This Innocent Type Of Entertainment Can Get You In Trouble On Your Carnival Cruise Ship

Anyone thinking they could run their own side games for extra bar cash on their next cruise should think again. And it's not so much secret cruise etiquette as a hard and fast rule. Carnival Cruise Line has made it clear: Gambling outside of its official casino is not permitted onboard. On Facebook, John Heald, Carnival's brand ambassador, reinforced this policy after a guest posted about playing a game called Left Center Right for money that was shut down by Carnival staff. Heald said, "We do not allow gambling outside of the casino in anyway, shape, or form." He added that card and dice games are allowed, as long as monetary stakes aren't part of it. "You can play for fun or Cleveland, Ohio souvenir door magnets, but not money."

Why such strict rules when gambling is clearly allowed in the onboard casino? It's likely because Carnival must comply with international gambling laws. Ships cross into, out of, and between jurisdictions, and what's legal in one place may be illegal in another. Allowing unsanctioned gambling could violate local laws, maritime laws, or both. Even so, many online commenters also speculated that it's because non-sanctioned gambling outside of the cruise line's casino isn't profitable for the company.

So, while playing dice with friends might feel harmless, doing it for money — even small amounts — is against Carnival's rules. But there are plenty of ways you can still keep game night lively without breaking the rules.

As Carnival is often considered one of the best cruise lines to book for a family vacation, many passengers enjoy spending time with loved ones and friends playing games. But according to John Heald, any game played for cash or monetary stakes outside the casino is off the table. That includes organized betting or pooling money in a group where the winner takes real cash. However, Carnival can only shut down something that clearly violates this policy. So, there are ways around it for the creative cruiser who still wants to "make things interesting."

Cruisers can play any games outside the casino using non-cash rewards, like candies, IOU drinks, or bragging rights. The thrill of winning something small can keep things fun without breaking the rules. As Facebook user Susan O Beam shared: "We actually used rubber ducks instead of cash. We had a great time playing with and seeing the sparkling faces of the winner, taking home their haul of ducks!! QUACK QUACK!!"

Other cruisers find substitutes that can be exchanged for money later, like poker chips. Commenter Susan Zirpoli said: "We each pay 3 dollars to buy 3 chips before the game begins. Since there is no money on the table there is never a problem." This seems to be a popular solution for passengers who absolutely still want to put money on the line. Mary Kay Campbell added, "We play for chips and then settle up in our cabins post game!" And for anyone still wanting some high-level action, there's a designated spot for that. Here's what you need to know before hitting the cruise ship's casino.