By 2030 Onboard Casinos Could Account for Up to 30% of Cruise Line Revenue

Casinos are expected to remain one of the key drivers of growth in the cruise industry over the coming years, according to CDC Gaming Reports citing data from Grand View Research.

Analysts project that by 2030, the global ocean cruise market will reach $18.3 billion, growing at a compound annual rate of 11.5%. Up to one-third of that revenue could come from gambling activities onboard cruise ships.

The industry’s expansion is also expected to be fueled by rising demand for cruise travel. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) forecasts that the number of cruise passengers will climb to 39.7 million by 2027.

According to J.P. Morgan Research, the cruise segment will account for 3.8% of the global leisure market by 2028, representing a total market value of $1.9 trillion.

Major cruise operators — including Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, and Carnival Corporation — are already seeing significant cash flow from onboard casinos.

Industry reports suggest that gambling contributes up to 30% of overall cruise revenue.

To boost profitability, cruise lines are increasingly partnering with gaming industry leaders. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have agreements with MGM Resorts, Carnival Cruise Line collaborates with Bally’s Corp, and Crystal Cruises partners with Monaco’s Monte-Carlo casino operator.

Want to know how casino operations on cruise ships are regulated and by whom? Check out our dedicated feature for more details.