- If you want to gamble off the west coast, consider San Diego or Enchanted Hills.
- Rock Legend Cruises offers casino boats in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach.
- The Ocean Breeze Casino Cruise is one of the best Myrtle Beach casino cruises.
Unfortunately, there are no land-based casinos in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams of hitting it big when you visit these beautiful vacation spots.
Smart Tips to Help You Win at Slot Machines (Online & Off)Instead of avoiding these states because you love to gamble, you should know that all three have casino cruise ships that will make your trip worthwhile.
Casino boats offer all of your favorite slot machines and table games out at sea for a few hours, and sometimes overnight excursions.
If you are ready to hit some slots and try to beat the dealers at blackjack, poker, and other popular card games, this post is for you.
Here’s a look at some of the top east coast casino cruises you need to try, starting with what’s available off the coast of Georgia.
Best Casino Cruises Near Me Off the Coast of Georgia
You might be surprised to learn that there are two casino cruise lines operating just off the coast of Georgia. Those cruises run from two different ports as well. One of those is in Brunswick, while the other is in Savannah.
Brunswick is much closer to Jacksonville than it is to Atlanta or Macon. So, if you are looking for gambling near me in southeastern Georgia, you’ll likely end up in Brunswick. There, you can board either of the two casinos boats operated by Seminole Casino Coast.
Savannah is larger than Brunswick, so it makes sense that there is another port and cruise operator there. That would be Bernardo’s Riverboat Casino, which operates two casino cruise ships in Savannah.
I’ll cover all four of those casinos boats below to help you determine which one is the best casino cruise near me.
Seminole Cruise Line
- Port: 1002 Hoffman Rd, Brunswick, GA 31520
- Phone: (912) 264-0587
- Online Booking: Purchase tickets online here
- Gambling Resort Partner: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and Hollywood, FL
- Popular Games: Slots, Blackjack, Spanish 21, Mini-Baccarat, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold ’em
Seminole Cruising presents two casino boats that leave from the Port of Brunswick. Those boats are the Seminole Victory Casino Cruise and the Siminole Celebration Casino Cruise.
The Port of Brunswick is located on Hoffman Road, across from the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau. It takes around four hours to get there from Atlanta and about an hour from Jacksonville.
You don’t have to travel very far out to sea to enjoy casino gaming, shopping, and dining on the water. Here’s a look at both of the Seminole Casinos and their respective schedules.
Seminole Victory Casino Cruise
This casino cruise ship has nine decks, including over 500 slot machines, keno, and 24 table games. Enjoy craps, roulette, mini-baccarat, blackjack, pai gow, Texas hold ‘em, and more.
- Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday
- Duration: 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Hump Day Hoedown); 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. (DJ Dance Party, Twilight, & Prime); 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. (Uptown Thursdays)
- Fare: Starting at $15 (includes $10 in match plays)/ $25 (includes $20 food voucher)
Seminole Celebration Casino Cruise
This casino cruise has ten decks, featuring over 700 of the hottest slot machines, keno, and 28 table games. You can play roulette, mini-baccarat, blackjack, pai gow, Texas hold ‘em, and more.
- Schedule: Thursday through Tuesday
- Duration: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Matinee); 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Prime); 9 p.m. – 4 a.m. (Late)
- Fare: Starting at $15 (Includes $10 in match plays)/$25 (Includes $20 food voucher)/ $37 (VIP)/ $59 (Exclusive)
All players receive free player’s cards, which earn points for every dollar wagered on the casino boats. Those points can be redeemed for merchandise, food vouchers, fuel surcharge vouchers, and free play/cash back.
You do not have to pay to park at the Port of Brunswick, and wheelchair accessibility is available.
- Gamblers Anonymous
— Seminole Cruising (@SeminoleCruis1)
Now that you know what to expect on the Seminole Cruising casino boats, you can contact their phone number or website above to book your reservations. While you wait for your trip, you can warm up for blackjack and other card games on the best live dealer blackjack sites.
Not only can you practice your best moves, but you can also win real money before you even set foot on the Seminole Cruise Line casino boats.
