Lawmakers are set to consider a proposal that would bring the state’s first casino to Orangeburg County and, as leaders in Columbia debate the idea, it is getting a mixed reception among community members.
Orangeburg County Councilmember Johnny Ravenell says they’re excited about the hotel and casino proposal in Santee. The project could generate thousands of jobs and millions in revenue.
“Santee is set up as a kind of retirement community,” Ravenell said. “We are having a lot of housing developments, and those people are going to need jobs. These houses need to be paid for, so we need good jobs to pay for these houses.”
In order to get a casino approved, House Bill 4176 would create a South Carolina Gaming Commission that would deal out licenses and regulate gambling in the state.
