A flutter on the high seas: 80% of passengers gamble on cruise holidays, spending £320,000 on every voyage (but the ship always wins)

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More than three-quarters of cruise passengers will have a flutter during their holiday on the high seas.

A total of 79 per cent of holidaymakers admitted to gambling on on board ships, with around £321,200 splashed out on the average cruise.

But just £193,600 is won by cruisers on their trip, proving that the ship - just like the house - always wins.  

Having a flutter: The majority of cruise ships have a casino or slot machines on board

The average traveller admitted to gambling as much £146 during their holiday, resulting in £58 in winnings to take home with them.

The overall loss on the gambling tables sees a quarter of cruisers saying they regretted due to losing money and that they would not have a flutter on board a ship again.

The study surveyed 2,759 UK adults aged 22 and over, who had taken a cruise within the past five years, on a ship that had a casino or gambling facilities. 

Respondents were questioned on whether they had gambled whilst on their last cruising holiday, with 79 per cent admitting to doing so at least once.

The main reasons for gambling on board included good casino facilities, as a social event and to keep other friends and family company if they were gambling. 

Odds on the house: The average traveller admitted to gambling as much £146 during their last trip, resulting in £58 in winnings to take home with them

Despite a quarter of gamblers saying they regretted the experience, winnings per passengers were calculated at around £58 each. 

Passengers were asked to put aside how much they spent on gambling and focus purely on their winnings, if any, from their on-board gambling. The average amount was revealed as £58 each.

Taking into account that the average cruise ship holds around 2,200 individuals on an average holiday, the findings suggest that as much as £321,200 is gambled per voyage, with £193,600 won by cruise passengers. 

The house always wins: A quarter of respondents said they regretted gambling on their cruise holiday

'There has undoubtedly been a rise in passengers searching for cruise ships with on board casinos and other gambling facilities in recent months, most likely a reaction to the popularity increase of Las Vegas-style casinos amongst Britons as a somewhat 'alternative' night out.' said Steph Curtin, Cruise Development Manager at www.bonvoyage.uk.

'Whilst a night at the blackjack table will undoubtedly be a fun experience, one should most likely set themselves a few rules prior to gambling. 

'It is always recommended that passengers set aside a budget of how much they are prepared to gamble (or lose!) each day of their holiday. 

'I would also advise the intake of alcohol is limited throughout your time spent gambling, as you may wake up with a bad hangover and an empty wallet.'