South Carolina Lottery Tickets Can Be Bought With a Debit Card Through June 2027

Bottom line

You can buy South Carolina lottery tickets with a debit card at stores that accept it. The state's cash-only law has not been repealed; it has been suspended one budget year at a time, first from July 1, 2025 and now through June 30, 2027.

What the law says

Section 59-150-70 of the South Carolina Code says lottery tickets must be sold for cash only, and it lists debit cards, credit cards and checks among the payments that are not allowed.

The 2025-26 state budget included a provision suspending that rule for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025. The 2026-27 budget, ratified on Aug. 11, 2026, repeats the same provision, so the suspension continues through June 30, 2027.

What it means at the counter

Not every store has to take cards. If you want to pay by debit card, ask the clerk first. The South Carolina Education Lottery has said credit cards are not accepted for ticket purchases.

Why it matters

Paying by card makes it easier to spend more than you planned. If you use a debit card, set a lottery budget first, and treat the change as temporary: it ends unless lawmakers renew it again.

Lottery games are for adults who meet the age rules where they play. Set a budget, never borrow to play, and play for fun.