Darlington City Council passed a 180 day moratorium on new video sweepstakes machines in a special called meeting, Tuesday night.
Officials say the moratorium could be extended an additional 90 days.
The moratorium does not affect the 102 video sweepstakes machines already in the city and won't prevent business owners with existing machines from adding new machines.
City Council didn't take any action on a proposed ordinance to place a $500 tax on each existing machine.
They gave first reading on that measure on two weeks ago.
It would generate about $51,000 in additional revenue for the city.
Officials say council is expected to give final approval on the proposed ordinance at their April meeting.
Meanwhile, a bill further restricting video gaming is headed to the South Carolina Senate floor.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that clarifies existing state law to read that regulations on bingo do not allow any devices currently prohibited under the state's video gambling ban.
South Carolina banned video gaming a dozen years ago. But bill proponents say it closes a loophole through which some operators have been running machines marketed as "sweepstakes" devices.
The machines sell a product like long-distance phone cards or Internet service, then offer customers a chance to receive prizes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
