Yes, Royal Caribbean ships have casinos, and they operate on every vessel in the fleet
Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship carries a casino. The casino is open to passengers 18 and older (21 and older in some ports and for certain games), and operates during sea days and while docked in international waters. The casino is not open in port or during the first and last days of your cruise.
Royal Caribbean casinos are run by the cruise line itself, not by a third-party operator. The games, payouts, and house rules are set by Royal Caribbean and vary slightly between ships, but the core offerings remain consistent across the fleet. You do not need to sign up or register to enter — you can walk in at any time during operating hours.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean casinos are open to passengers 18 and older, though some games require you to be 21.
- Casinos operate only during sea days and while the ship is in international waters, not in port or on embarkation and disembarkation days.
- The casino offers table games (blackjack, roulette, poker), slot machines, and video poker machines.
- You can exchange U.S. dollars or use your onboard account to get chips or play slots; no separate casino account is required.
What Games You Will Find in a Royal Caribbean Casino
Royal Caribbean casinos stock the standard casino games: blackjack tables, roulette wheels, poker tables (including Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold'em), and craps. Slot machines and video poker machines fill the rest of the floor. The number of tables and machines varies by ship size — larger vessels like the Oasis and Wonder classes have more gaming space than smaller ships.
Blackjack is the most common table game. Most tables have a $5 or $10 minimum bet, though some tables go higher during peak hours. Roulette tables typically run $5 to $25 minimums. Poker games are usually $1/$2 or $2/$5 stakes. Slot machines accept coins or bills, and payouts range from a few cents to several hundred dollars on a single spin, depending on the machine.
The casino does not offer sports betting, bingo, or keno. If you are looking for other forms of gambling during your cruise, you will not find them onboard.
How to Use Your Money at the Casino
You can exchange cash for chips at the casino cage (the counter where the cashier sits). Bring U.S. dollars, and the cashier will convert them to chips at a 1:1 rate. You do not need to open a separate casino account — your transaction is recorded on your onboard account, and you can cash chips back in at any time.
If you prefer not to carry cash, you can also charge losses or winnings directly to your onboard account using your cabin keycard. This works like a line of credit: the casino records the transaction, and you settle it when you leave the ship. Most passengers find it easier to exchange cash upfront rather than run a tab.
Winnings are paid in chips, which you can cash in at the cage. There is no separate payout process — you straightforward walk up, hand over your chips, and receive cash or a credit to your onboard account.
Age Requirements and Operating Hours
You must be 18 years old to enter the casino and play most games. However, some games and some ports require you to be 21. If you are between 18 and 20, ask the casino staff which games you can play — the rules depend on where the ship is sailing and which game you want to try.
The casino opens when the ship leaves port and closes when it arrives in port. On sea days, it typically opens in the afternoon and stays open until late evening or early morning, depending on passenger traffic. The exact hours are posted at the casino entrance and listed in your daily program. The casino is closed on embarkation day (the day you board) and disembarkation day (the day you leave).
What Happens If You Lose More Than You Planned
Royal Caribbean does not limit how much you can lose or spend at the casino. If you charge losses to your onboard account and cannot pay when you leave the ship, Royal Caribbean will hold your final payment until the debt is settled. You can also set up a voluntary spending limit with the casino cage before you gamble — ask the cashier how to do this.
If gambling is a concern for you, Royal Caribbean has information about problem gambling resources available at the casino desk. You can also ask to speak with the casino manager if you want to discuss limits or self-exclusion options.
Differences Between Ships and Casino Size
Larger ships have bigger casinos with more tables and machines. The Oasis-class ships (Oasis, Allure, Symphony, Wonder, Icon) have the largest casinos, with dozens of slot machines and multiple table games running simultaneously. Smaller ships like the Vision-class vessels have fewer tables and machines, but the games themselves are the same.
The payout percentages and house rules are the same across all Royal Caribbean ships — the casino does not change the odds based on ship size. If you are choosing a cruise partly based on casino size, check the ship specs on Royal Caribbean's website, which lists the number of gaming machines and table games for each vessel.
What the Casino Does Not Offer
Royal Caribbean casinos do not have poker tournaments, high-stakes rooms, or VIP gaming areas. There is no sportsbook or sports betting. You cannot place bets on horse racing, dog racing, or other events. The casino also does not offer baccarat, which is common in land-based casinos.
If you are an experienced gambler looking for a specific game or betting option, contact Royal Caribbean before you book to confirm whether your preferred game is available on your chosen ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my children into the casino to watch?
No. The casino is restricted to passengers 18 and older. Children are not permitted inside, even if they are not gambling or playing games. You will need to arrange childcare or have another adult watch them while you visit the casino.
Do I have to pay taxes on casino winnings?
Yes. Winnings of $600 or more are reported to the IRS, and Royal Caribbean will provide you with a tax form (Form W-2G) if you win that amount. You are responsible for reporting all gambling winnings on your tax return, regardless of the amount. Keep your receipts and records of your play.
What is the minimum bet at the tables?
Most blackjack tables have a $5 minimum, and roulette tables typically start at $5 to $10. Poker games usually run $1/$2 or $2/$5 stakes. Minimums can increase during busy times. Check the table placards when you arrive, as minimums vary by game and ship.
Can I use my casino winnings to pay my onboard bill?
Yes. If you cash your chips at the casino cage, you can request a credit to your onboard account instead of taking cash. This credit will be applied to your final bill when you leave the ship.
Is the casino open when the ship is in port?
No. The casino closes when the ship arrives in port and reopens when it leaves. This applies to all ports, including international waters. If your cruise has multiple sea days, the casino will be open on each of those days.