Genting Dream Casino Guide: Games, Rules & Tips

The Genting Dream is, for a certain kind of traveller, a floating casino — some Singapore cruisers book the 2-night sailing purely to play. But there's one rule that trips up almost every first-timer, and a few things worth knowing before you sit down at a table. This is a straight, practical guide to the onboard casino: when it actually opens, where it is, the games and rules, the ID and dress requirements, and honest advice on playing sensibly. No "systems," no promises of winning — just what it's really like and how to enjoy it without a nasty surprise.

If a casino cruise is your main reason to sail, the 2-night Cruise to Nowhere is the one to book — it stays at sea the whole time, so the casino is open longest. See how each route works in our itinerary guide, and read our honest ship review for the wider onboard picture.

The one rule everyone gets wrong: international waters

This is the single most important thing to understand, and it's the mistake first-timers make every sailing:

This is a legal requirement, not a quirk — shipboard casinos worldwide operate only in international waters. It also means the casino keeps its own rhythm: it "springs to life" an hour or two after sail-away, and winds down as the ship nears its next stop. Check the daily programme in your cabin for the exact open hours on your sailing, as they shift with the route.

Where the casino is

The Genting Dream has two casino zones:

• The Main Casino sits in the heart of the ship, spanning Decks 6, 7 and 8, close to the bars, shops and theatre — easy to find and easy to wander into after dinner.
• The VIP Casino is a more exclusive, higher-limit area (typically around Deck 16) with private rooms and premium lounges for serious players.

For exactly where each sits relative to your cabin, see our deck plan guide.

The games you'll find

The floor covers the classics you'd expect at any Asian casino, with a strong lean toward the table games popular in the region:

• Baccarat — by far the headline game here, and the most popular with the ship's crowd. Multiple tables at a range of limits.
• Roulette — the familiar wheel, straightforward for newcomers.
• Blackjack and other card games — standard table options.
• Slot machines & electronic gaming — a large bank of slots and electronic terminals for lower-stakes, no-dealer play.
• Poker and higher-limit tables — generally in or near the VIP area.

Table minimums vary by game, by table and by how busy the sailing is — quieter off-peak nights often have lower-minimum tables, while peak sailings run higher. If you're new, the slots and roulette are the easiest place to start; baccarat is simple to learn but moves fast.

Age, ID and entry

A few practical points before you play:

• Minimum age: you must be of legal gambling age to enter — typically 18 or 21 depending on the cruise line's policy. Bring photo ID; staff can ask.
• No Singapore entry levy: unlike the land casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, the shipboard casino does not charge Singapore citizens and PRs the SGD 150 daily entry levy, because it operates in international waters. Always confirm current rules onboard.
• Your cruise keycard is used for casino membership and rewards; you can usually sign up on the floor.
• Cash and chips: the casino handles its own cash and chips at the tables and cage — separate from the ship's cashless onboard account. Set what you'll bring before you sit down.

Dress code

You don't need to dress up for the casino, but the ship's evening standard still applies: smart casual, no swimwear and no slippers. A collared shirt or a nice top is plenty. Full details in our dress code guide.

Membership, rewards & junkets

Regular players can join the casino's membership/rewards programme, which tracks play and can unlock perks, cash-back tiers or complimentary benefits on future sailings — worth signing up for on day one if you plan to play seriously. The ship also caters to higher-roller and junket play through the VIP casino, with dedicated hosts and private rooms. If that's your world, arrange it in advance through the cruise line rather than on the night.

Play sensibly: the honest part

Here's the part most casino "guides" skip, and the reason to trust this one. Every casino game is built with a house edge — over time, the odds favour the house, not the player. There is no strategy, system or betting pattern that changes that, and anyone selling one is selling a myth. Treat the casino as paid entertainment, not a way to fund your holiday.

If gambling ever stops feeling like fun — or you're worried about yourself or someone travelling with you — talk to guest services, who can help, and consider Singapore's National Council on Problem Gambling helpline (1800-6-668-668). Playing within a set budget is the difference between a great night out and a regret.

Who the casino cruise suits (and who it doesn't)

• Great for: casual players who enjoy a flutter as part of the night out, and serious table players who specifically want time at sea to play — the Cruise to Nowhere is practically built for them.
• Less ideal if: you're mainly here for ports (casino time is limited on port-heavy routes), you're travelling with kids (it's an adults-only space and there's plenty else to do — see our family guide), or you'd rather not be around gaming at all (the Main Casino is central, though easy to bypass).

Quick answers

The Genting Dream casino is a genuine draw — well-run, central, and open longest on the sea-heavy Cruise to Nowhere. Just remember the golden rules: it only operates in international waters, so it's shut in port; bring photo ID and dress smart-casual; and treat it as entertainment with a budget, never a plan to make money. Do that and it's a fun part of the sailing.

Planning a casino-focused sailing and not sure which date or cabin? Tell us your plans — we'll point you to the sea-heavy itineraries with the most casino time and send a live quote, usually within the hour. Next reads: our honest cost breakdown and the first-time cruiser guide.

Casino games, table limits, opening hours, age policy, membership terms and levy rules vary by sailing and can change, and are subject to the operator's terms and local law. Always confirm the current rules on board. Gamble responsibly — only ever bet what you can afford to lose.