Gambling Onboard

[evert9]

How does this work. Do you need cash or can it be applied to your shipboard account? Thanks in advance! Also, if you hit it big, do you need proof of your SSN? They no longer print them on driver's license so I was just curious if I need to take my card (wishfully thinking :)).

[cbpanda]

How does this work. Do you need cash or can it be applied to your shipboard account? Thanks in advance! Also, if you hit it big, do you need proof of your SSN? They no longer print them on driver's license so I was just curious if I need to take my card (wishfully thinking :)).

 

The casino takes cash. Although they will charge your shipboard account to exchange for cash, but there's a surcharge (I think it's 15%). Best you just bring cash for that purpose. It also keep you on a budget.

 

Since I didn't "hit it big" (I don't know if I've ever hit it big :D ), I can't help you with the other part of your question.

[spongerob]

You can either use cash, or charge to your shipboard account. If you decide to just put it on your account, there is a 3% fee to do so. That's not huge, but with the house edge already as high as it is, why give them the extra vig?

 

There is a limit to how much you can charge. I believe it is a maximum of $1500 per day, and $5000 per cruise. If that's wrong, I'm sure someone will provide the correct info. :)

[minnie00]

I don't know about cruise's but if you hit it big in Vegas you do not need your SS card. I know. :p and its not on my DL either. they just ask for your SS # and your drivers license. :)

 

ps...hitting big is any jackpot over $1200 in Vegas :)

[KreinKrunker]

hitting big is any jackpot over $1200

Same on Princess, just in case, remember your SS number.

[lindasuej]

Why would you have to supply your SS#. You are in International waters when gambling. I could be wrong but I don't think it is reported.

Linda

[LisaH]

My husband hit it big to the tune of $2500 (yippee) on a quarter slot. They just counted out $2500 - SWEET!

 

I think they charge you a percentage to charge casino money to your shipboard account...just bring cash to the casino - it is cheaper.

[LisaH]

Why would you have to supply your SS#. You are in International waters when gambling. I could be wrong but I don't think it is reported.

Linda

 

 

Yep, you are right...when my hubby won there were no questions asked. We asked if we had to fill out any forms and they said nope, international waters - no info needed. You just had to sign a form stating they paid you. No ssn's involved.

[johnql]

Why would you have to supply your SS#. You are in International waters when gambling. I could be wrong but I don't think it is reported.

Linda

I could be wrong, but I believe gambling winnings (regardless of where they are won, in the U.S. or in international waters) are supposed to be reported to the IRS. As far as filling out any paperwork and/or being issued a W-2G by the ship's casino, I believe that depends on the amount won and on what game. I thinks $1200 triggers the W-2G if the money won is on a slot machine. If a slot jackpot exceeds $5000, the casino is supposed to withhold 25% for Federal Income Tax.

[Rollexx]

Its true you are suppose to report winnings to the IRS, however, your not in the US, so the casinos leave that up to you.

[Shelly97060]

A little off topic but ... as mentioned the fee to get cash for casino is 3%. This is cheaper then some ATM machines and in someways safer (no worries of "skimmers" stealing your card number), so before going ashore if we need cash we go to the casino to get cash.

 

 

Good luck!:)

[stungazed]

Why would you have to supply your SS#. You are in International waters when gambling. I could be wrong but I don't think it is reported.

Linda

 

It used to be like that be there have been changes. I can't find the actual rules on this but there was recently a discussion about it on the VPFree Yahoo Group.

 

This is from the NCL Website:

 

IRS Reporting

W2G or 1042S forms are issued for single slot machine winnings in excess of $1200.00 or a single table wager earning more than 300% return, as in the case of a Caribbean Stud Progressive Jackpot Win.

Federal Income Tax Act stipulates that all American citizens and Permanent Residents are subject to global income tax. Regardless if a US citizen or Permanent Resident earns this income in international waters or with a ship that carries a foreign flag, if income is generated, such income becomes taxable. If a Social Security number is furnished, then the document W2G will be issued with NO upfront tax deduction. If a Social Security number is not furnished, then an upfront withholding tax will apply. Foreign guests will be taxed only if winnings are derived within US domestic waters. Whenever a tax form is issued to the guest, a duplicate copy will be sent to the IRS.

For more information, guests are advised to contact a professional tax advisor. Win/Loss Statements will be provided by NCL on a request basis at the end of the calendar year. All requests should be directed to Casino Operations in writing.

[spongerob]

James in NY (Stungazed) is right. The rules changed well over a year ago. You have to be careful how the taxes are applied if you are playing a table game like Let-it-Ride. My wife hit a straight flush and the casino manager reported the total winnings, when only the bonus jackpot was taxable. I was able to get it changed before tax time.

[SoFloDeb]

Two years ago I hit the progressive Blazing Sevens slot on CB and won $1400 and something, never asked a question. Casino person came and filled out a little form and told me to take it to the cashier which I did. She counted out the money without any questions asked. Gotta love it! I took that $1400 and promptly booked my next cruise.

[cruisinrg]

I just won $1,000 a week ago on the CB playing Let it Ride & they only asked to see my cruise card. Paid me with no problem :)