Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Slots are a popular way to gamble on cruise ships. getty Casinos conjure up images of the glitzy hotels and 24/7 action of Las Vegas, but there’s a unique form of gambling that takes place far from the desert—on cruise ships. While you will find some serious gamblers at sea, most people gambling on cruise ships are casual gamers at best.

The casino offerings from most cruise lines reflect this, with a limited number of table games and a focus on slots. Nevertheless, spending some time in the casino can be an enjoyable part of a cruise vacation for many people. As with all gambling, it’s important to set aside a budget so you know what you’re prepared to lose.

1. Odds Aren’t As Good It’s no secret that casino odds aren’t in your favor on land, but that’s even more true at sea. For example, in Blackjack, where the odds of winning on land might be more favorable due to competitive regulation, cruise ship casinos often have rules that further tip the balance in the house's favor.

“Cruise ship casinos offer some of the poorest payouts of any casino you’ll find,” stated Cruzely’s Tanner Callais . He highlighted Blackjack as a typical case of offering poorer playing conditions at sea. He explained that many cruise lines offer payouts of 6-to-5 instead of the more usual 3-to-2: “If that doesn’t sounds like a big deal, consider that a $10 bet would pay $12 on blackjack instead of $15 under the typical rul.