Best Cruise Ship Casino Odds
Want the best odds at sea—and the strongest value for your rated play? This guide breaks down which cruise-casino games typically offer the lowest house edge and how to spot rules and paytables that matter. Then we show how Gamblers Host turns solid play into email-confirmed comps—so your bankroll earns more than hands and spins: it earns staterooms, dining, and VIP perks.
Quick Look: Games That Usually Offer the Best Odds
- Blackjack — Best when you see 3:2 blackjack, dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), double after split (DAS), and late surrender. Avoid 6:5 payout tables.
- Roulette — Single-zero (European) is stronger than double-zero (American). If available, choose single-zero wheels.
- Craps — Take full odds behind pass/don’t pass; odds bets have no house edge. The more odds allowed, the better your combined edge.
- Video Poker — Look for full-pay schedules (e.g., “9/6 Jacks or Better”). Paytables drive your return more than the cabinet or theme.
- Slots — Highest volatility and highest house edge on average; treat as entertainment unless you’re chasing promos or free play.
Blackjack: Rules That Move the Needle
Cruise ships can post different rules by ship and itinerary. If you want stronger odds, prioritize tables that pay 3:2 on a natural blackjack. A 6:5 payout quietly adds house edge. Next, check whether the dealer stands on soft 17 (S17 beats H17), and whether you can double after split (DAS) and late surrender. If you play by basic strategy, these rules meaningfully tighten the game.
Roulette: Wheel Selection Matters
If you see a single-zero wheel (European), take it over double-zero (American). The difference is simple and powerful: fewer zeros reduce the house edge across all even-money bets. On ships that carry only double-zero, keep wagers disciplined and avoid high-edge side bets.
Craps: Use the Odds the Table Gives You
Craps can be one of the fairest games onboard if you always take full odds behind your line bets. Odds wagers carry no house edge; the more odds offered (e.g., 3x-4x-5x or higher), the better your overall expectation. Keep prop bets light—those are where the edge spikes.
Video Poker: Paytables Over Branding
Don’t judge by the cabinet; judge by the paytable. A “9/6 Jacks or Better” schedule has a far better return than 8/5 or 7/5. Learn the paytable you’re playing and stick to its correct strategy. When you can, concentrate your play on the best returns and log sessions cleanly for rating.
Slots: Fun First—Or Play the Offers
Slots deliver excitement and promos but carry the widest range of hold. If you’re going for comps, coordinate with our team so your slot sessions are captured cleanly and paired with the right sailing. Otherwise, set stop-loss/stop-win limits and treat the play as entertainment.
Better Odds + Better Offers = Real Value
You can’t control every rule at sea, but you can control where and how you play—and how your play is presented. That’s where Gamblers Host makes the difference. We bundle your current casino offer(s) and players-club number(s), represent your ADT/Theo to the cruise-casino program, and secure email confirmation at the time of booking—so there’s no “we’ll see” when you board.
What We Need to Start
- Your current land-casino offer(s) (screenshot or PDF)
- Your players-club number(s) and any play history you can share
- Preferred dates/regions/brands (we’ll match you to the right ship and rules mix)
Ready to turn strong play into strong value? Get Comped now or connect with a VIP Executive Casino Host. Our service is complimentary for qualified players, and we confirm approved comps by email before you sail.
From Our Blog
External Reading
- Best Cruise Ship Casinos
- Cruise Ship Casino Guide
- Cruise Ship Casinos: 10 Must-Know Facts
- Royal Caribbean — Casinos