Bernardo’s Riverboat Casino
- Port: 125 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401
- Phone: (912) 232-4242
- Online Booking: Visit Bernardo’s Riverboat site here, then call for reservations
- Gambling Resort Partner: None (yet)
- Popular Games: Slots, Blackjack, Spanish 21, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold ’em
Bernardo’s Riverboat Casino operates two of the best casino cruises in Georgia. Those riverboats ply their trade on the Savannah River, providing a charming view along with great gambling, drinks, and entertainment.
One of their casino boats is named after original owner Bernardo “Bernie” Soto, who passed away in 2019. I’m sure he’d be proud that his daughter runs the business nowadays.
Here’s what you can expect from Bernardo’s Riverboat Casino.
Bernies Riverboat Casino
This casino cruise has recently been refurbished from stem to stern. Bernie’s features over 300 slot machines, video poker, keno, and eight tables offering blackjack, craps, roulette, and Texas hold ‘em.
- Schedule: Monday through Sunday
- Duration: 2:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.; 8:30 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
- Fares: Starting at $15 (includes $10 in matching plays)/ $25 (includes meal voucher)/ $35 (VIP)/ $59 (Exclusive)
The Savannah River Boat Casino
This casino cruise is twice as nice as Bernie’s, with two levels of gaming, dining, and live entertainment. Enjoy over 600 of the loosest slots in Georgia, plus live table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and Texas hold ‘em.
- Schedule: Thursday through Tuesday
- Duration: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
- Fares: Starting at $20 (includes $15 in match plays)/ $30 (includes dinner voucher)/ $40 (VIP)/ $65 (Exclusive)
All players receive free player’s cards, which earn points for every dollar wagered on the casino boats. Those points can be redeemed for merchandise, meal vouchers, fuel surcharge vouchers, and free play/cash back.
Parking is free at Bernardo’s Riverboat, and handicapped accessibility is available. Smoking is allowed on the upper decks of each casino cruise ship.
Read some recent reviews of Bernies Riverboat Casino to see how happy customers have been lately. As you can see, they tend to focus more on the food and scenery than the restricted smoking areas.
If you still want to take one of Bernardo’s casino cruises, you can visit their site to sign up and then call to reserve your spot. I recommend calling instead of using their unresponsive online booking form.
Once you’ve secured your place on the best casino cruises in Georgia, you can kill time by playing real money slots and other casino games online for free.
Ways to Get Free Casino Bet - Don't Play With Zero!My personal favorites are , and 5 Lions Gold, which you can play at Ignition Casino right now.
Best Casino Boats in South Carolina
South Carolina is a bit of a conundrum for gamblers. The state prohibits commercial casinos from operating within its borders.
That means no sportsbooks, poker rooms, blackjack tables, slot machines, or any other forms of legal gambling. Well, except for one loophole.
Casino boats are considered a form of recreation rather than gambling establishments. Therefore, they are legal off the coast of South Carolina. For the second year in a row, there is only one operational casino cruise in the Palmetto State.
I’ll discuss Big M Casino’s schedule, fares, ship, and popular games below.
Big M Casino
- Port: 2002 Concord Road, McClellanville, SC 29458
- Phone: (843) 881-1516
- Book Online: Visit Big M Casino site here, then call for reservations
- Gambling Resort Partner: None (yet)
- Popular Games: Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Texas Hold ’em
Big M Casino was originally Carnival Cruise Line’s ECuador, which transported thousands of passengers between 1991 and 2001. In 2003, it became Big M Casino and began its current life as a gambling vessel off the South Carolina coast.
Big M Casino leaves from the Creek Ranch Landing marina, which is open to the public for fishing, crabbing, and other recreational activities. To reach them, most people drive I-26 from Charleston or I-95 from Florence/Myrtle Beach.
If you’re coming from Georgia, take US-17 into McClellanville, and you’ll arrive shortly.
Here’s what you can expect from Big M Casino during your next visit to South Carolina.
- Schedule: Friday through Tuesday
- Duration: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Afternoon); 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Night)
- Fares: Start at $20 (includes $15 food voucher)/ $30 (includes dinner voucher)/ $40 (VIP)/ $60 (Exclusive)
If you’d like to enjoy the only casino in South Carolina right now, you can check out the Big M Casino site above for more details. From there, call to make a reservation since their online booking system isn’t working yet.
