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

To attract these massive bankrolls, casinos employ dedicated VIP hosts whose entire job is to cater to their every whim.

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.

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.

They exist in a parallel universe of luxury, where millions of dollars change hands in the blink of an eye.