Are Cruise Ship Casinos Regulated
But continue sleuthing and I think you will find that casino's at sea are not regulated by anyone. Nope, they aren't. But the players are usually less experienced, so they don't have to cheat. For example, people play 21 without realizing it's Spanish for hours! I cruise often, and play a lot.
- The International Council of Cruise Lines is responsible for cruise ship casino laws, but there still isn’t much transparency or effective regulation. Blackjack and video poker are two good examples of games where choosing a solid pay table and playing with optimal strategy can really pay off.
- Any time some players have a streak of bad luck, they want to find an explanation so they blame their losses on cheating by the casino. All of the pros I know blame their bad luck streaks on, well, bad luck. The cruise ship has a captive audience, no competition, clientele that turns over completely after a few days, and very little repeat.
- How Are Cruise Ship Casinos Regulated? The largest cruise industry trade association, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), administers rules and policies that govern onboard casino machines and equipment, internal audits and control procedures for cash counting, as well as playing rules and customer service.
All Casino and Bingo cruise questions or what really means 'gambling on Carnival cruise ships'. If your Carnival cruise ship has a casino (all Carnival ships are equipped with a huge casino) you'll be definitely interested in this survey. As information, it covers all 'fun ship topics' in the category of 'Carnival Cruise Casino' - games and rules/policy, limits/table limits (minimum bet/winnings/payouts), credit/chips, gambling age limit/policy, the Carnival Players Club (points/VIP/comps), the Vault game specs, plus some Casino tips. This survey is integrated with Carnival Cruise Tips and Tricks.
Carnival Cruise Gambling in the ship's Casino
The first in the list of Carnival Casino comps (complimentary items and services to encourage players to gamble) is the free drinks. These real deals come with the proper Players Club status (if you earn a lot of points/jackpots).
Carnival Casino comps and perks - from free drinks to free cruise offers
It means for table games minimum bets of $50 per hand [green chips are $25] (the upper-level staff sign for these drinks, usually after you make 9000-12000 points on a sailing). There's also the 'On Us' casino drink program - when you reach 1500 points at the Slot Machines you get the 'Drink On Us' card - and complimentary drinks while playing in the casino for the rest of your cruise. Table Players can also qualify for the drink card - they'll need to ask the Pit Boss to get rated for this program.
- As you play, your S&S card will tell you how many points you've accumulated. When you make the 1500 points, call someone from the Casino staff and they'll add your free drink card to your onboard S&S card. Remember - the drink cards are provided only on longer sailings (7+ days). Cards are good only in the Casino, you must ask the Pit Manager to consider your betting.
- As additional perks, some players have received (even on more than one occasion) bottles of wine sent to their Main Dining Room tables, a wine&cheese basket or sweets sent to their cabins, free photo coupons. Sometimes they may get a 'future' free drink card plus free onboard credit. And these are huge comps compared to those offered in land-based casinos.
- A free Carnival cruise promotion for Players Club members. It's a limited-time based on availability promotion - on selected sailings you'll pay only the taxes, meaning the stateroom is for absolutely free.
Onboard Casino age limits, opening hours, slots, payouts
Carnival Cruise Line's Casino gambling age is 18+. The list of Casino games on Carnival cruise ships includes Black Jack, Craps, Poker, Roulette and various Slot Machines ($1-0,5-0,25-0,05) and penny slots ($0,02-0,01). As to the payouts - higher denominations machines have a higher payout rate (as percentages they are something like penny 88%, nickel & quarter 92%, dollar 94%. You should know that the casino is able to change the payouts for server-based slots as desired. On Carnival ships, the slot payout is around 80% (info based on internal sources). Now about the Casino hours:
- On sea days: slot machines (9AM), select tables (10AM), full casino (12PM-3AM), the hours may vary due to itineraries.
- On port days: closed while the ship is in port, opens after the ship sails (usually 30-60 min after leaving port). 'The Bahamas exception' - on ships staying overnight in Nassau, the casino is open during night hours, on ships calling on Half Moon Cay (private island) it may be open at the management's discretion.
