More Victims Speak Out After Cruise Casino Tragedy

Earlier this year, we reported on the story of an Australian man who took his own life after accumulating debts in a cruise ship’s casino. 

Shane Dixon jumped to his death as the ship owned and operated by P&O Australia approached Sydney Harbour at around 4 AM on May 6. 

The father of three had apparently racked up a casino debt of $9,000 while onboard the Pacific Adventure, as he was offered gambling incentives including a free cruise voucher and free drinks. 

According to his family, the stress triggered by the debt led him to the tragic decision.

The Daily Mail now reports that law firm Carter Capner Law, which is investigating a class action over whether vulnerable passengers were taken advantage of in cruise ship casinos, has received numerous stories from potential complainants.

Initiated by director Peter Carter, who is the former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, the investigation follows Dixon’s death as reported by Daily Mail Australia.

Self-Exclusion, Not on the Table

The same publication also later uncovered similar distressing accounts from individuals who alleged they were told self-exclusion was not an option. 

Others claimed they were detained and questioned by staff onboard after they couldn’t pay their gambling debts.

Carter criticized P&O, claiming the company encouraged passengers to gamble irresponsibly by extending credit without considering their financial standing or ability to repay.

He acknowledged that some practices had been adjusted following the attention brought by Dixon’s death and the legal campaign but emphasized the need for further reforms.

“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,” he stated.

Carter further asked other affected passengers to come forward, revealing that since the investigation and possible class action were made public, they were contacted by dozens of individuals across Australia and New Zealand.

Carter Describes P&O’s Practices as “Predatory”

Carter shared another troubling recollection of a client about a P&O cruise incident that occurred shortly after the May 6 tragedy.

One passenger reported losing track of his casino spending, assuming the cruise line was only deducting from his bank account without offering a loan.

He claimed P&O allowed him to accumulate nearly $6,000 in debt, despite his bank account only having $2,000 in it.

When he returned to Sydney, the passenger claimed he was detained onboard for three hours while his partner and young children waited outside in the heat. 

He was released only after threatening to jump overboard.

In another similarly disturbing case, a passenger alleged he was enticed with a free cruise featuring unlimited alcohol, gourmet meals, and a $5,000 daily credit limit. 

While the cruise line was well aware of his history of debt and unpaid balances from previous trips, he still accumulated a $13,000 debt that ballooned to $25,000 with prior dues. 

The man claimed staff prevented him from leaving until he signed an acknowledgment of the debt.

Carter called P&O’s practices “predatory,” accusing the company of exploiting vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with gambling addiction. 

“These practices blatantly prey on vulnerabilities and actively incentivize people to lose money,” he said.

Carter Capner Law is preparing a class action to address claims of unlawful detention and recover financial losses from affected passengers.

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises Australia is set to merge with Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025 as part of a rebranding under parent company Carnival Corporation.