An Introduction to Gambling on Cruise Ships

We do play slots on board, and while my husband likes to say he frequently wins due to his sunny disposition and how the machine senses this (what a crock-LOL!), I have nothing but rotten luck, both on land and at sea. I was relieved when the casino was closed nearly the entire time on our recent cruise 'round the British Isles.

Back in the day, we would literally RUN to every BINGO event (even miss dessert!). That was when there was a guaranteed jackpot and the game was fun. Now the cost to play BINGO has gone up; most of the time the jackpot is dependent on how much money is brought in to the room; and it's no longer a fun game. There were a couple of times where we won.

Jerry loves to enter the Blackjack Tournaments. There are usually 2 on a 7 night or longer cruise. Most of the time the entry fee is $20 a hand and he'll play a few hands to insure he's in the finals. Jerry does well in these tournaments (I don't want to jinx anything by bragging!) Lots of times we get coupons for up to 2 tournaments (blackjack or slots) and that really comes in handy.

Marcy and I have entered the Slot Tournaments. Mainly for the giggles and for the ability to yell at a machine. That tournament is truly the luck of the spin.

Our favorite game is Caribbean Stud. But the last time we played, the payout was less and it was harder to just break even. More and more poker tables are showing up in the ship's casinos. We have yet to venture over, but might take a crack at them.

We use to stay totally clear of the casinos in the resorts at the various ports that we visited (again, on the "advice" of the ship). Not anymore. We spent the entire day in a casino in Aruba. Had a blast. Didn't lose our shirt and probably walked away with what we started with (or a little more). We're looking forward to the Hotel Atlantis. We've gambled there a number of times. Last time we were there our luck had run out.

When we're totally bored, we'll play Roulette or some slots, but don't spend a lot of time or money with those games. Not sure why. Might have to give the slots a try; especially with the new gaming card that the ships have come out with.

We lived in Las Vegas for several years (and go back to visit friends there whenever we can) so shipboard casinos are really “cute” to us. Even so, we’ll still spend a few bucks now and then in between other forms of entertainment – it can be really fun!

Amy’s Mom and Dad play in the casino a lot (mostly slots) and usually do quite well!