Offshore Gaming Bill

The South Carolina Senate amended and then approved General Bill 3002, which would prohibit certain "cruise to nowhere" gaming operations. As passed by the Senate, the bill would impose a general prohibition against gambling on cruises that begin and end in the state, and which do not make an intervening stop within the boundaries of another state or a foreign country. The measure provides an exemption from the general prohibition for voyages and voyage segments that begin and end in the state, are part of a voyage to another state or a foreign country, and in which the vessel reaches the outer state or foreign country within three days after leaving the state in which the segment begins. Gaming vessels that embark and disembark passengers in South Carolina, but which make an intervening stop in a neighboring state, would be required to comply with the SOLAS standards and requirements normally applicable in international waters. In North Carolina, House Bill 19, legislation to prohibit "cruises to nowhere" and regulate certain other offshore gaming operations, passed the state's House of Representatives. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee.