Key Aspects:
- Carnival Cruise Line does not permit any unauthorized gambling onboard, even small amounts for popular card or dice games.
- The game Left Center Right is one that often uses such small bets. Guests may play the game during their cruise but not for money.
- One guest was upset on their recent Carnival cruise when they felt a crew member was rude by reminding them of the rules.
Cruise guests often bring their own games or puzzles to fill any downtime or just to make new friends on a voyage. Not all types of gameplay are permitted, however.
Carnival Cruise Line has issued yet another reminder to guests that any unauthorized gambling is not permitted. This includes even seemingly small bets on popular games such as Left Center Right.
Some guests recently received an onboard reminder of the restriction, and were not happy about it. One guest was so upset at the interaction that they reached out to the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald.
“Yesterday my cruise pals and me were playing cards and Left Center Right. We were told by a very rude Carnival worker that we had to stop,” the guest explained. “He was very rude!!!!”
The guest does not quote the crew member or explain how they may have seemed rude. To some people, being told they can’t do something could be considered “rude” no matter what tone of voice or exact words may be used.
“Sometimes when people tell us not to do something we think they are being rude when perhaps, most of the time they are not,” Heald noted. “While I again may be wrong I am sure this crew member who saw you playing cards for money and asked you to stop did so politely.”
Left Center Right (LCR) is a fast-paced dice game whereby players pass chips back and forth according to each roll. To liven up the game, some players place bets on each round or use coins instead of chips, with the winning player taking home the center pot.
The Carnival guest goes on to clarify how much money was in play during the game, and why they think this should still be acceptable.
“Each game was only $20 max on the table. $4 each. Not going to break Carnival’s bank or anyone else’s,” the guest said. “Some of Carnival’s rules are getting out of hand.”
Carnival’s rules are not based on a total amount of money. It is a clear restriction that no unauthorized gambling, whether for $.01 or $100, is permitted.
“To clarify, we do not allow gambling outside of the casino in anyway, shape or form,” Heald said firmly. “There are very [strict] rules about this and while you may not agree with them they are the rules that we have in place.”
Why Can’t Guests Play for Money?
While LCR and other private card games are not banned, guests may not play for money. Carnival Cruise Line must follow gambling restrictions according to their own licensing as well as gambling restrictions for every port of call they visit.
Read Also: Everything to Know about Carnival’s Adults-Only SEA Casino Cruises
Playing for other, non-monetary prizes is permitted, however, and would cause no problems.
Heald suggests souvenir door magnets as prizes, but other fun choices might be cruising ducks, trinkets from one’s home state, or even VIFP loyalty pins.
Carnival Cruise Line has addressed the no-gambling-outside-the-casino restriction several times in the past. In April 2024, Heald also specifically noted that playing LCR for money was not permitted.
Again in January 2025, the same issue was brought up and Heald himself suggested candy as a betting alternative.
“You can play for fun or mini Twix bars but not money,” he said. “Thank you for your understanding.”
Other guests suggested using items such as chocolates (deal me in!), buttons, candy, or other small items to play with no money necessary.
