September 7

In South Carolina, a judge is trying to decide whether or not Georgetown County can refuse to let casino boats dock in its ports.

The ruling might even affect more than just gamblers. If a judge rules against the county, it could hurt South Carolina's nearly three-decade long support of home rule, or allowing counties to pass local laws when the state doesn't act.

Palmetto Princess LLC is suing Georgetown County, which banned casino boats from docking or picking up passengers in February 2002.

The two sides have 30 days to submit their complete written arguments. There is no timetable or deadline as to how long a judge can take to decide on this type of ruling.

Other coastal counties are watching the case carefully. Charleston County passed a similar ban in 1998, and Horry County officials worry a ruling against Georgetown County might doom Horry County's recently approved moratorium on new boats.