Casino boats in South Carolina were once the lifeblood of gambling in The Palmetto State. While not as popular as they used to be, there are still casino boats available for SC gamblers.
Keep reading to learn more about gambling cruises in SC, including their starting points, available games, and whether they are legal.
Top South Carolina Casino Boats Summary
Once upon a time, there were multiple gambling boats in South Carolina with casino games. Unfortunately, the SunCruz Aquasino closed its operations in 2014.
Likewise, the Carnival Sunshine Casino boat no longer docks in Charleston, SC, after the cruise company ended its agreement with the South Carolina Port Authority.
On the bright side, The Big “M” Casino is still sailing out of Little River, SC. The port is located near Myrtle Beach, making it an ideal option for local gamblers and tourists visiting South Carolina.
Are Casino Cruises Legal in South Carolina?
Yes, casino cruises in South Carolina are legal since they carry players into the ocean and out of SC’s jurisdiction, where players can legally gamble despite The Palmetto State’s restrictive laws.
South Carolina is one of the few states that does not offer any form of regulated casino or sports gambling options. Land-based state-regulated gambling options are limited to bingo halls and the state lottery.
The lack of brick-and-mortar casinos incentivizes players to book gambling cruises in South Carolina. Still, their availability has declined in recent years. Luckily, players can access other offshore options, such as the best SC online casinos, to enjoy their favorite games.
The Big “M” Casino
- Address: 4491 Mineola Ave, Little River, SC 29566
- Phone: (843) 249-9811
- Number of Ships: 2
- Official Website
The Big “M” Casino is the only casino cruise still sailing out of a South Carolina port in 2025. Its home dock is in Little River, near Myrtle Beach and just south of the North Carolina border.
There are two ships for players to choose from with this casino cruise in SC. However, for safety reasons, the ships are occasionally dry docked for repairs and maintenance. Guests can enjoy hundreds of games, food, and other entertainment options on The Big “M” Casino cruises.
The Big “M” offers a variety of bonus options, too, including a rewards program and a new member bonus. There are weekly promotions, too, including free entry for women during the weekly Ladies Nights events every Friday.
If you want a similar experience online, DuckyLuck is a great option for gamblers in SC who cannot make the trip to Little River. It offers a wide selection of slots and table games. Also, its fantastic rewards program offers regular deposit bonuses, free spins, and more.
- Huge selection of banking methods
- Plenty of live dealer games
- Accepts US players
Ship I
Ship I, the smaller of The Big “M” Casino’s two boats, was dry docked on July 1st, 2025. However, when it resumes sailing, the ship will offer:
The boat sails year-round, with two trips per day. It costs just $20 to sail, and you can buy a meal for your trip for another $10. All games on Ship I are cash-only. There is an ATM on board for players who need to replenish their bankrolls.
Ship II
While Ship I is out of commission for maintenance, Ship II is pulling double duty as the only gambling boat in SC. The ship sails twice a day, six days a week.
Gambling on Ship II is actually better for fans of casino cruises. It is larger than Ship I, and offers nearly 100 more electronic gambling machines, including slots and video poker.
You can also play a great selection of table games, including blackjack and roulette. There are poker games available, too, including Let It Ride and 3-Card Poker. All games on Ship II are cash-only.
South Carolina Casino Boats vs. South Carolina Online Casinos
There is only one casino cruise left in SC. On the bright side, The Big “M” Casino cruise is a great option for fans of any style of casino game. However, with only two boats available, the number of players the cruise can service is severely limited.
Luckily, you can enjoy your favorite casino games without fighting for a spot on The Big “M” Casino cruise. Safe offshore casinos that accept players from The Palmetto State allow you to enjoy your favorite games from anywhere in SC.
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