Discover South Carolina's casino boats sailing from Little River. Get information on schedules, available games like slots and poker, and what to expect on a day cruise.

South Carolina's Floating Casinos Your Guide to Offshore Gambling Boats

For direct access to shipboard gaming near Myrtle Beach, your primary option is the Big M, which operates out of Little River. This enterprise runs two separate vessels that sail three miles into international waters, where state laws against wagering do not apply. Upon boarding from the 4491 Mineola Avenue dock, patrons find a selection of table games including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and poker variations, alongside a large array of slot machines. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to board.

The excursions are structured as five-hour voyages, with sailings offered during the afternoon and evening hours, subject to a seasonal schedule. Each of the two distinct cruisers, Ship I and Ship II, offers multiple decks and a specific arrangement of gaming tables and electronic terminals. An all-you-can-eat buffet is available for a separate purchase on most sailings, providing a dining option while at sea. It is advisable to check the operator's schedule for specific departure times and which vessel is sailing on a given day.

Securing a spot in advance is a practical measure, especially for evening and weekend trips which are frequently at capacity. A valid government-issued photographic identification is mandatory for every passenger for age verification. Weather conditions can affect sailings, so confirming the status of your voyage on the day of departure is a sound practice to avoid an unnecessary trip to the waterfront.

Casino Boats in SC: A Player's Guide

For a direct gaming experience, head to Little River, the departure point for The Big "M" Ship I and Ship II. These are the primary ocean-going wagering venues operating from South Carolina. They offer twice-daily excursions, a morning voyage and an evening departure.

Onboard, the gaming floors feature table games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Three Card Poker, and Let It Ride. Blackjack tables frequently start with $5 minimum bets. Hundreds of modern slot machines and video poker terminals are also available for play.

All wagering activities are legally conducted once the vessel reaches international waters, precisely three miles from the coastline. The journey to this point takes approximately 45 minutes, during which the tables and machines remain closed. Play commences upon entering federal jurisdiction.

Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evening trips. Expect a boarding fee, typically ranging from $25 to $40 per person. A full excursion lasts around five to six hours, including travel time. A complimentary buffet is generally offered on most sailings.

Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for age verification, which is strictly enforced (21+). It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for your intended play, as onboard ATMs dispense currency with significant service charges. Credit cards are accepted for the boarding pass but often not for direct table buy-ins.

Locating and Boarding The Big M Casino and SunCruz Aquasino

To reach either of the Little River gaming ships, navigate to Mineola Avenue. Both entertainment vessels are docked adjacent to one another, simplifying your arrival. The Big M is situated at 4491 Mineola Ave, and the SunCruz Aquasino is at 4495 Mineola Ave. Ample free parking is available on-site for patrons of both establishments.

Boarding requires all passengers to be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Plan to arrive at the dock a minimum of 45 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time. This allows sufficient time for ticketing, passing through the security checkpoint, and settling onto the wagering vessel before it departs into international waters.

Sailing schedules fluctuate seasonally and by day of the week. Verify the exact departure time for your chosen date directly with the operator before heading to the waterfront. This prevents any confusion regarding AM or PM cruise times.

Comparing Cruise Schedules, Ticket Prices, and Onboard Game Offerings

For players prioritizing lower table minimums and a wider variety of table games, Victory Cruise Lines is the superior choice. For those seeking a simpler, all-inclusive fare for weekday excursions, The Big M provides a straightforward option.

Sailing Schedules: Weekday vs. Weekend

The Big M departs from Little River at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Monday sailings are suspended from October to March. These five-hour marine excursions maintain a consistent schedule year-round.

Victory Cruise Lines, departing from Mayport, offers morning and evening sailings at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily. During  https://brabet-login.com  (May through September), they add a late-night trip at 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fare Structures and Value

A standard boarding pass for The Big M is $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends. This price includes a $10 voucher redeemable for food. No tiered pricing or player club packages are generally promoted.

Victory Cruise Lines charges a flat $20 boarding fee for all sailings. A popular alternative is the $40 "Players Choice" package, which provides boarding, $20 in slot credit, and two drink tickets. This package offers a direct value for frequent players.

Gaming Floor Analysis

The Big M's gaming hall contains approximately 250 slot machines, focusing on popular video reel titles. The vessel has eight Blackjack tables, two Craps tables, and two tables for specialty games like Three Card Poker. Table minimums are consistently set at $10.

Victory's larger amusement vessel features over 600 slot and video poker machines. It offers a more extensive selection of table games, including 12 Blackjack tables, four Roulette wheels with both American and European layouts, a separate Poker room with cash games, and a sportsbook lounge. Blackjack minimums can be found for as low as $5, particularly on weekday afternoon trips.

Understanding the Legal Requirements for Gambling in International Waters

Wagering operations on aquatic gaming establishments sailing from South Carolina are permitted only after the craft surpasses the three-nautical-mile limit. This line designates the boundary where state jurisdiction ends and a different set of maritime regulations begins. The gaming floor remains closed until this point is crossed.

Specific jurisdictional boundaries dictate when activities can commence:

• 0-3 Nautical Miles (Territorial Sea): All South Carolina and U.S. federal laws apply strictly. All forms of wagering are prohibited.
• 3-12 Nautical Miles (Contiguous Zone): While beyond state territory, certain U.S. federal laws, including the Johnson Act, can be enforced. Specific exemptions for regulated passenger watercraft allow them to activate their gaming devices in this zone.
• Beyond 12 Nautical Miles (High Seas): U.S. laws have minimal application. The governing law becomes that of the vessel's country of registry, known as the "flag state."

Adherence to the following legal statutes is standard for these voyages:

1. Flag State Jurisdiction: A ship registered in The Bahamas operates its gaming parlor under Bahamian law. A Panamanian-flagged vessel follows Panamanian regulations. The flag determines the rules for game types, payout percentages, and operational conduct. Patrons are subject to the legal framework of that foreign nation while in the gaming facility.
2. The Johnson Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1171-1178): This federal statute restricts the operation of gambling equipment on American-flagged ships. Most day-cruise wagering vessels operate under foreign flags to bypass this specific restriction legally.
3. Age Verification: The minimum age for participation in all gaming activities is 21. This is enforced without exception, aligning with U.S. standards required for port access. Government-issued identification is required for entry to the gaming decks.
4. Currency and Tax Reporting: All transactions on the gaming floor are conducted in U.S. Dollars. Winnings are subject to U.S. income tax laws. Individuals must report winnings to the IRS. A Form W-2G is automatically generated by the operator for slot machine winnings over $1,200 or other payouts that are 300 times the wager amount.