Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world, has officially partnered with the American Gaming Association, becoming the first-ever cruise line to sign up with the casino advocacy group. Carnival focuses on limited-time, adult-only cruises, and its 'All-Casino Exclusive Sailings' are a big hit with numerous passengers.
Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise operator globally, has officially joined the American Gaming Association, becoming the first cruise line to partner with the nation's foremost trade group representing tribal casino and commercial interests. The move is seen as a groundbreaking step in bridging the maritime leisure sector with the land-based gaming industry.
Headquartered in Miami, Carnival Corporation operates a global fleet of cruise lines that include brands such as Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. The company offers onboard casino experiences featuring slot machines and table games as well as dedicated gambling spaces, including both smoking and non-smoking areas.
A strategic partnership for growth and responsibility
The AGA, based in Washington, DC, is known for its advocacy in promoting a strong, well-regulated, and responsible gaming industry. Carnival's membership reflects a shared commitment to those values.
"Joining the American Gaming Association is an important step in advancing our industry leadership and ensuring we remain at the forefront of responsible gaming and regulatory best practices," said senior vice president of global gaming for Carnival Corporation Marty Goldman. "This partnership opens new avenues for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will directly benefit our guests, team members, and the broader Carnival Corporation organization."
AGA's senior vice president of membership and events, Maureen Beddis, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We're thrilled to welcome our first cruise line member," she said. "Carnival's commitment to delivering world-class gaming experiences at sea complements our efforts to promote innovation, collaboration, and responsible gaming across the industry."
A new chapter for onboard gaming
Carnival's move comes amid a growing focus on enhancing the onboard casino experience. In May, Carnival launched a series of special sailings branded as 'ACES' - short for All-Casino Exclusive Sailings. These limited-time, adults-only voyages feature enhanced casino promotions and gaming-focused events. According to internal sources, the ACES initiative was developed to capitalize on fleet availability after dry dock schedules for ships like Carnival Conquest and Magic were delayed.
Through AGA membership, Carnival gains access to a host of exclusive industry tools - including regulatory guidance, professional development programming, research insights, and access to policy committees. The affiliation allows Carnival's leadership to contribute to national gaming conversations while leveraging data and resources to fine-tune its own gaming offerings.
"This partnership allows corporate leaders and team members to stay at the forefront of industry trends, access cutting-edge data, and participate in events and committees that shape the future of gaming," the AGA stated.
Cruise casinos: legal and regulated
While cruise casinos cannot operate until ships reach international waters - where they are beyond the jurisdiction of their departure port - they are still subject to rigorous regulation. Carnival and its peers, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Virgin Voyages, are all members of the Cruise Lines International Association. As part of CLIA, cruise lines are required to meet gaming standards akin to those enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, widely considered the benchmark in casino regulation. Each onboard casino is independently audited on an annual basis for compliance.
Cruise casinos typically maintain a minimum payback percentage of 75% on slot machines, though many opt for higher payout levels - generally between 80% and 85% - to remain competitive. This compares to land-based casinos in Nevada, where slot paybacks often exceed 90%.
Carnival's membership in the AGA not only signals its growing influence within the regulated gaming sector but also reflects a trend of alliances between traditional and non-traditional gaming environments. As onboard entertainment continues to evolve, this partnership demonstrates the increasing importance of regulatory alignment, guest safety, and industry-wide collaboration.