Carnival Players Club - points, tournaments, member benefits, perks
Carnival's Players Club is via a partnership with Ocean Players Club (OPC corporation) and its membership is free - no need to sign up/fill out forms. All members are eligible to receive benefits/special offers. OPC has different membership levels based on the frequency of cruising and point levels.
Carnival ship casinos have slot machines with 'players cards'. The winnings pack on the card, and you can use it on other machines. It also monitors earned points. OPC players at table games are monitored and rated in order to earn points. Points are more easily earned on slot machines. Due to games' odds, players lose while playing slots more quickly than in table games. Therefore less time playing on slots is necessary for the OPC program. Carnival casinos charge a 3% service fee (on passenger's Sail & Sign cards). For high rollers, credit lines may be established prior to departure. Lines of credit are available up to $100,000.
- Play the slots, earn min 1000 points and you'll be automatically enrolled in the club. Don't forget to have your S&S Card inserted in the reader whenever you play, make sure the card is accepted (it will welcome you by your first name, and as you play it will show you how many points you have so far).
- For every 1000 points, you'll receive a $10 cash reward. The more points the more benefits - the free casino drinks (while playing) and the Carnival Players Club VIP cruise is among the most special. All Casino benefits and perks are based upon the frequency of sailing and point levels. Their list also includes special 'money' offers (up to 25% discounted rates, cashback up to $500 towards future sailings, from $50 up to $500 in casino cash), invitations for special events, VIP Casino Tournaments, lines of credit for high rollers, gifts and service discounts.
- Casino staff always keep notes about your gambling (spending) at the table, and at the end of your trip, they scan and send these notes to the OPC.
- Carnival Ocean Players Club (OPC) caters to casinos on all vessels/companies owned by Carnival Corporation (also members of the World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance) - Carnival (CCL), Princess, P&O, Costa, Holland America, Cunard, Seabourn, AIDA, Ibero. OPC Casino points are transferable (can be used on all their ships). For more info - call the Ocean Players Club (phone number 1-888-672-2582, call in day time hours/weekdays).
Carnival Cruise Line casino program upgrade 2018
In May 2018, the company introduced new Players Club amenities and services to provide club members with more access to unique experiences and special offers, both onboard and ashore.
- The upgraded program features “Dealer’s Choice” (new offer) with savings, free drinks in the casino and exclusive (invitation-only) Players Club events.
- 'Getaway' offers are available on 3-day to 5-day itineraries with extras like in-cabin gifts, priority check-in, and luggage delivery, free casino drinks, chance to win up to USD 10,000 in free play, cash, and prizes.
- 'Premier' offers are for avid players and available on 6+ days long itineraries, These offers include all 'Getaway' offers plus priority debarkation, complimentary pre-cruise gift, invitation-only casino tournaments, exclusive Welcome Aboard cocktail party, chance to win up to USD 20,000 in free play, cash and prizes.
- 'Ultra' level players receive all Premier benefits plus chance to win up to USD 100,000 in the casino.
- 'Elite' players receive all perks plus complimentary cruise terminal parking, airport pick-up/drop-off, free drinks (during the cruise), early cabin access, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, Welcome Aboard and sail away cocktail parties, VIFP Platinum (loyalty program) status.
Carnival cruise Casino gambling tips and FAQs
- The Casino Vault game is a highly popular game of skills (available on all ships, 24 hours a day). It's $1 per play, you can win an iPad and up to $500 cash packets (they don't replenish the vault during the sailing). The game resets after its 30sec timer expires. There are 4 levels (none of them at eye level, iPads are on the top row). In these 30sec by a toggle switch you have to line up the adjustable arm left and right, then when you push down on a rollerball it causes the arm to go forward (you can't stop the movement once it starts), the key has to go through a little lock and turn 180 degrees to release your prize.
- US currency and Travelers Checks are accepted at all gaming tables and the slots.
