Senate president pro tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, today proposed to move up Wednesday's session to 11 a.m. from 2 p.m. in an effort to get the Senate's $5.7 billion budget plan passed. McConnell said lawmakers want to have the legislative session end May 21, which would be two weeks earlier than normal. McConnell has advocated ending the session earlier in order to save money. The Senate has already furloughed for two weeks in an effort to save money. SC Politics Today The State … [Read more...]

There is a tried-and-true saying that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The opposite of this also holds true — when it is broken, well, we'd better fix it. This is definitely the case with our state's antiquated gambling laws. Believe it or not, when you gather with your family to play Monopoly™ this Friday night, you are committing a crime in South Carolina. Yahtzee™ with friends? Also illegal. How about that weekly Bunko™ game with ladies from the neighborhood, or your golf group's … [Read more...]

Even though some charitable groups or churches would never dream of raising money by raffling off a car or a quilt, others long for the day they can return to bringing in money through such lotteries that once left them better able to do their good works. … [Read more...]

There is a big difference between gambling as a business and a friendly game of poker at home, and any legislation on the subject should spell out those differences carefully. Two bills filed by state Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, would accomplish that goal. One would allow non-profit and faith-based organizations to make money through raffles — assuming the voters approve. The other would allow gambling in private homes as long as the house doesn't profit. House players, house banks … [Read more...]