If you’re wondering what you can actually play once you step into an MSC cruise ship casino, the short answer is this: More than you might expect – but not the same on every ship or sailing.
MSC casinos are designed for entertainment first. You’ll find modern slot machines, familiar table games, electronic options for beginners, and even sports betting on select ships. What makes MSC unique is that the casino experience can change noticeably depending on ship class and itinerary.
Here’s a clear, no-hype look at what games are available in MSC cruise ship casinos as of 2026.
The Quick Overview
Most MSC cruise ship casinos include:
- Modern slot machines (the largest part of the casino)
- Live table games like blackjack and roulette
- Electronic table games with lower minimums
- Poker-style table games played against the house
- Retail sports betting on select ships
The biggest variables are:
- Which ship you’re on
- Where that ship is sailing
Slot Machines: The Heart of the MSC Casino
Slots dominate the casino floor on every MSC ship, and this is where the cruise line has invested the most.
You won’t just see generic machines. MSC carries many of the same popular titles you’ll find in land-based casinos.
Popular Slot Games You’ll See
Link-Style Slot Games
These are some of the most talked-about:
- Dragon Link (Golden Century, Happy & Prosperous)
- Lightning Link
- Ultimate Fire Link
The Buffalo Collection
A staple in MSC casinos:
- Buffalo Gold
- Buffalo Stampede
- Wild Buffalo
Pop Culture Slots
- Back to the Future
- Aladdin and the Magic Quest
- Deal or No Deal
Classic Favorites
- Cleopatra
- 88 Fortunes
- Top Dollar
Slot machines are available in a wide range of denominations, making them approachable for beginners and casual players.
Video Poker on MSC Ships
Video poker is usually available:
- At the casino bar
- On Game King multi-game consoles
You’ll typically find standard variants like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
One important note for experienced players:
- Cruise ship video poker pay tables are often tighter than what you’ll see in land-based casinos
That doesn’t make them unplayable, but expectations should be realistic.
Live Table Games on MSC Cruises
MSC offers a solid, familiar mix of live dealer table games. Selection varies by ship and sailing region.
Blackjack
Blackjack is the most common table game across the fleet.
What to expect:
- Multiple tables on larger ships
- Rules may vary slightly by table
Important payout note:
- Many tables pay 6:5, especially at lower limits
- 3:2 payouts may be available in higher-limit areas
Spanish 21 Alert
On many Caribbean and U.S.-based sailings, you may also find Spanish 21, a popular blackjack variant with player-friendly rule tweaks.
Roulette
Roulette is widely available on MSC ships and can be one of the best-value games onboard depending on where you’re sailing.
Here’s the key difference:
- U.S. and Caribbean sailings typically use American Roulette (0 and 00)
- European and Mediterranean sailings often feature Single Zero European Roulette
Why that matters:
- Single Zero roulette significantly lowers the house edge
- Mediterranean itineraries are especially appealing for roulette fans
This is one of MSC’s biggest hidden advantages for informed players.
Craps
Craps availability depends heavily on itinerary.
- Common on ships sailing from Florida, New York and Texas
- Rare or completely absent on European itineraries
You’re most likely to find craps on ships like:
- MSC World America
- MSC Seascape
- MSC Seashore
- MSC Meraviglia (on U.S. sailings)
If craps is important to you, itinerary matters more than ship size.
Baccarat
Baccarat is more common on larger ships and international itineraries.
What to expect:
- Typically found on Meraviglia and World Class ships
- Higher minimums, often around $25
- Popular with European and international guests
Poker on MSC: Clearing Up the Confusion
This is an area where expectations often don’t match reality.
Poker-Style Games (House vs Player)
These games are widely available:
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Three Card Poker
- Caribbean Stud
In these games, you play against the dealer, not other guests.
Player vs Player Poker
MSC is not a poker-focused cruise line.
- Live poker rooms are rare
- No regular cash games against other guests
- Texas Hold’em tournaments may appear as one-time events listed in the Daily Program
If poker is your primary interest, MSC casinos may feel limited.
New for 2026: Sports Betting at Sea
MSC has expanded its casino offerings with retail sports betting on select ships, partnering with Playtech.
Where Sports Betting Is Available
As of 2026, sports betting kiosks can be found on:
- MSC World America
- MSC World Europa
- MSC Seascape
- MSC Seashore
- MSC Grandiosa
- MSC Virtuosa
- MSC Meraviglia
How It Works
- Self-service betting terminals
- Bet on major global sports like NFL, NBA, and soccer
- Bets are charged directly to your cruise card
This is a notable upgrade, though not yet fleet-wide.
Electronic Table Games and Arcade-Style Gaming
Electronic Table Games (ETGs)
Many MSC ships now feature electronic blackjack and roulette terminals, often branded as “Fusion” games.
Why people like them:
- Lower minimums
- Slower pace
- Less pressure than live tables
These are especially popular with beginners.
The Coin Pushers
MSC casinos are also known for their coin pusher machines.
- Arcade-style games using coins or tokens
- Players attempt to push stacks of cash or prizes over a ledge
- Highly visible and very polarizing
Some cruisers love them. Others avoid them entirely.
Why MSC Casino Games Change by Itinerary
One of the most confusing aspects of MSC casinos is how different they can feel from one sailing to another.
MSC localizes its casinos based on regional gambling preferences. The biggest differences you will see on the ship are:
- “Missing” Craps table – as craps is primarily an American game, don’t expect to see it on itineraries leaving outside of the US
- A single vs double zero version of Roulette
- The casino currency being in dollars for US-based vs. Euros for international itineraries.
Beginner-Friendly vs Advanced Games
If you’re new to casino play, these tend to be the easiest starting points:
- Slot machines
- Electronic blackjack and roulette
- Low-minimum table games
More advanced games include:
- Craps
- Specialty blackjack variants
- Poker tournaments
There’s no right or wrong choice. MSC casinos are built to accommodate casual play.
The Bottom Line
MSC cruise ship casinos offer a wide variety of familiar games, with the biggest strengths in slots, roulette, and beginner-friendly options.
The most important takeaway:
- Ship and itinerary matter
A Caribbean sailing on a newer ship can feel very different from a Mediterranean cruise on the same vessel. Understanding those differences ahead of time makes the casino experience far more enjoyable.