Cruises are a vacationers’ dream: all-inclusive buffets, cringey but fun cabaret acts, a new destination each day and, of course, the casino. But a casino on a cruise ship is a little different than one on land: there are often no minimum bets, and slots pay out less often than those at your local gambling joint. But that doesn’t mean you can’t gamble and have some fun. Just be aware that your luck can quickly turn, and you’ll want to be sure you’re playing wisely.
A major source of revenue for cruise lines, casinos are a big draw for gambling compensation for cruise passengers who enjoy gambling. Most cruises feature a casino, though the ones that don’t usually can’t because of regulations or their route (ie intra US).
While on land casinos operate under the laws of each state, at sea cruise ships are subject to the law of their flag. This means that the cruise line’s own regulations and rules govern how much you can win, who can play and when. The only exception is when the cruise ship is docked or within 12 nautical miles of land, in which case the rules of the country of destination apply.
The good news for cruisers is that casino perks are fairly generous on most cruise lines. In addition to free slot play and drinks, most cruise lines offer loyalty programs that reward players based on their play. These programs are similar to airline frequent flyer programs, with players earning points that can be exchanged for rewards, including annual free or discounted cruises.
In some cases, cruise lines also offer a “resort credit” that can be redeemed for hotel rooms or other items. These are usually a small percentage of the player’s overall winnings, and they can help offset losses. In addition to these, many cruise lines have partnerships with land-based casinos that offer certificates for free cruises to players who meet certain criteria.
It’s important to remember that a casino on a cruise is a gambling establishment, not a charity, and you’ll have to declare any money you win. That’s true even if you don’t have a lot to declare, as even a few hundred dollars can make a difference in your tax bracket. And that’s why it’s important to plan ahead and understand the risks before you hit the tables. But if you play smart and follow the tips in this article, you can still have some fun without risking too much of your hard-earned cash. Just don’t forget that the odds are always in the house’s favor, so be prepared to lose some of your winnings. And if you do, don’t let that ruin your cruise! – Jen McAfee is a freelance writer who lives in Virginia. Her work has appeared on a variety of websites, including the Huffington Post, Travelocity and USA Today. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Her interests include travel, food and politics.