happens, the Catawba agreement will be nothing more than a worthless piece of paper. “
In that case, the oral arguments will be heard next month.
So … what is the state of the South Carolina gaming debate?
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there seems to be no any action by South Carolina leaders on engaging this lucrative engine of economic development. In fact, it has been a year and a half since the subject was even discussed.
That should change …
While we do not believe that putting casinos on the coast is a panacea for everything that afflicts the tourism economy in South Carolina (and while we recognize that there are costs and benefits associated with the idea), the end result is that this is a discussion that needs to be had.
And we believe that, once this discussion begins, state leaders will come to the inevitable conclusion that relinquishing the gambling monopoly is a net “victory” for the citizens and taxpayers of Palmetto State.
-FITSNews
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