COLUMBIA, S.C. - A bill that would let counties outlaw casino boat gambling is heading to Gov. Mark Sanford's desk.

The House agreed to the version of the bill the Senate passed last week.

Under that legislation, counties could outlaw casino boats that now embark on so-called gambling cruises to nowhere.

Boats already operating by Jan. 1 of this year would have five years to move on. That grandfather clause would help prevent a sudden surge in new casino boats arriving at coastal docks.

The legislation won't affect cruise ships calling on South Carolina that have gambling equipment and embark for ports outside the state.