Cruise ship casinos are a trend that is continuously growing due to the excellent all-rounded packages that combine luxury accommodation, fine dining, and plenty of entertainment options. Nowadays, cruise lines offer Vegas-style gaming floors with slots, table games and even tournaments.

The difference between land-based gambling establishments and cruise ship casinos is that, in most cases, cruise ship casinos are available only in international waters, but of course, there are a few exceptions to that rule. This is a unique regulatory environment with similar rules to land-based establishments. This article will help you explore the laws and learn how online, land-based, and cruise casinos work in Greece and around the world.

Guide on the Land-Based & Online Casinos in Greece

In Greece, the gambling landscape is well-regulated. The country has several great land-based casinos and a growing interest in digital operators. The traditional venues offer great services, but in recent years, the focus of Greek players has turned to online platforms because of their easy access, 24/7 services, and availability even when cruising Greek waters.

While in open waters, the cruises follow the international laws, not the Greek regulations. No matter if at sea or on land, online gambling remains a reliable option. Many players look for a guide on the best online casinos in Greece to find platforms licensed and approved by the Hellenic Gaming Commission and available in the Greek language. Since modern cruise lines have constant access to satellite internet connectivity, online casinos could be used during your journey.

Understanding Jurisdiction at Sea

Cruise ship casinos work under special legal conditions defined by the Maritime (Admiralty) Law. To understand how they operate, you must understand the rules for international waters. By definition, 12 nautical miles from the shore are considered part of the country, and once the vessel sails beyond that line, it enters international waters. From then on, the ships are placed under the jurisdiction of their flag state.

Most large companies register their vessels in nations like Malta, Bahamas, Panama, and others because of their favorable regulatory frameworks. These countries determine the tax obligations, gaming standards, and licensing requirements. Some cruise operators are self-regulated or use third-party independent companies to audit their fair play and compensate for the lack of international enforcement.

How Cruise Ship Casinos Work

When it comes to gaming options, there is no shortage at cruise ship casinos. Most offer a full range of games, from slot machines to poker, roulette, and blackjack variations. The gambling age varies according to the company and country of origin. The majority follow the 18+ rule, while ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises require 21+. Sometimes, the itinerary also plays a role in the age restrictions.

The casino floors are available once you cross the 12-mile nautical border unless they are licensed and regulated by the local country. For example, if the ship is registered and licensed by Malta, it could offer casino services even at port. Overall, we can say that cruise casinos work at sea and are closed while docked. The casino venues on board are usually more suitable for casual play, not professional gambling, unless the trip is organized with such purpose.

Here are some of the top cruise lines with onboard casinos:

• Royal Caribbean International – Most RCI ships offer large Vegas-style casinos.
• Carnival Cruise Line – A company known for its fantastic casino tournaments and loyalty program.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) - It has a liner called "Casinos at Sea" and high-roller perks.
• MSC Cruises – The company offers European-style casinos and excellent table games.
• Princess Cruises – Cruises that offer regular promotions and a relaxing casino experience.

If we compare the land-based and shipboard venues, we can't miss to mention the different payout percentages and the less formal regulations. In fact, the passenger protection standard could vary significantly depending on one cruise line's internal policies and oversight.

Global Rise of Gambling at Sea

The casino tourism industry has grown significantly in the past decade, and the market projection shows even higher potential for development in the coming years. In 2024, the market size was around $61.11 billion, while it is expected to reach $88.58 billion in 2034, making the projected annual growth of about 3.8%.

Cruise ships also contribute to this trend by combining professional casino services, luxury accommodations, and unique travel experiences. We see an increase in the investment in onboard casinos in several large brands due to the growing demand for all-in-one entertainment.

Cruise companies tailor their offering to guests from the US, Asia, Europe, and Australia so they can answer the regional preferences. Some guests prefer the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, while others want to visit cultural places like the many Crete forts and castles in Greece.

Future Trends & Online-Onboard Hybrid Casinos

Modern technology is making a real difference nowadays regarding innovations like app-based wagering and the potential integration of online casinos during voyages. Some cruise lines are already in partnerships with licensed and regulated online gambling platforms, including those approved in Greece. This will provide all guests with a more flexible gaming experience.

Another crucial topic for the future of cruise casinos is the discussion on better regulations and passenger protections. New international standards may arise to ensure responsible gambling and fair play at sea. When looking ahead, and due to the continued casino tourism expansion, we assume that in the near future, travelers will be able to transition between their beloved online platforms and onboard casinos. This could be a new area for casino entertainment that would blur the line between digital and physical gaming.