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'

While high rollers are valuable, a true 'Whale' is a mythical creature in the casino world, bringing a bankroll of $1 Million to $10 Million.


Because their bankrolls are so massive, a single whale can drastically alter the quarterly earnings report of an entire casino corporation.

Casinos use private jets to fly whales in from around the world, completely free of charge, just to secure their businessThe VIP host must know everything about the whale, from their favorite rare scotch to their preferred brand of cigarWhen a whale arrives, the casino essentially bends the rules of reality to ensure they never experience a single moment of inconvenience
What Do Casinos Give Away to High Rollers?

To ensure the whale loses their money at their specific property, the casino will cover absolutely all expenses for their entire entourage.


The philosophy is simple: keep the player completely happy and entirely inside the building so they continue to gamble.

Player StatusTypical BankrollStandard Comps ExpectedPremium Mass$10,000 - $50,000Standard Suite, Free fine dining, Limousine airport transferTrue Whale$1,000,000+Private Jet, Multi-story Villa, Loss Rebate Negotiations

The world of the casino whale is a fascinating study in extreme wealth and the lengths corporations will go to capture it.