Light & Wonder, the Las Vegas-based game manufacturer, has just agreed to bring its progressive table games to a total of 18 world-class Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The cruise line ordered 200 GM Atlas systems, and each has progressive table games for derivatives of poker and blackjack.

Norwegian Cruise Line is elevating its onboard gaming experience by teaming up with Las Vegas-based gaming technology leader Light & Wonder. The collaboration brings progressive table games to 18 ships in the NCL fleet, enhancing the excitement and potential payouts for cruise passengers.

A game-changing partnership

Last month, Norwegian announced its decision to implement L&W's cutting-edge Operator Wide Area Progressive table games network. This ambitious undertaking involves installing a total of 200 GM Atlas systems, introducing progressive betting options for popular games like poker and blackjack derivatives.

Ian Donald, the vice president of gaming for Norwegian, stated his enthusiasm for the partnership: "This innovative technology allows us to link gaming experiences across our vessels, offering our guests even more excitement and the opportunity for larger payouts."

Niaz Nejad, the managing director of Light & Wonder's Americas business unit, echoed Donald's sentiments: "We take pride in delivering exciting gaming experiences that resonate with players, whether on land or at sea. By connecting our industry-leading GM Atlas progressives across their extensive fleet, we're bringing the excitement of gaming to NCL's guests at sea."

The first of Norwegian's ships to feature the new progressive table games was the Breakaway. With this rollout, the cruise line positions itself at the forefront of the evolving onboard gaming market.

The resurgence of cruise ship casinos

In recent years, cruise ship casinos have seen a revival, fueled in part by the growing popularity of gambling in the US. Legalized sports betting, which expanded dramatically following a landmark 2018 US Supreme Court ruling, has reignited interest in onboard gaming facilities.

Other major cruise lines have also made strides to enhance their gaming options:

  • Royal Caribbean has replaced its 'Jazz on 4' salons or lounges with smoke-free parlors dedicated to gaming.
  • Crystal Symphony introduced the first Monte-Carlo Casino at sea.
  • Carnival Cruise Line partnered with Bally's to offer an exclusive points-based rewards program.

Norwegian's collaboration with L&W builds on this momentum, introducing Let It Ride, blackjack, ultimate Texas hold'em, and three-card poker to its fleet.

A leader in onboard gaming

Norwegian Cruise Line, founded in 1966 by Knut Kloster, a Norwegian, and businessman Ted Arison, from Israel, is the fourth-largest cruise operator globally. Its onboard gaming venues, branded as Casinos At Sea, are designed to cater to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to high rollers.

The Casinos At Sea program boasts over 4,800 slot machines and table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. Slot machines, supplied by top manufacturers like Aristocrat, IGT, and Everi, feature betting options ranging from as high as $100 per spin. For table game enthusiasts, high-stakes betting limits of up to $5,000 per hand are available. Norwegian's casinos operate on a cash-based system but also offer credit for qualified passengers, with a minimum application threshold of $5,000.

Light & Wonder's transformation

Light & Wonder, formerly known as Scientific Games, underwent a significant transformation in recent years. In 2021, the company sold its sports betting division for $1.2 billion to the Endeavor Group and divested its operations on the lottery for $6.1 billion to Brookfield Business Partners. Rebranding as Light & Wonder in 2022, the company emphasized its focus on innovation and gaming excellence.

This partnership with Norwegian marks L&W's first OWAP table games network at sea, demonstrating its commitment to expanding gaming experiences beyond traditional venues.

With the integration of L&W's progressive table games, Norwegian Cruise Line solidifies its reputation as a leader in cruise ship gaming. This collaboration promises to deliver unparalleled gaming excitement, linking passengers across 18 ships in a unified network. As the cruise industry continues to rebound and innovate, Norwegian's investment in advanced gaming technology reflects its dedication to providing unforgettable experiences for its passengers.