- You can use your S&S Card (your stateroom account) to buy chips/credit from the Cashier's Window (3% fee), no fee will apply if the S&S Card is used in the slot machine. The S&S (Sail & Sign) card limit is $250/transaction and $1000/day.
- At 'Coinless Fun Slot Machines' players set-up a bank account in order to upload/download credits from them. Note: your Casino bank account and your S&S account are separate.
- Casino limit is USD 10,000 per person/family members traveling together.
- MegaCash is the largest cruise ship jackpot in the world (one guest won way over $1 million).
- Carnival Casino chips are transferable between different Carnival ships, most chips are generic with a Carnival logo on them.
- 'is a point equals a buck' - 1 point is more than $1 but it's not based on how much a player wins/loses, but how much he/she plays. Note: table games are rated differently than slot machines.
- As to the winning odds - with GAMBLING it's guaranteed that in the long run you lose money, but hopefully, you win fun.
Carnival Casino Table Games limits
| roulette limits | other limits | ||||
| - | $0,25 | $0,5 | $1 | - | |
| inside number | $1-$10 | $3-120 | $3-50 | $5-200 | |
| dozens/columns | $1-$120 | $3-120 | $5-50 | $10-200 | |
| outside bets | $1,-$180 | $3-180 | $3-100 | $25-300 | |
Casino games available on all ships
- 2 tables for Black Jack - the minimum bet is $5. At high-limit tables, it varies from $25 minimum to $500 maximum. higher maximums (for players who request this) are subject to approval, the dealer follows Las Vegas-style casino rules (he's obliged to stand on a 'soft 17').
- 1 table for Craps/Dice - if you don't know how to play, one of the casino staff members will walk you through the basics. ships also provide double odds on craps (a $5 minimum bet and $200 maximum bet for the pass line), with the possibility for high rollers to request from the casino management higher maximums.
- Poker games - 3-card poker, electronic PokerPro tables ('Texas Hold 'Em'), 'Caribbean Stud Poker', 'Caribbean Draw Poker', minimum bet $5, high-stakes tables and tournaments.
- 2 Roulette tables - just pick the right choice at the right time!
Carnival Casino chips- denominations, color, value
- $25 (green), $100 (grey)
- $5 'Free Play Chip' (yellow, no cash value)
- Tournament chips (non-negotiable) - $5 (yellow), $100 (orange), $500 (green)
- other (non-negotiable-transferable-refundable): $5 'Free Play Ticket' (white, it can be played only: on even chance bets, by itself or with cash chips, one at a time, can't be used for double down bet, split bets or odds on craps), $5 'Match Play Coupon' (multi-colored, good for 1 bet only, offered as promotion).
| CCL ships | Carnival ship casinos (names) | BJ tables | Slot Machines (total / $1) | |
| Breeze | 'Winner's Luck' | 9 | 185 | 21 |
| Conquest | 'Tahiti' | 9 | 196 | 28 |
| Dream | 'Jackpot' | 10 | 193 | 22 |
| Magic | 'Hat Trick' | 9 | 185 | 21 |
| Freedom | 'Babylon' | 10 | 204 | 25 |
| Glory | 'Camel Club' | 9 | 202 | 24 |
| Liberty | 'Czar’s Palace' | 10 | 212 | 35 |
| Spirit | 'Louix XIV' | 8 | 170 | 22 |
| Sunshine | 'Millionaire’s Club' | 10 | 182 | 25 |
| Splendor | 'Royal Flush' | 11 | 207 | 24 |
| Triumph | 'Club Monaco' | 7 | 213 | 28 |
| Valor | 'Shogun Club' | 9 | 192 | 29 |
| Victory | 'South China Sea' | 8 | 197 | 21 |
| Vista | 'Vista' | 9 | 185 | 21 |
| Legend | 'Club Merlin' | 8 | 149 | 23 |
| Miracle | 'Mr Lucky's' | 7 | 152 | 20 |
| Pride | 'Winner's Club' | 7 | 169 | 22 |
| Ecstasy | 'Crystal Palace' | 7 | 145 | 22 |
| Elation | 'Casablanca' | 6 | 142 | 23 |
| Fantasy | 'Club 21' | 7 | 138 | 28 |
| Fascination | 'Royale' | 8 | 146 | 13 |
| Imagination | 'El Dorado' | 8 | 148 | 26 |
| Inspiration | 'Monte Carlo' | 8 | 149 | 23 |
| Paradise | 'Majestic' | 9 | 137 | 20 |
| Sensation | 'Club Vegas' | 7 | 139 | 20 |
Carnival cruise Bingo - games, cards, prices/prizes, policy
Bingo playing on Carnival ships happens every day (sometimes twice a day), it's available fleet-wide and it's an onboard fun activity that offers big jackpot prizes.
