Yes, Princess Cruises operates casinos on most of its ships
Most Princess Cruises ships carry a casino, but not every vessel in the fleet has one. The larger ships — those in the Royal, Grand, and Regal classes — all have casinos with table games, slot machines, and poker rooms. Smaller ships like those in the Sun class do not have casinos. Before you book, check the specific ship's amenities list on Princess's website, because casino availability depends entirely on which ship you sail.
The casinos operate under international maritime law, not U.S. law, which means they can offer games that would be illegal in most American states. They are open to passengers 18 and older (some games require 21). The casino is typically one section of the ship's entertainment deck, alongside bars, lounges, and other venues.
Key Takeaways
- Princess Cruises casinos operate on larger ships but not on smaller vessels, so you must verify which ship you are sailing before booking if the casino matters to you.
- Casinos onboard offer slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps, with table minimums that vary by game and ship size.
- The casino uses shipboard currency — you exchange cash or charge to your onboard account, and winnings go back to that account.
- Casinos are open during sea days and port days, though hours may shift when the ship is in port or docked overnight.
What games and tables you will find
Princess Cruises casinos stock the standard games: slot machines (the bulk of floor space), blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Caribbean stud poker. Most ships also have a dedicated poker room where passengers can play against each other in tournaments or cash games. Table minimums typically start at $5 or $10 for blackjack and roulette, though high-limit rooms on larger ships may have $25 or $50 minimums.
Slot machines range from penny slots to machines that accept $5 or $10 per spin. The payout percentages on cruise ship slots are set by the ship's flag country (usually Bermuda or Panama), not by any U.S. gaming commission, so they differ from land-based casinos. Princess does not publish exact payout rates, but cruise ship slots generally return between 85 and 98 percent of money wagered over time.
The poker room is separate from the main casino floor and often requires a membership or a one-time entry fee. Tournaments run on set schedules, usually in the evening, and cash games run throughout the day. Buy-ins and stakes vary by tournament or table.
How the casino payment system works
You do not gamble with cash inside the casino. Instead, you exchange dollars (or other currency) at the casino cage for chips or a digital account balance. All your onboard charges — meals, drinks, shore excursions, spa services — run through the same account, so your casino losses and winnings are tracked alongside everything else.
When you check out at the end of the cruise, you settle your entire onboard account with a credit card, debit card, or cash. Winnings stay in your account and reduce what you owe, or you can request a check or credit card transfer if you end the cruise ahead. The casino cage can also exchange chips back to cash before you disembark, though some passengers prefer to leave winnings on the account to spend on the ship.
Casino hours and when you can play
Casinos typically open mid-morning (around 10 or 11 a.m.) on sea days and close late at night (midnight to 2 a.m., depending on the ship and day of the week). Hours are shorter on port days — the casino may open only in the evening after passengers return from shore. When the ship is docked overnight in a port, the casino usually closes entirely or operates on very limited hours.
The exact schedule is posted in your cabin and on the ship's daily program, which you receive each evening. Hours can shift based on the itinerary, so check the program when you board and each day of your cruise.
Restrictions and who can enter
You must be 18 years old to enter the casino on any Princess ship. Some games — particularly high-stakes poker and certain table games — may require you to be 21. Minors are not permitted in the casino at any time, even if accompanied by an adult.
Princess staff check ID at the casino entrance. If you do not have a valid passport or government-issued ID, you will not be allowed in. The casino is also off-limits to anyone who has requested self-exclusion (a voluntary ban on gambling) through Princess or through the ship's guest services.
What to know about cruise ship gambling versus land casinos
Cruise ship casinos operate under different rules than land-based casinos in Nevada, New Jersey, or other U.S. states. The ship is registered in a foreign country (usually Bermuda or Panama), so U.S. gambling regulations do not explore. This means the casino can offer games and odds that would be illegal on land, and there is no state gaming commission overseeing payouts or fairness.
The casino is a for-profit business run by Princess, not an independent operator. The house edge on table games is typically higher than in major land casinos, and slot payout percentages are set by the ship's flag country, not by any independent auditor. If you have a dispute with the casino — a machine malfunction, a disagreement over a hand of cards — your recourse is limited to Princess's internal complaint process.
Cruise ship casinos also do not offer the same player-tracking programs or rewards as land casinos. Some ships have a players' club card that tracks your play and may earn you small perks (free drinks, discounts), but the benefits are minimal compared to land-based loyalty programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own chips or winnings from another casino onto the ship?
No. The casino cage will not accept chips from other casinos or cruise lines. You must exchange U.S. dollars or other currency for Princess casino chips or account credit. If you have chips from a previous cruise, you can exchange them at the cage, but only if they are from a Princess ship.
What happens if I lose my room key or casino card?
If you lose your room key, report it to guest services when ready and they will issue a replacement. Your onboard account is tied to your cabin, not to a physical card, so you can still access the casino and make charges. If you lose a casino membership card or players' club card, the casino cage can reissue it or look up your account by name and cabin number.
Can I set a gambling budget or self-exclude before the cruise?
Yes. You can contact Princess guest services before your cruise and request that your onboard account be flagged to prevent casino charges, or you can request self-exclusion, which bars you from entering the casino. You can also set a spending limit on your onboard account through the guest services desk once you board. These requests are honored for the duration of your cruise.
Are there ATMs in the casino?
Yes, most casinos have ATMs nearby, but they charge a fee (typically $3 to $5 per withdrawal). If you need cash, it is cheaper to exchange currency at the casino cage or to withdraw from an ATM elsewhere on the ship before entering the casino.
Do I have to pay taxes on casino winnings from a cruise?
U.S. citizens are required to report gambling winnings to the IRS, including winnings from cruise ship casinos. The casino does not issue a 1099 form (as land casinos do for large wins), so tracking and reporting is your responsibility. Keep records of your play and winnings throughout the cruise.