Have you ever wondered how to become a high roller? Taking frequent, high-stakes risks at a casino can get you access to top-tier benefits, like private jet flights, secret betting rooms, and personal staff that cater to your every whim.
When it comes to online casinos, high rollers can get lots of exclusive bonuses and cashback, higher deposit and withdrawal limits, personal hosts, and more.
In this guide, we’ll go behind the scenes of this mysterious world that’s out of reach for the average bettor.
I’ll explain how casinos define a high roller, the steps you need to take to get there, and the ups and downs of this thrilling yet risky status.
What Exactly is a High Roller?
A high roller, also often referred to as a “whale,” is a gambler who plays with a large amount of money on a regular basis.
While the threshold to being a high roller varies, these bettors typically bring tens of thousands of dollars to the casino without batting an eye.
Besides having a lot of expendable money, the one thing high rollers have in common is a fearless attitude about gambling it all away.
Getting the casino’s attention is easier than you think. Simply gambling with significant sums for an extended period or letting the casino know your intentions beforehand can help you enter the elite circle and connect with a host.
However, you’ll have to bet high consistently to maintain this status.
So what do high rollers play when they’re putting it all on the line? Table games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and poker are the most popular choices for various reasons.
These games can have low house edges, fast-paced action, and high betting limits. However, some whales like to play high-limit slot machines. It really depends on the player’s personal preference.
How to Actually Become a High Roller (Actionable Steps)
Becoming a high roller doesn’t happen overnight—it takes strategy, discipline, and a bit of finesse.
If you’re serious about joining the elite circle of big-time gamblers, these actionable steps will help you get noticed, maximize your rewards, and make the most of your time at the casino.
Get a Player’s Card
Sign up for a player’s card at the casino. It’s the only way your activity will get tracked. Otherwise, the money and time you spend may go unnoticed.Build Your Bankroll
Use good bankroll management. Set a budget before you play, stick to it, and avoid chasing your losses. Start stacking your wins, and don’t spend them frivolously just because you have a lucky streak.Get to Know Your Host
Establish a good relationship with your casino host. Be polite, but also don’t be afraid to ask for comps.Be On Your Best Behavior
Treat dealers and other casino employees kindly. Don’t drink too much or act out of line. Good tipping practice and respectful behavior will go a long way.Play The Right Games
If you’re going to be betting high, choose games that have a low house edge to give you a better chance at winning, like blackjack.Experiment With Betting Strategies
While risky, betting strategies can produce good results when they work in your favor. For instance, the Martingale system suggests doubling your wager after every loss. Your next win will recover all your losses and give you a profit.Be Responsible With Credit
Casinos will offer a line of credit for many players, not just high rollers. If you use this service, be sure to pay your debts by the due date. Failure to do so is not only a surefire way to ruin your relationship with the casino but could also result in your arrest.
How Casinos Identify High Rollers
Casinos have several standards for identifying high rollers. Let’s examine the criteria you must meet to earn this exclusive status.
Average Bet Size
The amount you must bet per hand to be considered a high roller can vary and is influenced by the casino and its location.
Gamblers sharing their personal experiences on Reddit say you might need to wager $500 and up per hand at higher-end establishments, like the Bellagio on The Strip.
That number could be significantly less at a smaller Midwest casino, around $25-$50 a hand.
Duration and Frequency
Duration and frequency are key factors in being a high roller. You won’t reach that status by sitting down and placing one large bet.
Casinos look for players who wager high for hours on end and return the next day to do it all over again.
Relationship with Casinos
Your activity gets tracked through a player’s card. They use this information to determine the type of perks you’ll get based on your action, like free rooms, flights, event tickets, and increased lines of credit.
Losses and Wins
The amount you lose and win plays a factor in your status. The more money lost, the more comps you might receive.
Conversely, if you’re frequently winning big, the casino will watch you very closely and may offer fewer comps.
Benefits and Risks of Being a High Roller
- High rollers get access to a world of free comps the average player never would, including opulent private betting rooms, penthouse suites with personal pools, and front-row seats to sold-out events. At real money online casinos, private hosts, exclusive bonuses, and higher limits are some of the high-roller perks.
- Betting high can result in mind-blowing wins. However, it’s crucial to know that the house has the edge.
- Whales get treated like royalty. Their every whim is taken care of, whether they want gourmet Chinese food at 3 am or need a suit mended on the fly.
- High rollers get to learn from the best and build valuable connections, often playing side-by-side with professional gamblers.
- High rollers receive more flexible betting and payout limits, larger lines of credit, and better cash-back offers.
- While placing a large wager can lead to huge payouts, realistically, it’s more likely to result in a devastating loss.
- The thrill of high-stakes gambling can turn into a crippling addiction for some people, leading them to wager their life savings away.
- Some people chase comps, and while the perks are fun, their value doesn’t compare to the money you have to spend to get them.
- Players can get into legal trouble by not paying on their line of credit with the casino.
- Achieving and maintaining a high roller status is time-consuming.
Myths Busted About High Rollers
Since most people aren’t high rollers, the lifestyle is susceptible to misconceptions. Let’s examine some of the most common myths about whales.
High Rollers Know How to Cheat a Casino
Many people assume whales know something they don’t know to bet the way they do, but that’s not the case. Cheating is one hundred percent off-limits. In fact, high rollers are under even more intense scrutiny than the average player since the casino could potentially lose more.
High Rollers Fund Their Lifestyle Through Gambling
While high rollers might take home hundreds of thousands on a good night, they often lose more than they win. The house has the edge, so gambling typically isn’t their only source of income. Most whales make their money elsewhere and gamble as a hobby.
All High Rollers are Rich
Contrary to popular belief, not all high rollers are incredibly wealthy. Some save throughout the year to play high stakes, while others irresponsibly risk everything they have.
Is the High Roller Lifestyle Right for You?
Becoming a high roller is certainly achievable if you have the financial means, good bankroll management, and the ability to gamble responsibly.
However, it’s crucial to approach this lifestyle with a healthy dose of reality. Most whales are already wealthy, and gambling alone isn’t the path to success.
But luxury experiences and exclusive comps are well within reach for those who are up to the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Rollers
Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about how to be a high roller.
How do casinos balance the allure of high-roller incentives with the ethical considerations of promoting responsible gambling?
Many casinos strike a balance between the allure of comps and responsible gambling in a few ways. They train staff on responsible gambling practices, offer information on the probabilities of winning or losing games, and provide patrons the option to exclude themselves from betting at the casino.
Who are some of the most famous high rollers?
Some of the most famous high rollers include celebrities like Ben Affleck, Tobey McGuire, Floyd Mayweather, and Matt Damon.
What is considered a high roller in Las Vegas?
Definitions for a high roller can vary from casino to casino, but generally, in Vegas, it’s anyone who consistently and frequently wagers $500 or more per hand.
Can casinos ban high rollers?
Yes, casinos can ban high rollers. They have the right to refuse service to anyone, no matter how much they wager.
Are high rollers addicted to gambling?
No, not all high rollers are addicted to gambling. However, high-stakes wagering can create an adrenaline rush that is problematic for some bettors.
