Can you use OBC in casino?

[Rick&Jeannie]

34 minutes ago, PMGS247 said:

 

I have 2 cruises booked right now, both with a couple hundred of OBC, but I feel like if I go in and book an excursion, I'm going to have to put in a credit card.  Is that not true?

 

Answer to my own question: No! It's not! I was able to apply OBC.  I could swear that's not been the case in the past.  I've either not noticed that in the past or it's changed....irrelevant, I suppose.  Thanks for correcting me; good to know!

As long as you have enough OBC "on file" to cover the excursion(s) it will use that first.  If by chance you do NOT want it to do so there is a box you can uncheck so that you keep your OBC intact (should you wish to do so).

[MissP22]

1 hour ago, wallyj said:

A passenger has reported earlier this year, 2023, talking to Princess management , the Casino does have plans to finally update the accounting software so charges in the Casino will NOT net against OBC. This has always been the ‘official’ written policy, but it has not been enforced. Just a heads up that this loop hole is looking to be closed, but who knows when?
 

I know NCL has not allowed Casino charges to reduce OBC.

 

We have seen many posts that state Princess ‘reads’ these boards, so they are aware of what passengers are saying and doing.

Since we will no longer be sailing with any plus packages in the future, we'll be using our non refundable OBC for our gratuities. 

That in addition to a few drinks, will eat up any OBC we normally receive. 

[Musky Ike]

1 hour ago, wallyj said:

A passenger has reported earlier this year, 2023, talking to Princess management , the Casino does have plans to finally update the accounting software so charges in the Casino will NOT net against OBC. This has always been the ‘official’ written policy, but it has not been enforced. Just a heads up that this loop hole is looking to be closed, but who knows when?
 

I know NCL has not allowed Casino charges to reduce OBC.

 

We have seen many posts that state Princess ‘reads’ these boards, so they are aware of what passengers are saying and doing.

We have been hearing that for a long time. When/if it happens, we will just wait until onboard to upgrade to Princess Plus. That will take care of our OBC and then some. Unless they stop that option also. I would gamble less if not using OBC. Not sure that is what they want either. 

[Bgwest]

Although it has been said plenty enough, it’s important to remember that the casino is not an ATM.

[Lady Arwen]

I’ve always used our OBC in the casino, however, I always go through it all and have to add my own money to play.  Not having tried to cash out might be the reason I was allowed to do so.  Clearly, I’m not a big winner in the casino!  We have substantial OBC for our upcoming cruise and I hope to give it back to Princess, as usual.

[Ombud]

You can also use the OBC (refundable & nonrefundable) to upgrade from Standard to Plus

[DallasGuy75219]

14 hours ago, Musky Ike said:

I would gamble less if not using OBC. Not sure that is what they want either. 

Actually I don't think they'd mind you spending your OBC to buy something with a higher margin for Princess vs. gambling in the casino.

[Musky Ike]

47 minutes ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

Actually I don't think they'd mind you spending your OBC to buy something with a higher margin for Princess vs. gambling in the casino.

I don't know, it doesn't cost them much to operate those one armed bandits. I think the return is pretty good in the casino or it wouldn't be there.

[DallasGuy75219]

2 minutes ago, Musky Ike said:

I don't know, it doesn't cost them much to operate those one armed bandits. I think the return is pretty good in the casino or it wouldn't be there.

When people are spending their own money,  not Princess' money that they'd otherwise have to spend somewhere else onboard (or forfeit) in the case on non-refundable OBC.

[Musky Ike]

1 hour ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

When people are spending their own money,  not Princess' money that they'd otherwise have to spend somewhere else onboard (or forfeit) in the case on non-refundable OBC.

True, I'm sure other areas of revenue have many times higher markups than the casino house edge. But some of us are just stupid enough (personal experience) to waste all of our OBC and more in the casino and end up with nothing but guilt and a bill to show for it. Like freeplay is used to suck people in. Plus, just because you use OBC in the casino doesn't mean you won't still spend real money on the other stuff. 

[wannagonow123]

The casino is actually not operated by Princess. The space is leased and Princess gets a percentage of what is collected. The "free rooms" are paid for by Ocean Players club, as is the Freeplay. The beverages are paid by Carnival Corp and Princess.

[MissP22]

On 6/22/2023 at 6:42 AM, DallasGuy75219 said:

Actually I don't think they'd mind you spending your OBC to buy something with a higher margin for Princess vs. gambling in the casino.

Ever since the Covid shutdown, I'm hard-pressed to find any bargains in a the Princess shops. The once popular sales in the DR are gone & none of the shops want to offer sales on any items.

It's becoming harder to find anything to spend my OBC on lately. 

[Cruise till you drop]

On 6/7/2023 at 10:03 PM, ski_mom said:

We have a group of 10 and we all have a decent amount of OBC - between $100-$170 each.  

 

Most of us are using it on an excursion.  For some of the others, can they use it in the casino on the slot machines?  I know on Carnival, you can load it to your card at the slot machines and use it there.

 

Just wondered if that's an option with Princess as well?

 

Thanks!

 

In the Casino is where they hope you will use, and lose it

[Lady Arwen]

25 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said:

In the Casino is where they hope you will use, and lose it

That would be me!  There is virtually nothing to buy on the ship, however we occasionally dine in Crown Grill or Sabatini’s to use some of our OBC.  The rest of our OBC satisfies our gambling habit without using too much of our own money.  If they stop allowing OBC in the casino we’ll just forgo purchasing the Plus or Premier package.

[PMGS247]

On 6/21/2023 at 4:27 PM, Bgwest said:

Although it has been said plenty enough, it’s important to remember that the casino is not an ATM.

 

I mean it's not technically but I've been on ships with NO ATM's, leaving the casino as the only option other than finding one at a port, which isn't always a feasible option. I concede on any lectures about bringing enough cash onto the ship beforehand as not to end up in a situation like this on board, but we're all human - it happens to the best of us.

 

Personally I don't have any problem using the Casino for straight ATM purposes to avoid a crazy withdrawal fee, but I justify that to myself in the sense that I'll have probably made $1000+ in bets throughout the week, so if I want to add $200 to my account specifically for the purpose of going to the cashier for some pocket money, I can still sleep at night.

 

As for a random non-gambler walking in, adding $200, and cashing it out when there's an ATM 20 yards away?  I guess I don't care too much. If people are willing to go through the effort to avoid it, your ATM fee may be too high.  Supply/demand.

[Musky Ike]

1 hour ago, Lady Arwen said:

If they stop allowing OBC in the casino we’ll just forgo purchasing the Plus or Premier package.

Could still upgrade when you get onboard and use OBC. At least for now.

[Lady Arwen]

27 minutes ago, Musky Ike said:

Could still upgrade when you get onboard and use OBC. At least for now.

Exactly!  Hopefully, this option will still be available to us long term.

[MissP22]

3 hours ago, Lady Arwen said:

 If they stop allowing OBC in the casino we’ll just forgo purchasing the Plus or Premier package.

But you're such a fan of the liquor package, what difference could it  possibly make? 

[Lady Arwen]

Just now, MissP22 said:

But you're such a fan of the liquor package, what difference could it  possibly make? 

I am!  I’ll just purchase it onboard with my OBC!   We usually have LOTS of it. I know you are not a fan, but isn’t it lovely we all have choices.  Have a delightful day!