Playtech bolstered its retail sports betting operations with a cruise ship deal.
The British software and services supplier announced on Friday the launch of retail sports wagering operations on MSC Cruises, marking the company’s first foray into the commercial cruise industry. Playtech is delivering self-service terminals and mobile till systems to MSC Cruises, allowing guests to wager onboard its entire fleet of 24 ships.
“We are very proud to be able to deliver the excitement and engagement of sports gaming to our guests through our partnership with Playtech,” said MSC Cruises Head of Casino Mara Friso. “Our fleet of modern cruise ships will provide our customers a wide array of immersive digital content as a complement to our state-of-the-art cruise casinos.”
Playtech forged a sports betting deal with MSC Cruises in May and soft-launched retail wagering on seven ships to assess operations. The favorable evaluation allowed Playtech to extend the reach of its self-service terminals and mobile tills to MSC Cruises globally.
The trial process expanded across 284 voyages offered by MSC Cruises. The cruise line plans to launch Playtech retail wagering across its entire fleet in the coming months.
MSC Cruises welcomes US guests in several states
According to Cruise Market Watch, MSC Cruises had more than 3 million guests aboard its entire fleet of ships in 2025. It has also generated roughly $5.2 billion in revenue.
The company has departure ports in several cities in America, including New York, Seattle, Miami and Galveston, Texas. Its only U.S. destination is Alaska with global destinations that include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America and South Africa. The European cruise line also offers world cruises.
MSC Cruises enhanced its gaming options through Playtech as an existing provider of table games, slot machines and video poker onboard cruises. MSC Cruises has a long-standing relationship with Playtech that was extended in 2014. That year, Playtech reached a deal with MSC Cruises to continue to provide the cruise line with its casino management system. The system enhances the user experience for guests who visit onboard casinos.
Major cruise line partners with the AGA
Last month, MSC Cruises competitor Carnival Corporation became the first cruise operator to join the American Gaming Association (AGA). The membership allows Carnival leadership and employees to access AGA programming and resources.
The deal also provides Carnival with AGA education and support for its gaming offerings. Carnival owns its own casino company, Global Gaming, and partners with Bally’s and BetMGM to operate casinos aboard its portfolio of ships.
