The sea and wagering have a long and storied history together. This connection, however, extends far beyond any shared love of classic riverboat gambling. Casino enthusiasts can now enjoy all their favorite slot machines and table games at sea on a modern casino cruise. How, then, can casinos on cruise ships operate legally, given the prevalence of stringent gambling laws around the world?
While some may view gambling on ships as a nifty way to get around casino regulations, the reality is more nuanced. Keep reading to find out how gambling on cruise ships stacks up in terms of legitimacy, oversight, and taxation.
Exactly how do the rules and regulations for cruise ships function?
The on-board casinos of modern cruise ships are spectacular. They’re more than just a pit stop with a few games, offering hundreds in total. On some ships, passengers can enjoy more than 300 different gaming options at the casino. Live poker tournaments and championships are just one example of the variety that can be found on a cruise. The question is, how are these mobile casinos regulated if they aren’t based on any sort of solid ground?
There are no absolutes or clear-cut rules in maritime law. There is no such thing as a “casino law” in maritime jurisdictions. Instead, casinos on cruise ships are governed by the jurisdiction where the vessel is officially registered. This means that gambling is prohibited on board if the ship is registered in a country where it is against the law.
However, this situation shifts the moment a ship docks or gets close to the coast of another country. Once a ship docks in a country, it becomes subject to the laws and regulations of that nation. When the vessel is within a certain distance of the coast, these new regulations may also take effect. Depending on the country and its laws, this distance can be anywhere from three to twelve nautical miles. Once a cruise ship leaves international waters and enters a country’s territorial waters, it is subject to that country’s legal jurisdiction. No gambling may take place on a cruise ship within 12 nautical miles of the U.S. coast due to federal and state regulations.
Cruise ship gambling winnings and the tax system
When planning a gambling vacation, taxes should be given careful consideration. While most gamblers are after the big payout, it can be advantageous to win less frequently on a casino cruise. Your cruise ship’s casino may or may not report your winnings to the appropriate tax authorities, depending on the size of your haul. The amount of winnings that are exempt from taxation in a given country varies by jurisdiction.
Adding a levy on casinos aboard US cruise ships
If you win more than $1,200 at a poker or blackjack table in the United States in a calendar year, you will be issued an IRS Form W-2G. If you declare your winnings to the government, they will take 24% of the total out of your check as federal tax. If your winnings are less than the thresholds, you will not be given a form but should still file a tax return to report them. Gambling winnings may be exempt from taxation if you are not a resident of a country that does so. For instance, following legislative changes in 2001, the United Kingdom no longer taxes gambling winnings.
To what extent do governments oversee cruise ships with casinos?
When it comes to playing at an online casino, regulation and licensing are of the utmost importance. The possession of valid licensing from the appropriate authorities is an indication of a casino’s reliability. You can find poker to play whenever you like, but if it’s important for there to be regulation and auditing in place when you do, then it should be the same when you’re on a cruise. With no one to defend you or listen to your concerns, what do you do?
Issues that may arise in the casino on a cruise ship and how to handle them
In the event of a disagreement or problem while gambling on a cruise, rest assured that you are not alone. Regulation and policy for casinos on cruise ships are handled by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which also performs inspections of casino equipment and conducts internal audits. Troubles with customers are also addressed by this department.
While on your cruise, it may be difficult to get in touch with a CLIA representative. In the event of an issue at the casino, you should first approach the pit boss or manager. The director of the casino should be contacted if the front desk staff is unable to resolve the issue. If the situation has not been resolved, the casino manager will be contacted once the ship has returned to port.
The importance of rules and their enforcement is rising as cruise ships add more and more casinos.
Cruise ship casinos have different minimum ages for gamblers than land-based ones.
The cruise ship and its destination determine the minimum age for gambling in the casino. Under US law, the minimum age to gamble on board is 21; this is in line with the minimum age for playing casino games on land and for playing virtual games like online slot machines. The minimum age at which gambling is legal varies, however, depending on the country in question. At the age of 18, a person can legally gamble in the United Kingdom. Know the casino’s age restriction policies before you book a stay.
Tips for Choosing the Right Casino Cruise
Land-based casinos have a lot of competition from floating casinos. They take two of life’s greatest pleasures and mash them into one: adventure tourism and the rush of casino gaming. However, the regulations imposed on cruise ships can be difficult to understand, so make sure you do your homework before booking a trip.
Find out more about the cruise’s itinerary and the jurisdiction under which the ship operates by visiting the official website. Find out if there is a casino on the ship. Even if gambling is legal in a given area, some casinos, like those on Disney Cruise Lines, will not operate.
Check that your age qualifies you to enter the venue. See if the ship’s rules permit the use of your preferred games. Check the local laws to see what percentage of your winnings will be subject to taxation. Follow the guidelines laid out in the rules and regulations to find a casino cruise that suits your needs.
OKBET’s live online casino is the perfect solution for those who want to play casino games without having to leave the house.
OKBET is where your adventures begin
OKBET offers the top gambling experience available on the web. Themed online slots and games in our e-catalog will take you to fantastical lands. The days of taking a cruise or making the trip to the casino to play your favorite games are over. You can now enjoy our mobile-friendly platform, including the convenience of making transactions using online casino using gcash. You need to sign up before you can begin your online gaming adventure.