One thing that makes cruise ships so popular with gamblers is how they can take advantage of international waters to slacken gambling restrictions. However, if you’re planning on gambling at sea, it’s essential to understand what laws still apply and how they affect your activities at the casino.
What’s the Law When Gambling at Sea?
Many laws can affect gambling at sea, but the one golden rule you should know right off the bat is this: any boat is considered an extension of the country under whose flag it sails unless it is currently in international waters. There are exceptions to this rule, such as when it comes within a certain distance of the coast of another country.
How Far Out Do You Need to Be to Gamble Legally?
The first thing law anyone who gambles in international waters should understand is when exactly this term applies. Simply put, it depends on what country you departed from. In the United States, you need to be 12 miles off the coast, whereas in the UK, you need to have embarked on a journey into international waters.
If you’re not sure about the local laws in your country of departure, make sure to check beforehand. Gambling laws are subject to change and not always straightforward. For example, it’s legal to gamble offshore in Israel, but if you try it on land, you may be facing stiff penalties.
Gambling on Cruise Ship Casinos
Most people gambling at sea are doing so on a cruise ship casino. Often, cruise ship casinos stick to low-stakes games and penny slots. However, if there is enough demand, high-stakes games may have one arranged. Most of the other specifics are subject to the cruise line you choose, so if you’re looking for a particular game, it’s best to do your research beforehand.
Do you — or someone close to you — have a gambling problem? If so, get in touch with 800-GAMBLER to get the resources you need to stay safe.
Sources:
https://www.casino.org/blog/gambling-on-cruise-ships/
https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1791#:~:text=No.,such%20as%20Bermuda%20and%20Malta.