Sports betting on cruises is a viable option for cruisegoers who want to stake on their favorite sports and teams. An increasing number of cruise companies started including this option after recognizing that there is a high demand for wagering among passengers.
Carnival Corporation partnered with BetMGM in 2022 to offer sports betting on more than 50 ships ported in the U.S. This included Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises fleets. The company previously operated Ocean Sportsbook on Princess Cruises ships, which was gradually replaced by BetMGM.
Guests can take advantage of Carnival Cruise sports betting onboard and only when the ships are in international waters. There are two ways to place a wager: through betting kiosks and the BetMGM mobile app.
Punters are able to place wagers on cruises sailing to the Caribbean, Mexico, and other destinations. However, the onboard sportsbook apps and betting kiosks are generally restricted once the ship reaches the port.
You are probably wondering can you sports bet on a cruise ship in Europe. MSC Cruises, a company with a significant presence in the continent, offers this option through a partnership with iGaming software provider Playtech.
Casino cruise betting is provided through self-service terminals and mobile tills on eight ships across 284 voyages during the trial period. If the trial ends up being successful, passengers will be able to find a bet on the entire MSC Cruises fleet in the future.
Other cruise companies are yet to offer sports wagering at sea. They mainly focus on ocean gambling through cruise ship casinos. However, bettors are still able to place wagers if the ship docks in a jurisdiction where the activity is regulated, like the UK, Malta, and Italy. In this case, they need to use local operators.
Access to sports betting on a cruise depends on whether the ship is in international waters or has reached its destination. When in international waters, you can place wagers if the cruise line offers this feature. The most notable examples are Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines and MSC Cruises.
Once the ship docks, the onboard betting is usually disabled. Whether you’ll be able to place wagers at land-based establishments or through mobile apps depends on the destination. Here is a quick overview:
Taking a bet cruise is a good idea for punters who want to take a vacation but still be able to enjoy their favorite activity. While there is no sports betting on Sterling cruise ships, several other cruise lines like Carnival and MSC Cruises have this feature.
If you are not interested in cruise ship poker and other floating casino games, wagering can be a great way to add excitement while sailing. Just remember to check if your preferred cruise company offers this option and which sea betting regulations apply.
