Can You Gamble on a Cruise? What to Expect in Cruise Ship Casinos
Yes, you can gamble on a cruise ship once the vessel reaches international waters. Cruise ship casinos typically offer slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and electronic table games.
Casinos are closed while ships are docked in most ports and open once maritime regulations allow gaming operations.
What Games Are Available in Cruise Ship Casinos?
- Slot machines (penny to high-limit)
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps (on larger ships)
- Three Card Poker / Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Electronic table games
- Poker tournaments (select sailings)
Larger ships typically offer more table variety and higher-limit play options.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble on a Cruise?
Most cruise lines require players to be at least 18 years old, though some sailings departing from the United States may require 21 depending on company policy.
Valid government-issued identification is required to play.
Do Cruise Ship Casinos Pay Out Like Land Casinos?
Cruise ship casinos operate under similar mathematical payout models as land-based casinos. However, game rules and minimum bets may vary.
Slot payout percentages are not publicly posted, but odds are governed by certified gaming systems.
When Are Cruise Casinos Open?
Casinos open once the ship enters international waters and close before returning to port. Sea days typically offer the longest operating hours.
What First-Time Cruise Gamblers Should Know About Comp Offers
Many first-time cruise gamblers miss a critical detail: cruise casinos track play through a player card system. If you do not use your card, you generate zero comp value.
Cruise lines evaluate:
- Average Daily Theoretical (ADT)
- Wager size and game type
- Time played
- Consistency of rated sessions
If structured correctly, your first cruise can generate future discounted or free cruise offers.
What Not to Do on Your First Cruise Casino Visit
- Do not split play into multiple short unrated sessions
- Do not forget to insert your player card
- Do not assume wins increase comp offers
- Do not ignore ADT structure
Cruise casino loyalty programs reward structured play — not random gambling.
How GamblersHost Helps First-Time Cruise Casino Players
GamblersHost helps players understand how cruise casino systems evaluate rated play before they sail.
Instead of gambling blindly and hoping for an offer, you can align your play with actual cruise casino approval standards.
If you are planning your first cruise and intend to gamble, structure it correctly from the beginning.