The Big M Casino boat, a favorite among gamblers in Myrtle Beach, might be facing fare increases in the near future following a proposal from local officials to raise the per-passenger entry fee. Residents and visitors who frequent the casino docked in Little River, South Carolina, could soon find themselves paying more for their gaming excursions.
The Horry County Council is scheduled to adopt Ordinance 120-2024 during its meeting on November 12. This ordinance will permit gambling vessels to remain docked within county limits, provided they cruise into international waters where onboard gambling is legal. The existing ordinance, set to expire on February 5, 2025, will likely be extended for another decade. While this extension is favorable news for The Big M Casino, it comes with a caveat — expected fare hikes.
Under the current ordinance allowed by South Carolina’s Gambling Cruise Act, The Big M Casino pays Horry County $7 for each customer boarding the boat. If the new ordinance is enacted, this rate will increase to $10 starting from February 5, 2025, and remain until March 31, 2025. Then, beginning April 1, 2025, the fare would rise further to $15, staying at this rate for five years. An additional increase to $18 is slated for January 1, 2030.
“On or before the 20th day of each month, every gambling vessel subject to these regulations shall make payment to the Horry County Treasurer in full for the surcharge referenced herein that has been created and accumulated in the preceding month,” the ordinance states. Furthermore, quarterly verification of the total surcharge dues requires a signed duplicate copy of the IRS Form 720 – the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return.
The Big M Casino hasn’t immediately responded to inquiries about the proposed 61% fare increase over the next five years.
Currently, the only active casino cruise operator in South Carolina, The Big M Casino Ship II, operates six days a week, from Tuesday through Sunday. The day cruises run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the evening cruises from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Boarding fees are $20, except for the Saturday night cruise, which is $30. These prices cover both the boarding fee and taxes.
South Carolina strictly limits gambling options. There are no commercial or tribal casinos, sports betting, online casinos, parimutuel wagering, or charitable gaming in the state. The state-managed lottery is the only legal form of gambling.
Since moving from Fort Myers Beach, Florida, to Myrtle Beach in 2005, The Big M Casino has been a go-to for South Carolinians looking to gamble. The Big M Casino Ship II offers 250 slot machines and eight live dealer table games, including blackjack, roulette, Let It Ride, and Three-Card Poker. Although smoking is banned inside the casino, an outdoor smoking patio is available. The cruise also provides subs, wraps, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
The Big M Casino is located in Little River along the Intracoastal Waterway, approximately two miles south of the North Carolina border.
