‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death

‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Edited by Travel Weekly


    The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a cruise passenger on board Pacific Adventure last week have been revealed with family members highlighting a $4,000 casino bill racked up the night he went overboard.

    The deceased was identified as 50-year-old father of three Shane Dixon by his brother, Scott Dixon, who spoke to the Daily Mail.

    Scott said his brother was grappling with several personal issues, including the recent passing of their father and another brother, and the breakdown of his marriage.

    The details around Shane’s gambling behaviour while onboard the ship has raised serious questions about the responsible service of gambling onboard cruise ships.

    While cruise ships are in Australian waters, they must abide by local laws when regulating alcohol and gambling on board.

    Once it reaches international waters (about 12 nautical miles offshore), an internal set of rules then apply.

    Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett told Travel Weekly the line had a level of responsibility when it comes to gambling.

    “It’s pretty appalling and really there should be some accountability by the cruise provider for that situation and the responsible service of gambling activity,” she said.

    Casino spree 

    Scott Dixon revealed to the Daily Mail that his brother spent $5,000 on Friday night whilst onboard the Elvis-themed cruise as casino staff ‘lavished’ him with free drinks and a $750 voucher to be used on a future cruise. He then borrowed $5,000 from his mother who was also onboard the ship to repay the debt before returning to the casino the following night and amassing a $4,000 tab.

    Shane went overboard around 4:15am the following morning, 10 nautical miles from Sydney, with his brother believing the gravity of his debt would have been realised nearing Australian waters when the casino closed.

    “They (cruise companies) do have a responsibility to ensure that people are gambling in a way that is not going to leave them completely out of pocket and completely without support or assistance at a time when they most need it,” Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett told Travel Weekly. 

    P&O advertises ‘Casino’ under its entertainment options online. (Supplied)

    “I’d like to know what that company does to ensure Responsible Conduct of Gambling, I’d like to know that it’s comparable to what is available on land, the rules shouldn’t change because you’re on a cruise ship,” Bennett continued.

    “The reality is there is still as responsibility on the company to provide that safe environment for gambling and to reduce the levels of harm that are experienced.

    “They should be compliant with the laws of the land of which they left.

    “It’s a pretty shocking situation when people are exposed in that way to that level of harm where they feel that they’re only option is to jump off the ship.”

    P&O Cruises Australia Response 

    “It would be inappropriate to comment on the tragic death of a guest while a Coroner’s investigation is carried out,” the line said.

    “We have Responsible Conduct of Gaming Policies in place on all P&O ships and take those policies seriously.

    “We are cooperating fully with the Coroner’s investigation.”

    If you, or someone you know needs support, there are a range of services available:

    National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au

    Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

    Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

    Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

    Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

    13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Delta marks 15 years of travel to Australia on US Independence Day

    This July marks 15 years since Delta Air Lines began flying between Sydney and Los Angeles. To mark the occasion, Delta Air Lines had a small activation at their check in counter at Sydney Airport on Thursday July 4 – Independence Day in the US. Passengers were greeted with red, white and blue balloons as […]

    • Events
    • Health & Wellness

    Boxing camp with world champion boxers at COMO Uma Canggu

    COMO Uma Canggu has invited boxing enthusiasts to an intensive six-day boxing camp, led by world champion boxers Darren Barker and Ryan Pickard, this October. Participants will master the fundamentals of boxing, improve their self-defence skills, and transform their fitness regimen. Under the expert guidance of world-class boxers, attendees will undergo a variety of workouts […]

    • Cruise

    Travelmarvel unveils its Europe Coastal Cruising 2025 lineup

    Travelmarvel has revealed its 2025 Europe Coastal Cruising program and introduces 13 itineraries that include two extended combination journeys. The MS Caledonian Sky also makes its grand return the APT family. Renowned for its intimate cruising experience, the vessel accommodates an average of 100 passengers with a crew of 70. It features one of the highest […]

    • Tour Operators

    Anderson’s Tours named top experience in Australia

    Anderson’s Tours has, for the second time, achieved the top spot as the No. 1 Experience in Australia at TripAdvisors Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024. The family-owned and operated touring company takes pride in showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains and provide guests with professional, local tour […]

    • Destinations

    Queenstown welcomes fresh snow dump for school holidays

    The spectacular mountains of Queenstown, New Zealand, have been blanketed by snow – as much as 50cm in 48 hours – providing the perfect winter vacation for the entire family. All four of the region’s ski areas are now open with The Remarkables having recorded 70cm of snow already this season while Cardrona Alpine Resort […]

    • Hotels

    Sheraton Samoe Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows’ soft reopening

    The Sheraton Hotels & Resorts iconic grand jewel on Apia Harbour, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows reopen following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The property will reopen in a phased manner with 56 of its 175 rooms, suites and bungalows now available for bookings. The grand opening of the hotel is expected to be in […]

    • Technology

    Commonwealth Bank offers new Travel Booking service via its app

    Commonwealth Bank is offering a new Travel Booking service via its CommBank app, which allows more than 6 million eligible customers to search, book and pay for flights and hotels from hundreds of airlines and hundreds of thousands of hotels. The new CommBank digital experience is powered by global online travel agency Hopper, already used […]

    • Aviation

    Lufthansa Group gets green light to take major stake in ITA Airways

    The European Commission has approved Lufthansa Group’s proposition to take a 41 per cent stake in ITA Airways following an investigation by EU antitrust regulators. The deal which was first announced in May last year will see Lufthansa pay 325 million Euro to take the remaining shares in 2025. Both Lufthansa and ITA have previously […]

    • Aviation

    Vietjet’s two new routes to South Korea and China

    Vietjet has announced the commencement of two new routes, expanding its network in both South Korea and China. The new routes include Nha Trang-Daegu in South Korea and Ho Chi Minh City-Xi’an in China. The new route connecting Vietnam’s coastal city of Nha Trang with Daegu, a major city located in southeastern South Korea, is […]

    • Destinations

    Istanbul in a heartbeat

    Istanbul offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and... Chaos.

    • Hotels

    Angsana to launch first island resort in Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay

    Banyan Group’s subsidiary Angsana has announced the opening of Angsana Quan Lan, a 156-room and suite luxury offering with stunning views of the Gulf of Tonkin. Guests can enjoy dining at three distinct venues and unwind at Angsana Spa, as well as the brand’s signature ‘101 Things To Do’ that celebrate Vietnam’s coastal charm. The […]

    • Cruise

    Hurtigruten’s SeaZero wins prestigious award

    Hurtigruten’s SeaZero project has won the award for Best Concept Ship Design at the prestigious Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards 2024 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. The first rendering of the project was released a year ago with a goal to create the world’s most energy-efficient ship. Announced in 2021, the project is currently […]