Two years ago, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina conducted a poll that found 68 percent of respondents supported casino gambling—if revenues would go to specific uses, like road repair or infrastructure, not to the state’s general fund.
That impressive percentage was a driving forces behind the Palmetto Forum for Gaming Studies, “an independent nonpartisan organization committed to examining, in an objective way, any advantages or disadvantages of having gaming in South Carolina,” according to its website.
The group was founded earlier this year by Jim Rex, a Democrat and former state superintendent of education, and Converse Chellis, a Republican former state representative and treasurer. Former Deputy State Treasurer Scott Malyerck is the group’s executive director.
In an exclusive GGB News interview, Malyerck said the state has a lottery for education and casino boats that sail out of Little River to international waters.
“We had video poker machines a number of years ago, but the legislature did away with those,” he said. “Now every year in the legislature, gaming bills have gone nowhere. People of South Carolina will have to come to grips with the situation. We created this organization to take a comprehensive look at legalized gambling—is it a positive or negative thing for the state and our economy.”
The group is starting at the grassroots level, he said.
“We want to know what people are thinking.” PFGS has scheduled a series of meetings to talk to “key leaders in the state” as well as the public. The first event recently was held in Little River, in the Myrtle Beach area. About 40 people showed up, including representatives of area chambers of commerce, a state legislator, Mayor Marilyn Hatley of North Myrtle Beach, business owners and private citizens.
“We went there first because Myrtle Beach usually is the first area people think would be the right location, because of all the tourism, so it seems a natural fit for a casino resort,” Malyerck said. “People were very curious. They wanted to know if a casino opened in the area, what’s in it for North Myrtle Beach? Who would get any revenue? Most of the feedback was positive. Nobody really talked against it.”
One area of concern is Myrtle Beach’s efforts to maintain its family-friendly image. “Would a casino bring in clientele to the area that would hurt that image? That’s a question we’ll have to do some research on,” Malyerck said. He noted the area has “worked for decades” to promote golf tourism, which attracts Canadian snowbirds. “But golf has taken a downturn. It’s not what it used to be. So a casino could be a viable option. People could go to the beach during the day and to the casino at night,” he said.
Malyerck said one previous obstacle has been removed: the former anti-gambling director of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is gone. “People from that chamber are a lot more positive now,” he said.
Although the group is getting good feedback, Malyerck said, “We can’t forget South Carolina is in the Bible Belt. Folks could look at us and say, ‘They’ll never allow casino gambling,’ but then we look at that Winthrop poll and talk to more people who are open to discussion about it.”
Future meetings with business leaders and citizens are planned for Beaufort and York counties, he said. “We’ll also meet with local government leaders and legislators and do a lot of polling and research. We’ll talk to people from other states to see how they did it. Then we’ll report our findings and recommendations to the general assembly.”
He said if research indicates casino gaming would be beneficial, the group’s recommendation could take one of several forms: a general bill allowing casino gaming; a referendum targeting a specific location, like Horry County; or a constitutional amendment. “We haven’t talked about a petition drive,” he said.
The group is self-funded, but “We’d like to raise some money for polling and research,” he added. “We haven’t asked for it yet but we wouldn’t mind if someone said, ‘Here’s money for a statewide poll.’ We haven’t talked to any outside casino interests at this point.
“No one has ever done this before. No leadership or group has taken a comprehensive look at this. We feel it’s important. Two highly respected state leaders put it together,” Malyerck said. “We’re trying to move as quickly as we can. Nothing’s going to happen overnight but so far we’re very happy and encouraged.”
