casino at sea--slots

having been on many cruises-I am always concerned about the control on the slots. Does anyone have an idea as to who controls the payout--are the machines actually reprogrammed for each new departure. We have won on slots, but it usually is on the first day or the last day or 2. Any opinions or facts would be appreciated.I also feel there is little or no control on Bingo payouts--How do they determine each payout-how much does the House take???

Great question! I'd love to know the answer too. I always hesitate to play slots (which I love to play in Las Vegas) thinking that there is no competition for their business, so it must not payout very good.

I'll be watching this thread for more info. Thanks for posting it!

The fact is that they CAN be programmed. How much and how often can only be answered by an insider. But, rest assured they ARE being programmed.

I agree they are probably reprogrammed wach week or so--with no independent control.

Of course the crazier part is if you are lucky enought to hit a large slot payout they give you a W2 form for gambling winning--even though you are in Intl water

they give you a W2 if you are a US citizen. What the heck is that? I noticed too that they seem to hit first day or two and then NOTHING

they give you a W2 if you are a US citizen. What the heck is that? I noticed too that they seem to hit first day or two and then NOTHING

Do you need to bring your SS card with you on the cruise?

I always do that in Vegas & Laughlin.

They simply ask for your ss # but they also have your passport information on file

I honestly don't remember how many years ago that changed, but I know it was before 2006, the US passed a law that requires any ship that embarks US Pax from a US port to report any casino wins over 1200.00. I know it changed before 2006 because that was the first time we had to get the W2 paperwork for a jackpot that I can remember.

As far as the machines being programmed, etc...the Casino Manager on RCCL's Grandure of the Sea told us that they did "reset" their machines every cruise. Now I do not know if they really reset the machines back to the start so that each cruise had the same chance to win on that machine, but I can assure you they did reset the progressive amounts on their machines. Our disembarkation group waited in the casino and by that morning the progressive amounts had been reset. I do know we did better in the casino on that cruise that any casino on any other cruise ship. It was a 13 night cruise and I literally hit at least one jackpot a night.

I agree they are probably reprogrammed wach week or so--with no independent control.

Of course the crazier part is if you are lucky enought to hit a large slot payout they give you a W2 form for gambling winning--even though you are in Intl water

Not on Royal Caribbean!!!!! No 1099's....

they are* w-2Gs* that they give you --and Royal* does give them as well

Never received anything...just have to initial a slip. I am a member of their Club Royale and have been on tournament cruises. No nothing...

as a uk citizen, we keep it all folks!!!

no tax form for us, just pure profit, thats if you win of course:rolleyes:

the Dawn hits good; i hit the progressive slots $2,000. I also hit on bingo on the Spirit. The Dawn hits the last afternoon and night of the cruise. You got to go to the sizzling 7's if they still have them

they give you a W2 if you are a US citizen. What the heck is that? I noticed too that they seem to hit first day or two and then NOTHING

So if you are not a US citizen but do have an SS # do you have to get the w-2G form for winnings over 1200.00?? Good info to know before my cruise in Dec. thanks

Never received anything...just have to initial a slip. I am a member of their Club Royale and have been on tournament cruises. No nothing...

iF YOU HIT $1200 YOU GOT A W2g.

the Dawn hits good; i hit the progressive slots $2,000. I also hit on bingo on the Spirit. The Dawn hits the last afternoon and night of the cruise. You got to go to the sizzling 7's if they still have them

I BELIEVE THAT ALL PROGRESSIVES ON NCL ARE NOW GONE.. They were on the GEM in January, the Pearl in Hune and the Dawn in August.