A plan to build South Carolina’s first legal casino has set off a fierce fight, with a powerful developer and a tribal nation trading barbs over broken promises, money, and land.
Wallace Cheves, a wealthy businessman and GOP donor, wants to bring a $1 billion casino resort to Santee, a quiet town halfway between Columbia and Charleston. But the Catawba Nation, once allied with Cheves, says his solo move smells of betrayal.
A Broken Partnership Turns Hostile
At the heart of the standoff is a messy split. Cheves was once a key partner in the Catawba Nation’s Two Kings Casino in North Carolina. That partnership collapsed last year after federal regulators said the deal gave Cheves too much control — in violation of tribal gaming law.
Now, Cheves is charging ahead with a new plan. This time, he’s ditching the tribe and lobbying lawmakers directly to allow commercial casino gaming in the state. The pitch? Jobs, tourism, and zero taxpayer dollars.
But Chief Brian Harris of the Catawba Nation isn’t buying it. He says Cheves used the tribe to crack open the gaming market and is now trying to cut them out entirely.
“This is exploitation, plain and simple,” Harris told reporters. “We brought him to the table. Now he wants the whole meal.”
Why Santee, and Why Now?
Cheves’ new target is Santee — a small town that sees thousands of drivers pass by on I-95 but struggles to keep them around. Orangeburg County has one of the highest poverty rates in the state, and supporters say a casino could turn things around.
One state senator, Democrat Kevin Johnson, says the proposal deserves serious attention.
“I’ve lived here my whole life. We need something big to break the cycle,” Johnson said. “If this brings jobs and investment without burdening taxpayers, let’s talk.”
Cheves’ group says the resort would include a casino, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. They project billions in economic impact and thousands of jobs. Still, not everyone is convinced.
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What Cheves Wants — and What the Law Says
Here’s the snag: commercial casinos aren’t legal in South Carolina.
The state has long banned most forms of gambling. There are no commercial casinos, no sports betting, and only limited state-run lottery games. For Cheves’ vision to become reality, the law would have to change.
That means a constitutional amendment — and that’s a heavy lift.
It would require:
- A bill passed by a two-thirds majority in both the state House and Senate
- Approval by South Carolina voters in a statewide referendum
So far, no bill has been filed. But Cheves is working behind the scenes, hiring lobbyists and meeting with lawmakers. His team believes there’s growing public support — especially in rural counties desperate for new revenue.
The Catawba’s Warning: “We’ve Seen This Before”
The Catawba Nation, headquartered in Rock Hill, has fought for years to secure gaming rights and financial independence. After decades of legal and political hurdles, the tribe finally opened the first phase of its Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, in 2021.
Cheves was their partner then. But the federal National Indian Gaming Commission ruled that the deal gave Cheves’ company — Sky Boat Gaming — “management control” in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. That ruling forced the tribe to cut ties.
Now, Chief Harris says Cheves is using what he learned with the Catawba to go it alone.
“He tried to control our casino. When he couldn’t, he walked away and started his own,” Harris said. “It’s not just disrespectful. It’s dangerous.”
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Politics, Money, and Power
Cheves isn’t a newcomer to political wrangling.
He’s donated generously to Republican campaigns in South Carolina and beyond. According to public filings, he’s given hundreds of thousands of dollars to PACs and candidates — including those in leadership positions.
Critics say his influence is part of the reason his proposal is getting airtime. But others argue that politics always plays a role in big-ticket projects. And for some lawmakers, especially in economically struggling areas, Cheves’ money isn’t the only thing that talks.
“There’s no casino right now in this state,” said one legislative aide who asked not to be named. “If someone wants to put $1 billion down and it doesn’t cost the state anything, you better believe people are going to listen.”
Public Sentiment: Mixed, Murky, and Moving
South Carolina voters are divided.
A 2023 poll by Winthrop University showed that 48% of South Carolinians supported expanding legal gambling, while 39% opposed it. The rest were unsure.
In conservative areas, opposition is fierce. Church groups and religious leaders have long warned that casinos bring addiction, crime, and family breakdown.
But in towns like Santee, where economic development has stalled for decades, some residents are willing to take a chance.
Here’s a quick look at the state gambling laws:
| Gambling Type | Legal in SC? |
|---|---|
| Commercial Casinos | ❌ No |
| Tribal Casinos | ✅ Yes (limited) |
| Sports Betting | ❌ No |
| State Lottery | ✅ Yes |
| Horse Racing Betting | ❌ No |
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What Happens Next?
Nothing will move fast.
Even if Cheves gets enough lawmakers behind him, any vote on a constitutional amendment wouldn’t happen until 2026 at the earliest. Then, it would need to win a majority in a statewide vote — something no casino proposal has ever done in South Carolina.
Still, the conversation is happening. And it’s louder than it’s ever been.
Cheves has money. He has political clout. And now he’s got a plan that puts pressure on lawmakers to pick a side — with or without the Catawba Nation.
For now, both sides are digging in.
