Press Release: Potential Casino Resort Development Stirs Controversy in Santee, SC
Santee, S.C. — A transformative development is on the horizon for Orangeburg County as developer Wallace Cheves proposes a billion-dollar destination hotel and resort casino at the Santee Outlet Mall site. This ambitious project could create over 4,000 jobs and spark an economic revival in the region, according to state leader Brad Hutto.
"The prospect of a full-scale destination resort with a world-class hotel and casino will lead to an economic renaissance for Orangeburg and the entire area," Hutto stated.
To support this initiative, a bill has been introduced in the House, currently under review by the Ways and Means Committee. Passage through the full House, Senate, and final approval from Governor Henry McMaster are needed for the project to proceed.
However, the proposal has drawn ire from the Catawba Nation, which claims historical rights to the land for casino development. The Catawba Nation has been pursuing permission for a casino since the mid-2000s but alleges that Cheves purchased the property without notifying them. Chief Brian Harris expressed their frustration, stating, “Despite being a federally recognized Native American tribe, we have been prohibited from operating casino gaming on our lands for 30 years."
The Catawba Nation seeks a resolution to this long-standing issue, aiming for a settlement that would allow them to operate gaming activities and stimulate economic growth for their community.
As the proposed casino development progresses, tensions mount between the state’s economic ambitions and the rights of the Catawba Nation, setting the stage for a significant legal and cultural clash in South Carolina.
This article was updated on March 18, 2025, to include statements from the Catawba Nation.
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