Yes, Carnival cruise ships have casinos, but not all of them
Most Carnival cruise ships operate a casino onboard, but the size, games, and hours vary by ship and itinerary. Casinos are typically found on ships in Carnival's newer and mid-sized fleets — vessels like the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, and Carnival Breeze all have them. Smaller ships and some older vessels do not have casinos, so if gambling is part of your trip plan, check your specific ship before you book.
Carnival casinos operate under international maritime law, not U.S. state law, which means they can offer games that would be illegal in many U.S. ports. The casino is open only when the ship is at sea, not when docked in port — this is a federal requirement. Hours are typically posted in your cabin or on the ship's daily program, and they usually run from mid-morning through late evening.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival casinos operate on most mid-sized and newer ships, but smaller vessels and some older ships do not have them.
- The casino is only open while the ship is at sea, never while docked in port.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino, and you will need a valid photo ID.
- Carnival casinos accept U.S. dollars, ship-issued casino cards, and some credit cards, but not personal checks.
- You can set loss limits on your casino card before you sail, and Carnival staff can help you do this at the casino desk.
What games and betting limits are available
Carnival casinos offer slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Slot machines range from penny slots to high-limit machines, so there are options for different budgets. Table games typically include blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Betting minimums and maximums vary by table and time of day — minimums are often lower during off-peak hours.
Poker rooms on larger Carnival ships host tournaments and cash games. Texas Hold'em is the most common game, and buy-ins vary. If you are new to shipboard poker, the casino staff can explain the house rules and current games running that day. Tournaments are usually announced in the daily program and on the casino's information board.
Age and ID requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to enter a Carnival casino. This is a federal requirement and is strictly enforced — staff will ask for a valid photo ID at the door. Acceptable IDs include a U.S. passport, driver's license, or passport card. If you do not have one of these, you will not be allowed inside.
Minors cannot enter the casino at any time, even if accompanied by an adult. The casino is a restricted area on the ship, and crew members monitor access. If you are traveling with children, note that the casino is off-limits to them entirely.
Payment methods and casino cards
Carnival casinos accept U.S. dollars in cash, casino cards issued by the ship, and some credit cards. You can exchange cash for chips or load money onto a casino card at the cashier window. Casino cards work like a debit card — you load funds onto it and use it at slot machines and tables. This method is convenient because you do not have to carry large amounts of cash.
Personal checks are not accepted. If you want to set a loss limit on your casino card, you can do this at the casino desk before you start gambling. Carnival allows you to set daily, weekly, or trip-long limits, and once set, you cannot exceed that amount on that card. This is a tool you can use to manage your spending.
How to find the casino on your ship
The casino location varies by ship model. On most Carnival vessels, the casino is located on a mid-deck level, often near the main atrium or entertainment venues. Your cabin key card will have a map of the ship, or you can ask any crew member for directions. The casino entrance is clearly marked and staffed.
If you are unsure whether your specific ship has a casino, call Carnival directly or check the ship's deck plan on Carnival's website before you book. The deck plan shows all public spaces, including the casino if one exists. This is the most reliable way to confirm.
Responsible gambling resources onboard
Carnival provides information about responsible gambling at the casino desk and in your cabin materials. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, you can speak with casino staff about setting stricter loss limits or self-exclusion options. Carnival also displays the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline number (1-800-522-4700) in the casino.
Before your cruise, you can also contact Carnival's guest services to request that your casino card be restricted or blocked entirely. This is a step you can take before you sail if you know gambling is a concern for you. Carnival takes these requests seriously and will honor them.
What to know about casino winnings and taxes
Winnings from a Carnival casino are subject to U.S. federal income tax. If you win a large amount, the casino may issue you a form (usually a W-2G for slot machine or keno winnings) that reports your win to the IRS. You are responsible for reporting all gambling winnings on your tax return, whether or not you receive a form.
Losses cannot be deducted from winnings for tax purposes unless you itemize deductions on your tax return, and even then, only to the extent of your winnings. Keep records of your gambling activity during your cruise if you think you may need them for tax purposes. The casino can provide documentation of your play if you request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gamble if I am 18 but under 21?
Yes. Federal maritime law sets the casino age at 18, not 21. You will need a valid photo ID to enter, but age 18 is the legal minimum for Carnival casinos. This differs from land-based casinos in most U.S. states, where 21 is the standard.
What happens if I lose my casino card or forget my PIN?
Go to the casino cashier window when ready. Staff can issue you a replacement card and help you reset your PIN. Any funds loaded onto your original card are still yours — the replacement card will have access to the same account. This usually takes just a few minutes.
Can I use my casino card in ports or after the cruise ends?
No. Casino cards are only valid onboard the ship and only during your cruise. After you disembark, the card is deactivated. Any remaining balance must be cashed out at the casino desk before you leave the ship.
Is the casino open on sea days only, or also in port?
The casino is open only when the ship is at sea. Federal law requires casinos to close when the ship is docked in port, even if it is docked overnight. Hours will be posted daily, and you can check the ship's program or ask casino staff for the schedule.
What if my ship does not have a casino?
Smaller Carnival ships and some older vessels do not have casinos. If gambling is important to you, check the deck plan for your specific ship before booking. Carnival's website lists which ships have casinos, or you can call their reservations line to confirm.