Raid reactions could stir debate over S.C. gambling laws

This weekend's high-profile raid on a Hanahan poker ring ultimately may encourage state lawmakers to modernize the state's gambling laws, but don't bet on anything passing this year.

So say two local lawmakers who favor loosening state law to allow casual poker games and church raffles —as well as to clarify that games such as Monopoly and Yahtzee are legal.

State Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-James Island, has tried to get a bill passed since last year, when legal questions prompted WTMA to fold a planned poker tourney designed to raise money for a local cancer charity.

Scarborough said friendly poker games are very common all over Charleston County, and he wants to allow them, provided they aren't advertised, don't involve paid employees and the house doesn't get a cut.

But even if Scarborough were to get his way, it's unclear if the Hanahan game would have been legal. Still, Scarborough said the recent bust helps draw attention to the outdated law.

"The more they bust people, the more they make it their Enemy No. 1, the more the general public is going to say, 'We've had enough. Change the law,' " he said.

Read Tuesday's edition of The Post and Courier for more details.

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