Don’t worry; your Big M Casino experience will be worth the extra step. They have over 400 of the hottest slot machines, video poker, and live table games that include blackjack and Texas hold ‘em.
By the way, if you plan to rent a cabin for the night, remember that Big M Casino does not provide towels for its guests. You may want to pack a few extras if you plan to hit the ship’s casino and pool.
It’s always fun to play real money gambling games from home, so check out the best South Carolina gambling websites until your next trip to Big M Casino.
Top Casino Boats Near Me Off the Coast of North Carolina
If you thought South Carolina’s stance on gambling was confusing, wait until you hear about North Carolina. This state goes even further by banning all forms of gambling, including bingo and the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Yes, the lottery proceeds actually go to the state’s education system. It raises millions of dollars per year, which helps explain why gambling laws are so strict.
The good news is that you can take casino cruises off the north and south coasts of North Carolina. Those vessels operate beyond the state’s jurisdiction, allowing you to gamble to your heart’s content. Jokingly, some locals refer to those watery areas as North Carolini’a Two Gambling Parishes.
Two casino cruise companies serve North Carolina’s eastern coast: Gemini Casino Cruises and Double Dippers Cruises, Inc. Today, I’ll cover both operations and help you find the best casino cruises near me in North Carolina.
Gemini Casino
- Port: 400 Leeson Parkway, Morehead City, NC 28557
- Phone: (252) 728-2959
- Website: You can book online here
- Gambling Resort Partner: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Popular Games: Slots, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker
Gemini Casino operates two casino boats that leave from the Seven Bridges Marina in Morehead City. Their morning cruise departs at 10:30 AM and returns at 4:00 PM.
That ship has over 200 of the loosest slots at sea, as well as table games such as blackjack and Caribbean Stud. Enjoy lunch specials and happy hour drinks while you gamble and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re looking for an evening adventure, the Gemini Night Cruiser departs at 7:30 PM and returns at 2:00 AM. That casino cruise has over 300 slot machines, table games, dance floor, dinner specials, and two full bars.
Both casino boats feature a variety of slot machines, from pennies to $25 machines. All slot machine denominations earn players club points that can be used toward future cruises.
Gemini Casino also offers promotional giveaways, drawings, and special events throughout the year. Join their Players Club for additional benefits, including invitations to exclusive events and cash back on your losses.
When you’re ready to find the top casino cruises in North Carolina, contact the Gemini Casino phone number or visit their site to make a reservation. By the way, today would be a good day to sign up for their rewards program.
Gemini Casino players club members earn points based on their level of play, which can be redeemed for cashback, free play, discounted tickets, and special event invites.
While you wait for your cruise, you could test your online gambling skills by visiting the .
A few of my personal favorites include Golden Dragon, Podium, and Cleopatra, which you can find at Las Atlantis Casino right now.
Double Dippers Cruises, Inc.
- Port #1: 202 South 14th Street, New Bern, NC 28560
- Port #2: 600 South 7th Street, Southport, NC 28461
- Phone: (910) 632-7372
- Website: You can book online here
- Gambling Resort Partner: Harbor View Casino (New Bern); Casablanca Casino (Southport)
- Popular Games: Slot Machines, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Electronic Roulette
Do you want to catch waves on two different casino cruises? If so, Double Dippers Cruises, Inc., is the perfect choice for you. As mentioned above, they dock in New Bern and Southport, making it easy to double dip on casino cruises anytime.
If you choose to start in New Bern, you will board the Casanova, which sets sail at 2:00 PM and returns at 7:00 PM. That casino boat features two decks with over 150 slot machines, electronic roulette, blackjack, and Caribbean stud.
They also provide nonalcoholic beverages, snacks, daily specials, prizes, and a full bar. Everyone receives a player’s card that earns points on all game play.
If you decide to start your journey in Southport, you will ride the Sea Quinn, which leaves at 9:30 AM and arrives back at 4:30 PM. That ship boasts two levels, a full service galley, full bar, clean facilities, and experienced crew.
It also features over 200 of the loosest slots in North Carolina, electronic roulette, blackjack, and Caribbean stud.
When you return to port, be sure to redeem your points for cash back, free play, discounted tickets, and special event invitations.
