SC H4176

Establishes the South Carolina Gaming Commission, a five-member body appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Senate Finance Chairman, and House Ways and Means Chairman to oversee casino gaming

Authorizes casino licenses only in "eligible counties" that contain a section of Interstate 95, are classified as Tier IV (most economically distressed) for job tax credits, and pass an ordinance requesting a license through a development agreement

Limits casino gaming to one initial license for 10 years, with a 15-year term renewable in 5-year increments; applicants must pay a $500,000 application fee and $2 million licensing fee and invest at least $200 million in property improvements

Imposes a 15% privilege tax on gross gaming revenue, with 97% going to the state general fund and 3% distributed equally to eligible counties; a portion must be allocated to gambling addiction prevention and treatment

Requires applicants to have at least 10 years of casino gaming experience, undergo background checks, and have owned or controlled the proposed casino site for at least two years prior to the development agreement