Florida

While the state of Florida does not permit casino gambling, those who wish to gamble can take a variety of day cruises that permit gambling once the ship has reached international waters. Boats departing from Florida's Atlantic coast must travel at least three miles from land; those departing from Florida's the west coast must go at least nine miles into the Gulf of Mexico.

There is a wide variation in the size of these gambling ships and the facilities they offer; some may accommodate as many as 2,000 passengers, and others may seat fewer than 150 people. The larger ships tend to offer passengers more to do than just gambling. However, even when the cost of the cruise itself on both size ships is the same, the total cost of going on a smaller ship may be less, since the larger ships tend to add additional port/service charges and parking fees.

The gambling age differs from ship to ship; some require gamblers to be at least 21, others have a minimum age of 18. All passengers must show photo identification before boarding a ship.

Georgia

Two Georgia-based casino boats travel three miles into international waters where casino gambling is permitted. Blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and slots are offered. One boat is based in Brunswick about 30 miles north of the state's border with Florida; the other is based in Savannah. One must be at least 18 years old to gamble on these ships.

South Carolina

There are two casino boats based in Little River, South Carolina, about 35 miles north of Myrtle Beach. They go three miles away from shore, into international waters where casino gambling is allowed. Gamblers have their choice of blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. One boat requires that passengers be at least 21 years old; the other requires a minimum age of 18.

North Carolina

North Carolina has a single casino, the 24-hour Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, located in Cherokee, North Carolina. The facility offers only video gambling "games of skill." This includes video versions of slots, poker, blackjack, and craps. “Skill” slots are different from conventional video slots by virtue of the fact that the player has two chances to spin the reels. After seeing the results of the first spin, the player has to decide which of the symbols to keep before spinning again. One must be at least 21 years old to gamble in North Carolina.

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