Player Cruises - what you really need to know
January 12, 2009
It is not uncommon for casinos to hold real life functions where they gather their VIP players from across the globe at a venue or on a cruise for some serious online casino action with a more human touch and personal interaction.
In fact, casinos in the Fortune Lounge, Bellerock and Vegas Partner Lounge fold offer free regular Player cruises to exotic destinations, filled with non-stop entertainment, tournaments, prize money and action…sounds perfect doesn’t it?
While the concept is an excellent one, just be aware that these trips aren’t necessarily “free” because the casinos feel like treating you out of the goodness of their hearts. They are businesses and as such, nothing is entirely for nothing! Yes, your cruise, accommodation, drinks and meals as well as your tournament entry may be complimentary (always check the Terms and Conditions carefully just to be sure), but the mere fact that you are invited to one of these functions means you have spent enough at the casino beforehand to warrant the invitation. Also, in-between tournament you will have time on your hands…LOTS of it and because there’s nothing much else to do on board the ship, you’ll end up gambling quite a bit!
That’s where the catch comes in and where it can get really expensive for you if you don’t control yourself. In fact, the casino groups bank on the fact that you will spend most, if not all of your time in the casinos on board and even have arrangements with the tour operators running the cruises and get a substantial “kick back” on the revenue generated from the gambling you do in your leisure time (all part of business of course), so they are actually making money on these things instead of laying it out on a “free holiday” for their valued guests.
Of course there is nothing wrong with these kind of promotions at all, and many are a great deal of fun and offer a nice change and a bit of social interaction as you enjoy your favourite pastime, it just pays to be aware that this is not just a “freebie” if you spend your leisure time gambling. If you do want to do that however, make sure you save and budget accordingly beforehand, just as you would for usual online casino entertainment to ensure that you really enjoy your time away and don’t regret it when you get home.
