Cruise vacations at sea are increasingly common nowadays, and there’s no surprise. Cruise operators are constantly upping their game, with a frankly astonishing number of potential entertainment options for those on board.
Casino gambling is becoming more and more popular nowadays, often representing one of the biggest draws for guests looking for exciting ways to pass the time.
There are many different ways to enjoy gambling at sea, ranging from casual slot machine halls to choosing a dedicated casino boat.
With the modern online casino phenomenon, there’s no need to even leave your cabin to enjoy everything from slots to roulette, blackjack and even sports betting.
This is where two key areas come into play: casino bars and onboard WiFi. The best cruises offer a handy mix between the two, allowing players to enjoy any type of gambling they like.
Operators are also adding options such as bingo nights, lotteries and sports betting lounges, so there’s never been more options for budding gamblers, casual players and high-stakes professionals.
With four MSC ships to sail from Miami after an expanded US winter cruise offering, we decided to take a more in-depth look at the options for gambling at sea. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to enjoy casino gambling, sports betting and more to the fullest while sailing the seven seas.
The Different Ways to Gamble at Sea
Gambling at sea can involve various options, with modern cruise ships having numerous gaming venues and experiences tailored to all kinds of players. It’s not just cruise ships either, as there are a growing number of dedicated casino ships offering their services, especially in the US where local gambling laws can differ.
We’ll cover the main categories below:
Dedicated Casino Boats
Dedicated casino boats are vessels solely focused on providing a comprehensive gambling experience. These are popular in regions with strict gambling laws, such as parts of the US, sailing into international waters to legally offer everything from slots to table games. They attract serious gamblers looking for an authentic casino atmosphere without the typical cruise ship distractions.
Online Casinos at Sea
Due to improvements in onboard WiFi and mobile technology, many passengers can now access their favorite online casinos directly from their cabins or lounges.
This offers yet another way to gamble while on cruise ships, and one that can be endlessly customized to your own preferences. Online casinos host everything from slots to live dealer games and a growing number of specialty options such as crash games, ensuring there’s genuinely something for everyone.
Reading online casino reviews on trusted platforms is the best way to find the exact games for you. Pay attention to bonus features, game mechanics and payout rates to find the top options.
As the experts AskGamblers always drive home, finding the best sites requires comprehensive research alongside feedback from other players and third parties.
Cruise Ship Slots Halls
Slot halls on cruise ships offer something for everyone. From complete beginners just wanting to see what spinning the reels feels like all the way to slot machine aficionados, these casual slots halls are perfect for a broad range of players. You’re welcomed with bright lights, themed music and engaging visuals, creating a lively environment perfect for communal slot machine enjoyment.
Sports Betting Lounges
Sports betting lounges are becoming an increasingly common addition to large cruise ships, providing passengers with the chance to bet on an exhaustive list of global sports.
Equipped with multiple screens broadcasting live games, these lounges are a great way for guests to enjoy watching sports and place casual wagers in the process. They don’t usually have the same betting market depth as dedicated sportsbooks, but sports betting lounges are still great places to enjoy betting at sea.
High-Stakes Cruise Ship Table Games
High-stakes gambling on cruise ships is rarer than the more common casual approach, but it does exist. Experienced players seeking elevated excitement, bigger risks and the potential for larger wins can sometimes find dedicated high-stakes lounges for blackjack and other games.
These areas provide VIP treatment, privacy and expertly trained croupiers, providing experiences akin to the very best Las Vegas floors.
Casual Card Games
Playing table games at sea doesn’t have to be a high-stakes experience, as there are also plenty of opportunities for far more casual gameplay. Many cruise ships offer more relaxed rooms for guests wanting to play poker among themselves or play with less serious blackjack hosts. These areas are perfect for beginners learning more about card games and people simply craving some communal enjoyment.
Bingo Nights
Bingo nights onboard cruise ships are an age-old staple, providing the perfect social gambling event imbued with prizes and lighthearted fun. Organized in dedicated lounges or theaters, bingo nights encourage low-stakes group participation and appeal to a much wider demographic than traditional casino options at sea.
Many cruise ships are even upping the ante, incorporating music rounds and other fun games into the classic bingo framework.
Casino-Themed Events
It’s not uncommon to find casino-themed events on cruise ships, with guests encouraged to dress up and fully immerse themselves in the glamour and excitement of the Las Vegas golden age. These events often feature special tournaments, live entertainment and exclusive prizes, creating an unmatched atmosphere. These events are as much about gambling at sea as they are about encouraging community, the perfect thing for cruise ships.
Cruise Ship Lotteries and Raffles
Lotteries on cruise ships offer a straightforward gambling option that appeals to many passengers. Tickets tend to be sold throughout the ship, with draws held regularly during the voyage. This low-pressure gambling at sea option is pleasantly simple, with prizes ranging from cash jackpots to giveaways.
