MSC Cruises bets on a new kind of entertainment

The cruise industry knows it needs to serve a wide range of interests and demographics. A main attraction of cruising is its range of activities that allow passengers to enjoy their vacation to the maximum.

Popular activities include family karaoke, bingo, and trivia, which you will find on just about every cruise ship. But major cruise lines also diversify what they offer so cruisers can try different experiences.

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While MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival provide lots of thrilling activities for kids — think waterslides and ropes courses — more luxury-minded cruise lines offer "paint and sip" or music bingo to appeal to older crowds who often favor relaxing experiences.

Now the Italian-owned MSC Cruises will add another way for cruisers to enjoy being at sea and on the ship in between destinations.

MSC Cruises to roll out sports betting on some ships this year

MSC Cruises' new sports betting program will launch across eight of its ships and 284 sailings this year, with the option to expand to MSC’s entire fleet of 24 ships based on performance.

“We’re very proud to be able to deliver the excitement and engagement of sports gaming to our guests through partnership with Playtech,” said Head of Casino Mara Friso. Playtech’s Sports VP Yori Arami described this new deal as “a great opportunity to expand Playtech’s global footprint in the cruise leisure industry.”

While specific details about the sports available for betting have not been disclosed, Playtech’s platform typically offers wagering on a wide range of sports including the NFL, NBA, soccer, tennis, baseball, golf, boxing, MMA, and motorsports (such as Formula 1). 

Related: MSC Cruises takes another bold step in its ambitious growth plan

MSC is not the first cruise line to offer sports betting. Princess Cruises have offered sports betting since 2021, followed by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America in 2022. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity do not currently offer sports gaming. 

On MSC cruises, guests will be able to place bets while in international waters. For now, MSC hasn’t confirmed whether sports wagers will be made through kiosks, a mobile app, or both. But if the delivery mirrors the rest of its Neon casino system, it will likely offer a digital-style experience on top of its traditional games.

If MSC implements sports gaming via personal devices — as Princess Cruises has done — it can increase in-app engagement, providing more convenient enjoyment to passengers. Essentially, they would be able to place bets anywhere on the ship, not just in the casino. 

MSC Cruises' casino program offers other gaming options

MSC Cruises provides a comprehensive casino experience similar to that offered by other major cruise lines. MSC’s casinos currently have slot machines and a variety of table games including roulette, poker, craps, and baccarat. High-roller rooms are present on newer ships, along with dedicated smoking rooms.

The casinos are open when ships sail outside territorial waters, adhering to maritime regulations and following Vegas-style gaming rules. MSC has promoted its onboard casinos with tournament play and themed events.

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MSC’s casinos also have a rewards program, “MSC Signature Player Rewards,” allowing players to earn points — known as Dream Points — based on their gaming activity.

Players can use points for discounts on future cruises, complimentary stateroom upgrades, and even free cruises. For example, accumulating 5,000 points may qualify a player for a free interior stateroom on a 2- to 5-night cruise.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.