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.

How Much Do You Need to Bet to be a Whale?

Whales are the absolute apex predators of the gambling world, often placing $50,000 to $100,000 on a single hand of Baccarat.

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

• A ‘Premium Mass’ player is a newer term for wealthy tourists who bet large amounts but don’t quite reach the multi-million dollar whale status
• Credit lines (markers) extended to whales are often secured by massive international real estate holdings or corporate assets
• The stress on the casino executives is immense when a whale is playing, as a $10 million loss can severely impact the bottom line

What Do Casinos Give Away to High Rollers?

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

These villas feature private swimming pools, personal 24/7 butler service, and private dining rooms catered by celebrity chefs.

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