Many Australian cruise passengers plan their vacations around cruise ship casinos, where gambling in international waters operates outside typical legal restrictions.
At the same time, you can take in the beauty of the sea and the surrounding nature while enjoying the company of friends or fellow travelers.
Let’s look at some cruise casino rules, games, and other aspects of this type of gambling.
Gambling Laws in International Waters
According to maritime standards and rules, gambling laws in the open ocean or international waters are not regulated by any jurisdiction, except for the one whose flag the vessel itself sails under.
It is important to understand that if the ship enters a port or sails near a certain country, it falls under the laws and regulations of that state.
For example, if you dock at Australian ports, Australian laws regarding cruise ship casinos automatically apply on board.
In addition to cruise gambling, various forms of online gambling are also popular in Australia, with many players specifically choosing Australian casinos that accept Neosurf for convenient and secure payments.
Is Gambling on Cruise Ships Everywhere?
It’s important to note that gambling on cruise ships is offered on specially equipped vessels.
You can’t simply purchase a ticket for any boat and expect to find your favorite gambling games there. We’ve compiled a list of cruise liners that provide onboard gambling entertainment:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Holland America
- MSC Cruises, etc.
There are specialized cruise companies that provide cruise ship gambling services. Suppose you want to spend your vacation wisely and get a chance to leave as a millionaire, use the offers from Oceania Cruises and Cunard.
But remember, not every company entertains for money in international waters. For example, giants with cruise liners like Viking, Azamara, and Windstar Cruises do not offer blackjack or slots on cruises.
Do Cruise Slot Machines Work in Port?
In rare cases, cruise ship casinos are open in the ports of countries through which the ship’s route passes. Most often, players get their favorite gambling emotions only in international waters.
However, ships that cruise within the coastline of a certain state are unlikely to offer casino services on board.
Some guests are puzzled about why cruise ship poker rooms are closed some nights near Alaska.
Others, heading to Seattle from Victoria on the last night, also do not guarantee the chance to play their favorite slot machine. The ship does not reach international waters when crossing Canadian waters towards the USA.
Therefore, gambling on cruise ships is closed the night before arriving in Victoria. Again, this varies by ship and itinerary.
There are only a few ports that allow using cruise pokie machines in their territorial waters:
- Bermuda: This jurisdiction does not prohibit playing for real money for those companies that have obtained a local license and easily provide players with adrenaline even when stopped in port.
- Malta: This is an island state whose laws allow obtaining an official permit. After processing the application for its acquisition, a cruise company can easily provide gaming services in the island’s port.
Cruise Casino Games List
Gambling fans can easily find all their favorite games on the lines without problems.
You will have a chance to try your luck in pokies, table and card games, craps, and other entertainments for money. Just remember about the cruise gambling age limit, which varies between 18-21 years.
We have compiled a table of popular games on cruise lines:
| Game Types | Providers | RTP | Examples |
| Pokies (Slots) | NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT | 92-98% | Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Moolah, Cleopatra |
| Roulette | NetEnt, Evolution, Playtech | 97.3% (European) | French, European, American |
| Blackjack | Playtech, NetEnt, Evolution | 99.5% | Infinite Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Blackjack Party |
| Baccarat | BetGames, iSoftBet, NetEnt | 98.94% | Speed Baccarat, Baccarat Super Six, No Commission Baccarat |
| Poker | Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Ezugi | 96.5% | Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, Turbo Poker |
| Fortune Wheel | Evolution, Playtech, Real Dealer Studios | 96.58% | Real Spooky Wheel, Spin a Win, Crazy Time |
| Craps | Microgaming, NetEnt | 99.17% | Craps |
Responsible Gaming
When reviewing a cruise casino guide, the potential risks associated with extended gambling are always addressed.
Prolonged play can lead to unhealthy habits, so cruise lines actively promote responsible gaming, offering support and consultations for guests who may need them.
This is equivalent to how operators of online casinos initially notify players about the harm of frequent play for money.
For this, sites dedicate entire sections where you can find methods for detecting symptoms of gambling addiction and links to organizations fighting them.
We recommend setting your own limits on the money you take on a trip or deposit to a gambling site. This will help casino online enthusiasts maintain control over gambling, spending only pre-prepared funds.
Do not play in a casino while intoxicated, do not deviate from your strategy, and do not play unknown games.
Final Words
Many Australians enjoy cruise vacations that include onboard casinos, which offer a mix of entertainment, social connection, and the thrill of a potential win.
Whether you’re relaxing with friends or enjoying the excitement of the games, it’s an experience that can add energy to your entire trip.
However, not all cruise ships have casinos, so choose your itinerary carefully. And if you plan to gamble, remember to play responsibly—what starts as fun should never lead to financial or emotional strain.
