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aura Butler, a woman in her 50s who lives alone, has found an unconventional way to afford her lifestyle - by gambling on cruise ships. She earns points through casino games and uses them to secure free cruises, which cost her around $300 per week.

    Butler's strategy involves playing blackjack and slot machines to accumulate points, which can be redeemed for free cruises or upgraded accommodations. However, she warns that the key is to lose as little money as possible, as the house always wins in the long run.

    "I played Blackjack on this cruise, not knowing anything about the casino point system," Butler said. "I just gambled because it was fun." She received a letter from the cruise ship company inviting her back after noticing her gaming activity.

    Butler has taken advantage of this system to travel extensively, visiting countries like Sweden and Finland. She advises others to approach the strategy with caution, emphasizing that it's essential to set limits and not rely on getting a certain offer.

    "I could have lost a lot more," Butler said, recalling a particularly costly trip where she lost over $2,300. "The point systems will vary based on the length of the sailing... It's really important to share with you that the offers aren't any better on a longer cruise; you just have to earn more points."

    Butler has met people who continued gaming on the last sea day, unaware that the cutoff was midnight. She recommends setting an alarm to avoid missing out on opportunities.

    While Butler's strategy may seem appealing, it comes with risks and potential financial losses. As she notes, "The casino house will always win."