We’re talking about ultra-high-net-worth individuals who routinely wager six or even seven figures in a single night. The trips that make you reassess your life and reconsider where you want to live Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating So, in an effort to increase spending, Vegas casinos at least, are opening the doors to non-whale big spenders too. Stealing whales (high-rolling gamblers) from competitors in Las Vegas is all about offering better incentives, an exclusive experience, and making them feel like kings and queens. These players can be found in the gambling palaces of Las Vegas, Macau and Monaco and they are BIG. Let’s go see them.’ Meanwhile, I’m afraid of losing him…The goal is to keep players in the building but people want to leave for a variety of reasons." "When this player comes in, there are 30 deal points that get signed off on," says Cyr, making the man’s gambling trips sound more like corporate negotiations than Vegas getaways. Well, lots of free stuff helps like free luxury limos, cash back on gambling losses, and a free credit card to shop with – that’s always good for persuading the other half to come along for the ride. One of his leading casinos lost money for the entire month. Casino Whales have been known to bet as much as $5 million in one night – you can see why casinos bend over backwards to try and entice them through the doors. These players can regularly bet hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in a single session. Casino Whales is an industry term for big spending high rollers in the world of gambling. "Over the course of the trip, my player was up a lot and down a lot and ended up losing $400,000," says the host, making it clear that his whale didn’t mind all that much and will surely be back for more. Chances are then that the Cosmopolitan will not soon be welcoming a wealthy customer who is known for putting ungodly sums of money at risk in casinos. Few people have experienced Vegas how Big Rob lives Vegas every day, so I figured he would be the perfect guide to learning more about the adrenaline-fueled high roller lifestyle. This is how the highest of high rollers experience The Entertainment Capital of the World. The perks high rollers enjoy have been cast in a darker light after the Las Vegas shooting earlier this month. High-rolling VIPs play with other VIPs at reserved tables, typically near the main floor — or sometimes in "more exclusive and restricted-access areas," Kelley said. Whales might wager $5 million in one night — so casinos want to persuade them to visit as much as possible. It’s worth noting that the high-stakes world isn’t always glossy and perfect. But for casinos, it makes business sense. In extreme cases, whales have been known to ask for new games to be added to the floor — and casinos oblige. They’re given access to private salons — sometimes hidden away behind unmarked doors — with tailored lighting, custom chips, and dealers they know and trust. High rollers don’t sit at public tables. And if they want something special — say, a bottle of wine flown in from Bordeaux or their favorite masseuse from Miami — the casino usually makes it happen. While poker players have the leading role in most high-roller legends, baccarat is the game of choice for most whales, says Shaun Kelley, a research analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Here's a look into the lives of high rollers — and what these perks involve. Most people will never step into the world of casino whales — but it’s fascinating to know it exists. If a player starts losing control, hosts are trained to step in, set limits, or even cut them off. That includes flying them in for major events, assigning multiple hosts, and even offering private lines of credit so they can gamble without carrying cash. So yes, they’ll go above and beyond to attract and retain those players. But last night was a hard one, and the losses piled up on the blackjack tables as he made five-figure bets, his norm. He has just eaten a superb lunch of Dover sole, and smiles as he recalls his all-time largest win on a single hand—$250,000. They, of course, are casino personnel, and they hunger for high-stakes action from deep-pocketed customers like him. "Good hosts will do anything for their high rollers," one premier casino host tells me. "Comped meals, shows, nightlife and spa experiences…you name it." But as with a luxury concierge, it’s really all about the relationship. Casinos consider them top-tier VIP players and offer luxurious perks, personalised service, and special treatment to keep them gambling at their casino. Even high rollers who don't quite meet whale status typically play in private rooms and receive other perks reserved for people willing to wager more money than the average gambler. As for nightlife, casinos want to make sure that their high rollers are having a great time at their premium clubs. Whenever they’re not gaming, casino hosts help ensure that their high rollers are having the best possible time. They go back to their rooms for showers, take some time to eat, go to the terrace for a smoke," he says, even though smoking is perfectly fine inside The Reserve. "Guys come to The Reserve and gamble for two to three days straight," says Benowitz. Perhaps they compensate with time spent at the table. "That is the maximum risk we are willing to take at this time."
