Big cruise ships carry full casinos, yet the tables go quiet around the islands. Here is how state and federal rules, ship flags and itineraries decide when you can play at sea.
Hawaii is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Pacific, and many visitors are surprised to find the onboard casino closed for most of the trip. The reason is a mix of Hawaii's strict anti-gambling laws and the way cruise itineraries work.
Two kinds of Hawaii cruise
| Type | How it works | Casino? |
|---|---|---|
| Interisland, U.S.-flagged | A ship registered in the United States sails a loop among the islands, usually a week long | Typically no casino on board |
| Round trip from the mainland | A foreign-flagged ship sails from the West Coast, spends days at sea, visits several islands and calls at a foreign port | Open on sea days in international waters, closed in Hawaiian waters |
| Repositioning and Pacific voyages | Ships passing through on longer routes, for example to the South Pacific or Asia | Open at sea, closed in port and near the islands |
Why the rules work this way
Under federal law, states can keep gambling devices off ships in their waters, and Hawaii, which allows no gambling at all, does exactly that. As a general rule, ship casinos open only once the vessel is well offshore in international waters and close again before it returns. Foreign-flagged ships sailing to Hawaii from the mainland must also visit a foreign port because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, so itineraries often include a stop in Mexico or Canada and several sea days. Those sea days are when the slot machines light up.
The details vary by cruise line, and captains can keep the casino closed for other reasons, so check the daily program on board.
Has Hawaii tried casino boats?
Over the years, lawmakers have floated ideas ranging from a single Waikiki casino to shipboard gaming, mostly as a way to raise tax revenue. None has become law, and the state's position remains that gambling is not permitted on land or in state waters.
Tips for players at sea
- Ask the casino staff on embarkation day which days the casino will open.
- Ship casino rules and payouts can differ from land casinos, so read the table rules before you play.
- Cash withdrawals at sea can carry steep fees, so plan your budget in advance.
Prefer a sure thing? Our explainer on Hawaii's gambling laws covers what is and is not allowed on land.
Top photo: The cruise ship Pride of America docked in Honolulu, seen from Aloha Tower. Photo: Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
