I haven't heard of them doing that. The ship is considered foreign soil (the country that the ship is registered in) so they are not bound by US tax laws that I am aware of.
We played the slots twice on our last cruise (Princess) and decided that it was a lost cause! I've never seen a machine that didn't give you at least something in 20 pulls! They need to make it fun for you to lose your money....not just take it without at least a little fun along the way!
Char,
You were on the Crown Princess recently, I think. I also played the slots and found that there were many pulls before any type of win. This is definitely not fun. I play the penny or nickel machines and at one point started counting the time between any type of win - I once got up to 70. I like the machines with the bonus round and once it took over 100 spins to get the bonus.
Like you said, it is no fun to lose your money in 20 spins.
We thought that the machines really tightened up after just a few days. Of course, a nearby quarter machine paid out $1200 to a guy who put in ONE quarter. Why does this never happen to me?
I went to a craps lesson and see why they might give the game that name. I said that word many times because I just couldn't grasp the concept. There are way too many places to put your money down. I know that it has the best odds, but it seemed frustrating to me. I suppose if I really wanted to play some of the table games that I would have to practice at home.
It's interesting hearing what the tipping protocol is for playing tables. I assumed that you only tipped if you won big, but it sounds like it is done as long as you win something.
I haven't heard of them doing that. The ship is considered foreign soil (the country that the ship is registered in) so they are not bound by US tax laws that I am aware of.
The US thinks the whole world is subject to their laws.
They are supposed to file a W-2G if you win over the limit on a given play, and give you a copy. Some do, some don't. Even bingo is taxable if over $1200.
The US doesn't care where a citizen acquires money, it is still taxable. If you do win big, even if the cruise line doesn't give you a copy of a W-2G, it is in your best interest to declare because you have no way of knowing if the cruise line filed one with the IRS.
Of course, if you win enough, you can claim you are a professional gambler and cruises are necessary business expenses.
If you happen to bring $10,000 or more back in (or out) of the country, you also need to declare that or risk (gasp) confiscation or oter penalties.
Some cruise lines make it easier to find than others. Here is NCL's policy:
IRS Reporting
W2G or 1042S forms are issued for single slot machine winnings of $1200.00 or more.
Federal Income Tax Act stipulates that all American citizens and Permanent Residents are subject to global income tax. Regardless if a US citizen or Permanent Resident earns this income in international waters or with a ship that carries a foreign flag, if income is generated, such income becomes taxable. If a Social Security number is furnished, then the document W2G will be issued with NO upfront tax deduction. If a Social Security number is not furnished, then an upfront withholding tax will apply. Foreign guests will be taxed only if winnings are derived within US domestic waters. Whenever a tax form is issued to the guest, a duplicate copy will be sent to the IRS.
For more information, guests are advised to contact a professional tax advisor. Win/Loss Statements will be provided by NCL on a request basis at the end of the calendar year. All requests should be directed to Casino Operations in writing.
"Question: If I win do I have to pay any taxes?
Answer: We are required to file an IRS form W-2G for all slot jackpots of $1,200 or more and for all table game jackpots and payouts where the odds are 300 to 1 or higher (e.g. some poker progressives and royal/straight flushes). There is no tax withholding on slot jackpots (unless the winner fails to provide a valid social security number, in which case we withhold at a rate of 29%). All table game payouts subject to tax reporting are also subject to withholding at a rate of 26% (29% if a valid social security number is not provided). These tax guidelines are for citizens and permanent residents of the United States only."
If you won a lot, couldn't you just ask them to do a wire transfer to your bank?
Seems pretty scary having to walk around with so much cash in your pocket until you get home...
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