Have you been considering taking a gambling cruise but are concerned or unsure of how the laws that apply whilst out on international waters fare in relation to land-based gambling laws? Then you’re in luck because today’s article will be addressing just this.
There is much confusion around this topic, which we hope to clear up for you today. Don’t think that just because you’re cruising on international waters all rules and regulations go overboard. Here’s what you need to know before you set sail on a cruise that has a casino aboard.
Understanding Cruise Ship Gambling Laws
The laws while out on the water differ quite significantly from those that govern land-based casinos. An incredibly important thing to realize is that these laws come in and out of effect at different stages of the cruise. For example, once the cruise ship comes within a certain distance of a country’s coast, it adopts the gambling laws of said country’s coastline.
Areas of Operation
Let’s elaborate on the above a little further. The laws of gambling while out at sea change according to where you are in the water, where you’ve come from and where you’re heading.
To help you understand this statement think of it like this: if the ship you’re on comes within three to 12 miles of the US coastline, its casino must close because all onboard activities are governed by US laws—federal and state alike. On the other hand, if you happen to cross or even approach Hawaiian waters while on your voyage no gambling whatsoever is permitted.
Essentially, any laws that govern the water you’re on govern the laws that apply to the onboard activity. So, if gambling is illegal in the country whose coast you’re cruising on, gambling is illegal aboard the cruise until it leaves those waters.
Legal Gambling Age on Cruise Ships
Part of the appeal of climbing aboard cruises with gambling on ship is that, depending on where you’re hailing from, its legal gambling age is lower than that of land-based casinos.
For most cruises, such as those offered by Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line, the legal gambling age on cruise ships is 18 years old. However, this is not always so. For example, if you’re a passenger on an Alaskan Royal Caribbean cruise or if you’re cruising on a Princess Cruise you’ll have to be 21 years or older to step foot in the ships’ casinos.
Operating Hours
Think you’ll be spending all day and all night gambling? Think again. According to Maritime Law, a ship’s casino may only be open and operational while the ship is out at sea or in a port that allows gambling such as Malta or Bermuda. So, if you’re not in such an area the casino will be closed completely.
In addition to this, many cruises with gambling on ship keep their casino doors shut during daylight hours to boost participation in other day-time activities. They may only open at night time. Plus, most cruise casinos are closed by 3:00am.
But, as we see often with laws, many cruises have found a loophole to bypass operating hour restrictions. Take Carnival Corp. for example. This cruise line has implemented a mobile gambling model to ensure that guests can gamble 24/7—from anywhere aboard. Plus, even if the cruise you’re on doesn’t have a casino app, there are loads of online casinos to take advantage of so be sure to stock up on mobile casino bonus codes before you set sail.
Regulation
Even though there are rules you need to abide by while on a gambling cruise these rules aren’t always enforced. For the most part, the Cruise Lines International Association regulates onboard gambling in terms of cash counting procedures, internal audits, rules or play and so on. But the waters are often muddy as there is no regulatory body physically aboard the ship. Understandably, this makes regulating incredibly difficult.
Fun Facts About Gambling on Cruise Ships
Before we wrap up this article, let’s lighten things up with three fun facts about maritime gambling. Who knows, you may just learn a thing or two!
1. Not all Cruises Offer Ship Board Gambling
Even though it’s an extremely lucrative offering to have, not all cruises offer ship board gambling. While most big name cruises—and even a few smaller ones—boast casinos, Disney Cruise Lines doesn’t nor does Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. Double check your intended cruise’s casino status beforehand or simply make sure that you have access to pokies so that you can still scratch your gambling itch no matter where in the world—or waters—you are.
2. $100,000 is the Most Money Won on Cruise Ship Gambling
Back in 2016 a man named Kenneth Gass who had been cruising for more than 18 years won a whopping $100,000—the most money won on cruise ship gambling—aboard the Carnival Magic cruise from Port Canaveral. This significant sum was the grand prize from a $200,000 prize pool.
3. Oasis of the Seas is the Best Cruise for Gambling
When we say that Oasis of the Seas is the best cruise for gambling we say this because the largest cruise casinos are found on it. If you’re looking for a cruise that has 450 slot machines, tables for roulette and Blackjack or private poker rooms then Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is for you. While there are plenty of other great cruises for gambling, none are quite as impressive as this one.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to be mindful of the fact that not every cruise offers on board gambling and that not all destinations allow gambling to take place on its waters.
We hope that you now understand a little more about what gambling on a cruise ship consists of, legally speaking, and can make an informed decision armed with this information. Will you be setting sail and winning big? Or are you going to steer clear of hedging your bets whilst out at sea?
