Problem Gambling Treatment in South Carolina

Casino gaming: There is only one federally recognized tribe in South Carolina (Catawba Indian Nation) but unlike with most other U.S. states, the tribe is not permitted to own or operate a land-based casino. In fact, South Carolina does not permit any form of casino gambling unless it is international Atlantic waters off the shores of the state. The Big “M” Casino is the only legal facilitator of gambling in South Carolina, providing residents access to slots and table games. A number of residents have been introduced to gambling on their “riverboat” casinos, although gambling tourism to neighboring states that have land-based casinos such as Georgia and North Carolina is common. More concerning for those predisposed to problematic gambling behavior, are the large volume of online offshore casinos that register SC players even though the practice is technically illegal. These offshore operators have no Responsible Gaming protections in place for SC residents.

Online sports betting: Sports betting (land-based and online) remains illegal in South Carolina. However, daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps and websites fall under a different legal classification than traditionally sports betting sites. Consequently, online DFS can operate legally in South Carolina. This is problematic given that the same harms associated with traditional sports betting are evident in persons who spend an unhealthy amount of time, money, and attention on-and-to DFS.

Given the stringent regulations on gambling, and the state not recognizing that DFS is associated with the same harms of problematic sports betting, there is little in the way of gambling addiction statistics in South Carolina. That being said, the University of South Carolina conducted a survey on Mobile Sports Gambling in South Carolina and uncovered the following:

• More than 43% percent of young adult South Carolina sports bettors use an illegal bookie for most of their bets, while nearly 24% use an offshore website

Considering that SC is being targeted by illegal and offshore betting sites (with no player protections in place) it’s logical to conclude that residents share the following gambling addiction statistics with the rest of the United States:

• 20% of sports bettors are in or have been in debt from sports betting ( source )
• Average gambling addict (male) debt is between $55,000 and $90,000 ( source )
• About 3% of problem gamblers in the USA are $300,000 in debt due to their addiction ( source )
• Nearly 15% of problem gamblers have committed a crime to support their addiction ( source )
• Divorce rate for habitual gamblers is 31% compared to 21% for those who rarely gamble ( source )
• Suicide rate is 16 times higher for problem gamblers ( source )

Kindbridge provides effective treatment in a virtual (online or by-phone) environment. Our counselors are accessible, whether you’re in Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, Summerville, West Columbia, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Palmetto State.

In addition to problem gambling, Kindbridge counselors have expertise treating other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact 37.5% of the population in SC. When seeking support from Kindbridge, you have the option to choose from one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or a combined approach. You also have the option to switch therapists at anytime, should you feel as that a better match awaits.

A problematic relationship with casino gaming os sports betting also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in SC, Kindbridge provides couples and family counseling.

Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online and telehealth counseling. Problem gambling treatment rates and subscriptions can be found here. SC residents may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners.