The amount of money that some people spend at the cruise ship casino is scary.
Each to their own, of course – and for some, the casino is the main reason they want to sail, and they often enjoy a ton of perks because of that.
But if you’re inexperienced with the whole world of gambling onboard a ship, there are some things you need to know before you start. Otherwise, there’s a chance you could end up ruining your entire getaway…
1. The Odds Aren’t Always As Good As They Are On Land
Cruise ship casinos don’t always offer the same odds as land-based venues – so it’s important that you know your odds of winning might be reduced.
Games like blackjack may pay 6-to-5 instead of the standard 3-to-2, which gives the house a bigger edge.
Slot machines also tend to have lower return-to-player (RTP) rates. Since cruise casinos operate under the laws of the ship’s flag state, they may not be subject to the strict regulations you’d find on land.
It’s worth doing a bit of research on typical payouts before you sit down to play.
2. The Rules Might Be Different To What You’re Used To
Each cruise line – and even each ship – may have different house rules for the same games.
Blackjack might have limited doubling options (important if your tactic is to double your bet when you lose), or poker tables may use auto-shufflers.
Minimum and maximum bets vary too, so it’s a good idea to scan the table signage or ask the dealer before joining in.
Familiarising yourself with the rules avoids confusion and can help you make smarter betting decisions once you’re playing.
3. Many Cruisers Swear By Casino Loyalty Programmes
Most cruise lines offer casino loyalty schemes that reward you for time and money spent playing.
Royal Caribbean has Club Royale, Celebrity Cruises has the Blue Chip Club, NCL has the Casinos At Sea Rewards programme, Carnival has the Carnival Players Club… The list goes on!
The more you play, the more perks you earn – from free drinks and cabin upgrades to discounted or even complimentary cruises.
The most popular schemes for big spenders give you a combination of free cruises, free casino credit and free drinks pacckages.
These benefits usually apply to your next cruise. However, on some ships, you can earn small perks that you can use right away on your current cruise.
I enjoyed playing the machines on Costa Smeralda because they had a bar that would fill up as you bet. Once it’s full, a free drink is added to your account. I got free drinks in the casino every night. Sometimes I would play for five minutes just to get the drink, then walk out and take it with me!
Also, the general cruise loyalty system might include a couple of (small) casino perks too – maybe a small free bet. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society members get a $2 FreePlay if they’re Gold status, up to $6 for Emerald and above.
4. Casinos Only Open When The Ship’s At Sea
Cruise casinos typically close when the ship is in port, due to local gambling laws. They usually open once the ship is in international waters – often around 12 nautical miles offshore.
This can mean odd opening hours, especially if your itinerary includes lots of port days.
Check the cruise line’s app or daily schedule to see when the casino is open. Planning around those hours means you won’t miss a chance to play.
5. If You Play On Land, Take Advantage of Status Matching
Already a member of a land-based casino loyalty scheme?
Some cruise lines offer status matching, giving you similar perks onboard based on your existing membership elsewhere.
This could mean free drinks, VIP access, or even free cruises without having to start from scratch.
Just be sure to ask in advance – status matching usually requires you to contact customer service before your trip and provide proof of your current tier level. It’s not often advertised, either – but no harm in asking, right?
6. Look Out for Casino Promotions
Cruise ship casinos regularly offer limited-time promotions – things like free slot play, match-play vouchers, raffles, or prize draws.
Sometimes just being in the casino at a certain time can enter you into a lucky draw. These offers are often advertised through the app, flyers, or during announcements.
Taking advantage of these bonuses can stretch your playing budget and even boost your chances of winning something special.
7. Sometimes The Casino Is Smoky
Many cruise ship casinos still allow smoking, either throughout the venue or in designated areas.
If you’re sensitive to smoke, this might impact your enjoyment. Some ships offer smoke-free casino nights or non-smoking sections.
Policies vary not only by cruise line, but also by individual ship, so it’s worth checking before you sail.
For example, the newer Norwegian Cruise Line ships have designated the main casinos as smoke-free, but have smaller secondary casinos that have an enclosed, smaller section for smokers.
