Cruise
Gambling restrictions lifted by Aussie state
Chips ahoy! Full steam ahead for coastal gaming
A new provision has been added which specifies that gaming must be an ancillary service, meaning cruises ‘to nowhere’ will remain banned.
Cruise passengers can now access the full casino experience off the Western Australian coast under changes to the state’s Gaming and Wagering Commission Regulations.
The amendments, which have officially come into effect, allow gaming floors to be open when cruise ships travel between ports in Western Australia.
The former restriction banning gaming while the ship is within 12 nautical miles of the WA coastline has also been amended so that gambling is only prohibited when the vessel is within 12 nautical miles of the port where it intends to berth or anchor.
In the past, gaming restraints have been a drawback for the industry and the state government says the changes will make cruising more appealing to both providers and passengers.
A new provision has been added which specifies that gaming must be an ancillary service, meaning cruises ‘to nowhere’ will remain banned.