High Rollers: Who Are the Whales of the Casino World?

While the main casino floor is filled with casual tourists playing penny slots, a completely different world exists behind closed doors.

The competition to attract a legitimate ‘Whale’ is incredibly fierce, with resorts offering jaw-dropping perks just to get them in the door.

The Definition of a ‘Whale’

A standard ‘High Roller’ might bring $50,000 to $100,000 to Vegas, expecting a nice suite and free dinners.

There are estimated to be fewer than 500 legitimate whales operating globally, primarily wealthy businessmen from Asia and the Middle East.

• Whales rarely play on the main floor; they gamble in private salons hidden deep within the resort, away from the public eye
• Baccarat is the undisputed game of choice for whales due to its fast pace, massive betting limits, and low house edge
• Because their action is so large, whales often negotiate ‘loss rebates’, where the casino agrees to refund 10% to 20% of their total losses

The Extravagant Life of a Casino VIP

The standard ‘comp’ for a whale goes far beyond a free buffet; we are talking about unbridled, extreme luxury.

If a whale wants front-row tickets to a sold-out championship boxing match, the casino will simply buy the seats at an exorbitant markup.

While the average player grinds away at the penny slots, the whales are quietly funding the massive chandeliers and the marble floors.