Whereas on the biggest Royal Caribbean ships, expect the main casino to have smoking and non-smoking sides, but with dedicated sections also for non-smokers.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Ditches Jazz Clubs In Favour Of Smoke-Free Casinos
8. Set a Budget – And Stick To It
It’s easy to get carried away in a casino, especially when you’re using a cruise card instead of physical cash.
Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend overall – and perhaps even daily – and treat it like part of your entertainment budget.
Many experienced cruisers suggest separating your casino money from other spending. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
That way, you enjoy the thrill without the financial regrets.
9. Quit While You’re Ahead
If you’re lucky enough to hit a big win, don’t fall into the trap of feeding it all back into the machine.
Set a goal: if you double your money, maybe cash out half and play with the rest. Cruise casinos pay out manually, so you’ll need to visit the cashier.
Some players even stash their winnings in the cabin safe so they’re not tempted to gamble it all away later.
10. Don’t Forget To Cash Out At The End Of Your Cruise
If you forget to visit the cashier on the last night of your cruise, you’ll lose all your winnings! You can’t do it remotely and the casino will be closed on the morning of disembarkation.
You might be lucky enough to be able to hold onto a winnings slip until another cruise, but that won’t always apply – and also, what if you weren’t sailing with that cruise line again?
Set an alarm reminder on your phone if you’re worried that you might forget!
11. Don’t Skip the Casino Orientation
On embarkation day or the first evening, cruise ships often hold a casual casino orientation session.
These are great for beginners – you’ll learn how the games work, meet the staff, and maybe even score a free play voucher or raffle ticket.
It’s a relaxed way to get your bearings before jumping into a table game or slot machine. Even experienced players might pick up useful tips about ship-specific rules or promotions.
12. Follow the (Unwritten) Etiquette
A little courtesy goes a long way in the casino.
Don’t touch other players’ chips or cards, and try not to distract the dealer or others during a hand.
Tipping the dealer for good service or a win is customary and appreciated. Keep your phone use discreet, and remember to be patient – some fellow players may be learning.
In terms of playing slots, things get a little murky. If you need to visit the bathroom, you can leave a note on the machine if you don’t want anyone to play it, and ask someone to watch it for you.
Once, someone left credit in the machine and walked away (but left a note and asked someone to keep an eye). Someone walked up, ignored the warnings and started playing – and then got angry with the returning player before a brawl broke out!
I also heard a story of a woman who asked two other women to mind her machine while she went to the bathroom. She also left her purse on the chair, which contained $1,000 cash! When she returned, the two women, and her purse, were nowhere to be seen. And unfortunately the ship’s CCTV didn’t cover that area.
Respecting casino etiquette makes the experience better for everyone. Be nice.
13. Don’t Forget About Tax Rules
If you win big – especially over $1,200 USD – your winnings may be taxable depending on your nationality and where the ship is registered.
For UK players, cruise ship wins aren’t taxed, but US citizens and residents will likely need to report them to the IRS.
You may be asked to complete forms for larger wins. Check with your cruise line or a tax advisor if you’re unsure – it’s better to be informed than surprised later.
14. Pick the Right Game For You
Despite their size, cruise ship casinos pack in a surprising variety of games: slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and more.
If you’re new to gambling, slots are simple and entertaining. If you’re more strategic, blackjack or poker might suit you better.
Some ships even run tournaments with prizes like free cruises. Think about your skill level and comfort zone – choosing the right game not only improves your odds but also makes the experience far more enjoyable.
While some people love the social aspect of standing around a roulette table, others hate the interaction and feel more comfortable at an electronic roulette machine – I’m the second one!
15. Remember – It’s All About the Fun
Whether you’re spinning reels or sitting at the blackjack table, the casino should be about enjoyment, not stress.
Think of it like a night out – you’re paying for entertainment, and any winnings are a bonus.
Don’t chase losses or gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. Cruise casinos can be exciting and social – win or lose, if you’re having a good time, you’re already ahead.
Final Word
It might look like a long list of things to bear in mind, but don’t let this guide put you off visiting the casino if you want to.
If you want to try the casino as a newbie, then absolutely give it a go – and don’t be afraid to ask the crew if you’re unsure of anything.
But generally, just make sure you understand the rules before you play, and that you’re respectful of others, and you should have a fun time. Don’t get carried away, though!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