Promotions vary on each ship, so you should contact the Double Dippers Cruises phone number or website above for more info. If you act fast, you might be able to grab tickets for their upcoming Halloween and Christmas cruises.
If those holidays come too soon, you can scratch that itch by playing the top "Ghost" slots online. Some excellent options include , , and Ghost Glyph Slots, which you can find at DuckyLuck Casino.
That concludes my breakdown of the casino cruises near me in North Carolina. If you live closer to the west, you should check out the best casino cruises in Alabama today.
Best Casino Cruises in Virginia
If you haven’t noticed already, casino cruises are increasing in popularity up and down the Eastern Seaboard. That trend is especially evident in the commonwealth of Virginia, which recently opened its first casino resort in Norfolk.
Hard Rock Casino opened its doors in spring 2021, ending Virginia’s long-standing ban on most forms of legal gambling. That historic moment came almost exactly one year after former Governor Ralph Northam signed HB885 into law.
Before any other resorts can open, Virginia lawmakers must approve their specific locations. Meanwhile, casino cruises continue to set sail from four different ports.
Best Fort Myers Beach Casino Boats (2023 Update)Today, I’ll cover all four of those Virginia casino boats and help you locate the best casino cruises near me.
Chartwell Casino
- Port: 17200 Griffith’s Inlet Road, Cape Charles, VA 23310
- Phone: (757) 331-0500
- Website: Visit Chartwell Casino site here, then call for reservations
- Gambling Resort Partner: None (yet)
- Popular Games: Slots, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Let It Ride, Spanish 21, Three Card Poker
Chartwell Casino leaves from the Irvington Wharf in quaint little Irvington, Virginia. From there, it sails through Virginia’s picturesque eastern shorelines en route to the open Atlantic waters.
Those bodies of water provide ample opportunity to watch whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine life while you gamble, eat, and drink.
This casino cruise boast two fully equipped gaming decks, complete with over 300 of the latest and hottest slot machines, video poker, blackjack, Caribbean Stud poker, let it ride, craps, roulette, and three card poker.
They also provide cocktail and lounge services, a full buffet, and daily specials prepared by master chefs.
• Schedule: Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Fares: Start at $35 (including $25 food voucher)/ $55 (includes $40 food voucher)/ $85 (VIP)/ $125 (Exclusive)
If you’re ready to take the finest casino cruise from Virginia, you should contact the Chartwell Casino phone number or website to make your reservation. Once you’ve done that, you might enjoy some of the best gambling games online for free.
If you’re new to the industry, I highly recommend practicing your blackjack or other strategy games before risking real money.
Calypso Cruises Casino
- Port: 36th Street and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Bayview Parking Lot, Northside of the Parking Lot, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Phone: (757) 422-9292
- Website: You can book online here
- Gambling Resort Partner: None (yet)
- Popular Games: Slot Machines, Video Poker, Blackjack, Roulette
Calypso Cruises Casino is a two-level casino with beautiful indoor and outdoor gaming. It provides air conditioned comfort and stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This casino cruise also features exciting gambling action, delicious food, ice-cold beverages, live entertainment, and much more.
If you feel lucky, you might win a jackpot on one of their many hot slots. You could also try your luck at blackjack, roulette, or other table games. Either way, everyone receives a players club card that earns points for every dollar spent onboard.
Calypso Cruises Casino has morning and afternoon trips every day except Sunday. Those trips depart from the 36th Street Park and Ride located under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Free parking is available in the northbound side of the parking lot. Just follow the signs to the casino boats.
Here’s what you can expect from Calypso Cruises Casino during your next trip to Virginia.
• Schedule: Morning 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Afternoon 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. • Fares: Start at $25 (includes $15 food voucher)/ $40 (includes $30 food voucher)/ $60 (VIP)/ $80 (Exclusive)
If you’re ready to roll the dice on the best casino cruises in Virginia, you should call the Calypso Cruises Casino phone number or visit the site above to make your reservations today. Before you go, check out the best online gambling games for real money on mobile.
Some of my favorite titles include Goldrush, Turkish Delight, and Mermaid Pearl, all of which you can find at Las Atlantis Casino.
