The Land-based and Ship-based Casinos
There are several differences between ship and land-based casinos.
The primary purpose of a cruise is to give the passengers a complete vacation. Casino gaming is merely one of the competing activities offered on the ship.
Conversely, the objective of land-based casinos is to attract individuals who wish to gamble.
Land-based casinos are heavily regulated by a state regulatory agency. There is a noticeable absence of rigorous regulations on cruise ships.
Many of the ship casinos follow some of the guidelines used by land-based casinos; however, without satisfactory regulations, casino operators are not obliged to adhere to any rules.
The table game limits on cruises are purposely kept low, usually, from $100 to $200. The rationale for this policy is to prevent a passenger losing large sums of money which would ruin their vacation and the cruise.
On land, some players often encourage casino managers to raise the table limits much higher than $200.
Another big difference between the two venues is the practice of advertising. Cruise ship casino advertisement is permitted only on board the ship. Efforts are made to down play gambling because there are still some negative connotations of gambling, and cruises are often touted as opportunities for families to spend time together.
In land-based casinos, it is customary to give complimentary rooms (comps) to players who spend a specific amount of money at a casino. Prior to 1992, this practice of 'comping' was unheard of on cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Lines was the first company to break this tradition by giving away complimentary cabins.
Carnival initiated a 'Comp-A-Cruise' program originally for $100 players. Afterwards, $25 players were allowed to earn complimentary trips if they played eight or twelve hours for a four-or-seven day cruise, respectively.
On a cruise ship, the casino is not the only place where individuals can have fun. There are an assortment of other activities competing for the time and money of the passengers.
Perhaps the greatest competition for money and time is shipboard bingo. This game appeals to all passengers; it is easy to play, it passes the time, and it is fun for groups.
In 1992, the Cruise Lines International Association indicated that only four percent of Americans had ever taken a cruise. This statistic signifies the cruise industry growth potential in the United States of America.
Already, we see larger and more majestic ships being built. Carnival has just recently built its Sensation, Fantasy and Ecstasy, each carrying 2600 passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises are also constructing several superliners. The increase in passenger load has also brought about an increase in the number of slot and video and poker machines.
As people become more accustomed to land-based casinos, they will be less intimidated by the cruise-ship casinos when they take a cruise.
As casino gambling become more popular, there will be a need for regulatory agency to insure the integrity of the industry.
Regulations will standardize games and practices on all cruises. Furthermore, the regulations will also be beneficial to both the casinos and customers in preventing cheating and embezzlement.
In the future, without exception, there will be more progressive-linked slot machines on the ships. These links will be between cruise ships within a cruise line company.
Companies with many ships, with slot machines in it will have a competitive edge.
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