Betting on the high seas: How online sportsbooks are partnering with cruise ship companies

In a strategic move that aligns with the growing legal sports betting industry, cruise companies are teaming up with gambling companies to provide an enhanced entertainment experience for passengers. 

The recent partnership between BetMGM and Carnival Corporation exemplifies this trend, as they announced a deal to introduce sports betting options on over 50 U.S.-based ships. This collaboration allows passengers to place bets while at sea or when docked at a port in a state that permits sports betting. The convenience of betting is facilitated through a mobile app or physical kiosks onboard the ships.

Cruises and sports betting: An upward trend

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There has been a growing trend of sportsbooks partnering with cruise lines recently. This is likely because both industries are targeting a similar demographic of people: young adults who are interested in gambling and travel. Some of the sportsbooks that have sponsored cruise ship companies include: Caesars Massachusetts, BetMGM, and FanDuel, just to name a few.

For example, Carnival Corporation encompasses various cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise, Holland America, and Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises had already introduced sports betting last October. Now, the sports betting operations will be gradually implemented across the other cruise lines over the next few months.

The collaboration between BetMGM and Carnival Corporation is a natural fit, considering the target demographics of both industries. Cruise companies attract a diverse range of passengers seeking entertainment and leisure, while gambling companies, like BetMGM, cater to individuals interested in gaming and betting experiences. 

aboard Carnival Venezia
Casino aboard Carnival Venezia

By joining forces, they create a match made in heaven, providing passengers with a comprehensive cruise and gambling package that enhances their onboard experience.

The inclusion of sports betting and online casino gambling complements the existing offerings onboard the ships, which already feature traditional casino games such as slots, table games, and poker. 

This expansion broadens the range of entertainment options available to passengers, ensuring that there is something for everyone’s preferences. Furthermore, the partnership between BetMGM and Carnival Corporation extends beyond the introduction of sports betting, as the two companies will collaborate on marketing and promotions. 

This synergy will create additional opportunities to engage and excite passengers about the combined entertainment experiences onboard cruise ships.

The fast-growing legal sports betting industry

Betting on the high seas
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The fast-growing legal sports betting industry in the United States has developed significantly recently. Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed any state to offer legal sports betting, Americans have wagered over $125 billion in the span of just four years. 

Recognizing this trend, sportsbooks are partnering with cruise companies, which offers a unique opportunity to connect with people from around the world looking for an exciting vacation experience.

These alliances are proving to be mutually beneficial for both industries, as they offer an entirely new range of possibilities for growth and expansion. Cruise companies can use betting services as a way to add another layer of entertainment value for their passengers. 

In contrast, betting companies can tap into a whole new market of avid gamblers who might not otherwise have access to their services. This partnership also allows betting companies to expand their reach beyond traditional markets by tapping into the global tourism industry.

Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks associated with cruise companies have committed to promoting responsible gambling on board and implemented strict policies to ensure that everyone enjoys their time without any negative consequences.

Several major sportsbooks have announced that they will be introducing new features designed to enhance the gambling experience for customers while still maintaining a commitment to responsible gaming. 

These new features include cutting-edge technology that tracks player behavior in real-time, allowing operators to intervene if they detect patterns that suggest a problem may be developing. Additionally, players can set their own limits on how much money they can spend, ensuring that they stay within their financial means.

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