J&J’s Rum Runner II Casino
- Port: 3rd Street at Ragged Point, Cape Charles, VA 23310
- Phone: (804) 458-3609
- Website: Visit J&J’s Rum Runner II site here, then call for reservations
- Gambling Resort Partner: None (yet)
- Popular Games: Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Pai Gow
J&J’s Rum Runner II Casino is a 65′ x 20′ luxury cruiser that can accommodate up to 49 people. It departs from Ragged Point, Virginia, and heads out to open water in the Atlantic Ocean.
From there, you can enjoy the latest slot machines, video poker, blackjack, and Pai Gow while enjoying refreshments from the full service bar.
All players receive complimentary snacks and a delicious buffet lunch. If you’re hungry for gambling action, head down to Ragged Point and jump on the Rum Runner II.
• Schedule: Saturday 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM • Fares: Start at $35 (including $25 food voucher)/ $55 (includes $40 food voucher)/ $85 (VIP)/ $125 (Exclusive)
If you have any questions about J&J’s Rum Runner II Casino, you should call the phone number or stop by the website above to make a reservation. Until then, you can get some great practice for blackjack and other table games online.
Venture Hornsea Casino
- Port: 3520 Gena Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Phone: (757) 498-5533
- Website: Visit Venture Hornsea Casino site here, then call for reservations
- Gambling Resort Partner: None (yet)
- Popular Games: Slot Machines, Video Poker, Blackjack, Roulette
Venture Hornsea Casino is a luxurious casino cruise ship that transports you to world-class destinations like the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Of course, this casino boat also stays close to home, providing half-day and sunset cruises from Virginia Beach.
That vessel measures 180 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 160 tons—big enough to handle any waves that come its way. It has two full gaming decks, elegant dining room, lounge, full bar, dance floor, and discotheque.
Venture Hornsea Casino also offers an array of slot machines, video poker, blackjack, and roulette. If you get hungry or thirsty, just head to the International Buffet or one of the four bars.
Half-day cruises leave at 9:00 AM and return at 2:00 PM. Sunset cruises set sail at 6:00 PM and return at 10:30 PM. All cruises offer exceptional gambling, fabulous dining, breathtaking sights, and friendly service.
When you’re ready to book your trip on the best casino cruises in Virginia, you should visit the Venture Hornsea Casino site or phone number above. If you have time, you can work on your craps or other strategy games at the top real money gambling websites.
Rockin’ the East Coast with Casino Boats
If you thought Las Vegas had a lock on American gambling, think again. The East Coast now boasts several excellent casino cruises that offer everything from penny slots to high stakes table games.
As you have seen, Southeast region offers multiple options in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Each of those states allows casino boats to operate beyond its territorial limits, allowing gamblers to enjoy slot machines, blackjack, roulette, karaoke, and other forms of entertainment.
If you’re interested in casino boats, I recommend picking one nearest to you. That approach will save you time and money, especially if you like to gamble regularly.
With that being said, there’s something special about taking multiple casino cruises during a road trip. Anyone planning to drive across the lower 48 states simply must include these gambling ships in their itinerary.
No matter which direction you go, you can rock the East Coast with casino boats. Here are a few more options outside our coverage area.
- MGM Borgata Casino & Spa – Leaves from Elizabethheim, NJ
- Penn National Gaming – Leaves from Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, PA
- Oceans Casino – Leaves from Elizabethheim, NJ
- Resorts Casino Hotel – Leaves from Elizabethheim, NJ; Atlantic City, NJ; Manhattan, NY; East Windsor, NJ
- Hard Rock Casino & Hotel – Leaves from Elizabethheim, NJ; Atlantic City, NJ
- Island View Casino Cruise – Leaves from North Kingston, RI; Providence, RI
I hope this guide has been helpful as you search for the best casino cruises in America. If you’re curious about other sea-based gambling opportunities, please read the following piece on the top gambling cruises worldwide.
Footnotes:
- Wikipedia contributed information to this blog post.
- cruiselines.com provided additional details about East Coast gambling cruises.
Anthony is a sports writer for GamblingSites.com covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. He also covers other various topics such as entertainment, general sports betting tips, and more.
His favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He also will be a temporary fan of any team if it means winning him bets.