- Bingo cards prices - 3 cards for $20 or 1 card for $10, sometimes they offer promotions with reduced prices - a half-price game (3 cards for $10), or 3 for 1 game, or 7 for 1 games. Bingo cards (punch cards) are for one session and not limited to one game. Bingo sessions vary from 1 to 7 games. The general rules are you get a sheet with 3 games on it and you play all 3 at the same time. It's one game (unless it's a '3 for 1' / '7 for 1'), you can purchase multiple cards as well. As to the exact rules - the staff will explain them to you at the game.
- Bingo cash prizes start at $100, a jackpot game offers up to $2000. There's also a special $5000 game (if you get a blackout within the specified numbers picked; its usual prize is $1000).
- Other Carnival Bingo prizes: free Bingo cards (the promo games), tour passes, gifts from onboard shops (including jewelry), Carnival Spa free services, there's a prize that will pay up to $750 of your bar bill (total you've paid for beverages with your S&S Card) or even a complimentary Carnival cruise!
- The 'free Carnival cruise' voucher prize is played toward the end of the voyages (the so-called Blackout Bingo game) - in fact, it's the last game of the sailing). If you put your used bingo cards in the 'second chance box' (don't forget to sign your name and cabin number on them) you may win another complimentary cruise.
- Bingo policy - it is gambling, so guests must be at least 18 yo to play.
Cruise ships are unregulated. They can do whatever they want to a degree. I was on a Carnival once with a BJ dealer from LV. He couldn't believe how liberal the rules were for BJ. After a few hours he figured out that they removed all of the Q's from the decks.
This is 'Fun 21'; their version of Spanish 21. The fact that they offer that game has nothing to do with their casinos being unregulated. In fact their rules are pretty good. The rules clearly state the Queens are removed, exactly like every land casino that offers Spanish 21. If he was a LV BJ dealer and he didn't realize he was dealing Spanish 21 for several hours, then I guess that's why he had to leave Vegas for a Cruise Ship! Maybe there's a Job for him not noticing the lack of shuffle at Bac in AC! http://bj21.com/boards/free/free_board/index.cgi?noframes;read=155964
Cruise Ship Casino
I never said the guy was dealing. I said he was a LV dealer. If it was fun 21 neither of us new it and we had been playing for hours. But continue sleuthing and I think you will find that casino's at sea are not regulated by anyone.
Nope, they aren't. But the players are usually less experienced, so they don't have to cheat. For example, people play 21 without realizing it's Spanish for hours!
I cruise often, and play a lot. I'm about even lifetime and have received many free cruises, and many more I couldn't take.
Administrator
After a few hours he figured out that they removed all of the Q's from the decks.
Holy carp. That's not even subtle.
Holy carp. That's not even subtle.
Uh, they TELL you that. This is not an attempt at cheating. This is the same game that's in almost every casino in America!
http://wizardofodds.com/games/spanish-21/
So in Fun 21, they take the queens out instead of the tens, like Spanish 21?If it was fun 21 neither of us new it and we had been playing for hours.
Then you guys must have been drinking very heavily. The casino makes no attempt whatsoever to hide the fact that it isn't BJ. Did you not wonder why there were so many bonus payouts?