Australian Advantage Player Challenges Royal Caribbean Ban Over Alleged Card Counting
Mark Timothy Grant is suing Royal Caribbean for AUD 22,000 after a card counting ban blocked five booked cruises funded by onboard winnings. The Queensland tribunal has ruled it a consumer-trader dispute on appeal. The case tests how cruise casino operators classify and enforce rules against advantage play.
SCCG Take — Cruise operators face litigation exposure when advantage play policies lack clear definition or consistent enforcement relative to land-based precedents.
An Australian casino player has initiated legal action against Royal Caribbean after the cruise operator placed him on a no-sail list for allegedly counting cards. Mark Timothy Grant argues that he has booked five Royal Caribbean cruises that were valued at a total of AUD 22,000. He booked the cruises with money he won playing at the Royal Caribbean’s ships’ casinos. However, before he could even board the first cruise with his partner and son, he was told that he would not be able to proceed onboard.
Royal Caribbean cited breaches of house rules in the casino. Grant is suing the company to reimburse him for the AUD 22,000 he is owed. However, his case was at first shot down. Grant appealed the decision and saw the court agree that it qualified as a consumer-trader dispute.
Precedent From Star Casino Edge Sorting Case
Grant previously prevailed against Star Casino after it accused him of edge sorting by exploiting imperfections in card manufacturing. The judgment ruled that as a self-professed advantage player he posed no threat to a competent casino operating games correctly. Grant has maintained that advantage play is not dishonest or cheating.
The outcome differed from the case of poker professional Phil Ivey, who forfeited winnings obtained through similar means. Grant noted he observed asymmetrical cards but had no knowledge of the next card dealt.
Cruise Operator Classifies Advantage Play as Cheating
Royal Caribbean equates advantage play to cheating and prohibits card counting along with behaviors such as inappropriate handling of cards or chips, hogging slots, and use of recording devices. Grant faces no accusations of harassment or other listed violations.
As reported by GamblingNews, the dispute turns on the validity of the ban and the resulting cancellation of bookings funded by prior casino wins. The matter remains before the tribunal.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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