Questions Over Cruise Ship’s Gambling Policies as Passenger Plunges to his Death

_{Allegations of predatory gambling practices aboard P&O Cruises Australia came to light after the tragic death of a passenger with casino debt. (Image: Australian Associated Press/Alamy)}

P&O Cruises Australia is under investigation by a law firm after a passenger who racked up $9,000 in debt at the ship’s casino destination while travelling aboard the Pacific Adventure fell overboard to his death. 

Law Firm Carter Capner is conducting a class action investigation into the company, having been inundated with stories from claimants similar to that of 45-year-old Shane Dixon who amassed the huge gambling debt at the casino on the cruise ship. 

Mr. Dixon fell overboard fromhttps://www.casinos.com/destinations/las-vegas/f1 the cruise ship on May 6. It has been alleged that he was offered incentives to gamble, including free drinks and vouchers. 

Newspaper Uncovered Similar Stories of Passengers Amassing Debts 

The Daily Mail claims to have spoken to several others who shared similar harrowing stories, including claims they were told self-exclusion was not an option or were interrogated and held onboard by staff after being unable to settle their bills.  

Peter Carter of Carter Capner Law said that practices have been modified as a result of the publicity surrounding Mr. Dixon's death and the law firm's campaign, but more changes were needed. 

Mr. Carter said: “Not only were these actions arguably unconscionable, but the practice of preventing passengers and their families from leaving the ship and interrogating them at the Australian port of disembarkation, even for short periods, about how and when the casino debt will be paid is against the law.” 

P&O Behaviour described as ‘Predatory’ 

The law firm has been contacted by dozens of people from Australia and New Zealand following the publicity around Mr. Dixon’s tragic case. 

The law firm said that one similar incident occurred just days after Mr. Dixon’s death. Mr. Carter said that the passenger also gambled in the belief the casino was keeping tabs on his finances and his ability to pay. 

It is alleged that the passenger was allowed to gamble up to $6,000 when he only had $2,000 in his bank account.  

Passengers have also alleged that they were held and interrogated by P&O staff when they arrived back at port. One passenger claims he was allowed to leave after a three-hour interrogation only after threatening to jump overboard.  

Casinos.com reached out to P&O Cruises Australia, and a spokesperson confirmed to us, "We have Responsible Conduct of Gaming Policies in place on all P&O ships and take those policies seriously."

Other stories of incentivised gambling have allegedly surfaced, including one in which a passenger was offered a free cruise with unlimited alcohol, complimentary dinners, and a credit limit of $5,000 per day despite there being a history of gambling problems and debt. 

It is alleged that the passenger amassed a $13,000 debt, which increased to $25,000 when all debts were combined. The behaviour of P&O has been descried as ‘predatory’ by the law firm.