Cruise ships combine the opulence of a vacation with the exhilaration of a casino. Unfortunately, these vacations can be marred by gambling disputes and allegations of unfair practices. Whether you have a dispute while on a cruise or need assistance after the fact, obtaining an acceptable resolution requires careful paperwork and legal care. The process of dealing with cruise ship gambling claim assistance can be intimidating, especially when attempting to navigate maritime and casino laws. Luckily, the help of an experienced professional can turn what may be a difficult situation into one that is more manageable.
While the majority of casino activities on cruise ship gambling claim assistance are fair and well-regulated, there are a number of situations that can arise that warrant investigation. Many of these issues stem from conflicts regarding winnings, as well as matters involving funds that have been lost or not recovered. Disputes can also arise due to accusations of rigged games and other forms of dishonest behavior.
In most cases, the best option for handling a gambling dispute is to raise the issue with the pit boss or casino manager. If they cannot help, then a complaint can be submitted with the casino director. If the matter remains unresolved, a claim can be submitted with the cruise line once you are back on land.
As of 2019, RCCL has a fleet that includes 17 ships that include casinos onboard. These ships boast over 4,000 electronic gambling machines, which is nearly three times the amount of slots in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. While these casinos are a big money maker for cruise lines, they do carry inherent risks and the house always has an edge. This is why responsible gambling is advised whenever cruise ships are in international waters.
It is important to know that when a cruise ship docks or sails within a country’s territorial water, the law of that nation takes precedence over all activities on board. This means that if you are on a cruise that sails into the US’ territorial waters and you win a large amount in their casino, you will likely have to pay taxes on your winnings.
Additionally, if you are a regular gambler on a cruise ship and have accumulated substantial amounts of loyalty points, you will be subject to the same tax rules as anyone else. However, you must remember that these loyalty points can be redeemed for discounted and free cruise offers, meals, drinks, and other perks.
During the cruise, you can find information on casino opening hours in the daily program delivered to your cabin or available through an onboard app if it exists. You can also speak to a casino host if you are curious about the hours and any changes.
Cruises can be a fantastic way to combine the relaxation and opulence of a vacation with a dash of excitement. But, as with any type of vacation, harmful accidents can happen. Whether you are soaking up the sun, gambling in the casino, or waiting for your turn to zipline above the deck, unexpected injuries can occur that lead to significant suffering and hardship. If you’ve suffered an injury from a gambling-related incident on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, SteinLaw can help you determine the strength of your case and process your claim.