1800’s SC law is the reason you won’t find playing cards at a local bar
In South Carolina bars, patrons may find games such as cornhole or Jenga, but a deck of playing cards is unlikely to be seen.
A state law dating back to 1802 is the reason why bars steer clear of making playing cards available, with a few offering other games as an alternative.
The law is geared toward keeping gambling at bay, and prevents any tavern, inn, liquor store, house, barn or other venue from hosting games using cards, dice, game tables or gambling machines, according to the statute.
The penalty for violating this more than two century-old rule is up to 30 days in prison or a fine up to $100. For the operators of the venue where the games took place, the maximum prison sentence is 12 months, and the maximum fine is $2,000.
SC Laws regulating gambling and lotteries
The rule is part of a section of South Carolina law regulating gambling and lotteries.
Games such as billiards, bowls, backgammon, chess and draughts are allowed under the law, provided no betting is taking place.
For those looking to enjoy card or dice games with friends, a 2014 act created exceptions to the rule, but players will need to steer clear of public bars and opt for a private residence or clubhouse.
Members of social clubs or organizations that play games with cards, tiles or dice such as mahjong or bridge are allowed to play such games among members in a private space, the law says. However, no machines or technology are allowed to be incorporated into the game, and no person can stan to gain financially from the game being played.
The law specifies that “a bona fide social relationship” must exist between participants in the game, and the risks of winning or losing must be the same for all participants, with the exception of skill or luck.
