Every industry has VIP customers, and for the gambling industry, these customers are “high rollers.” Some may charter a private plane and fly to Las Vegas just to play blackjack for a few hours, then return on the same plane after spending a few million dollars. For some, gambling is a way of life or even a professional career. In this article, we will take a look at the lives of high rollers, examine their differences with other players, and talk about what privileges they enjoy. If you think you have what it takes to be a high roller, you can find a list of the best casinos for you at high-roller-casinos.com.

Who Is Called a “High Roller”?

The high roller is a term that originated in the 1870s and was used for gamblers playing craps with big bets (hence the “rolling” part). Today, it is used to describe all players playing casino games with large wager amounts. They are also known as “whale” and “cheetah,” but high roller has become an almost universal term. Such players not only play for big money but also receive gifts from casinos called “comps” (complimentary). These gifts can be things like free flight tickets, accommodation in the casino’s best suite, city tours, and field side tickets to important matches.

Predictably, these gifts are because high rollers are ready to spend a lot of money. Casinos can generate enormous income from them. For example, Terrance Watanabe, a multi-millionaire, is estimated to spend approximately $825 million in Las Vegas.

But their big budgets aren’t the only reason why high rollers are favorites of casinos: these players go around with an “entourage” and get other big names, even professional gamblers, to follow. In other words, high rollers bring a group of big spenders with them.

How Much Do You Have to Bet to Become a High Roller?

While there are extreme examples that place million-dollar bets, it is possible to qualify for the high roller title with less. In this context, it is possible to say that each casino has a different minimum limit. To give some examples:

• In Australia, they are those who place AUD$50,000 – $75,000 bets at a time.

• It is possible to say that this limit for Las Vegas is between US$150,000 – $300,000.

• For Macau, the high roller limit is US$500,000 and above.

Another thing to know here is that not every casino can accept high rollers. The comps offered to such players are not something that every business can easily afford. Moreover, high rollers often play on casino credits, meaning the casino lends them money to be paid later, which requires the business to be over a certain size.

Are High Roller and Professional Gambler the Same Thing?

Not exactly. Most professional gamblers are high rollers, but they almost never play with their own money. They have sponsors who pay them to gamble – this sponsor can even be the casino itself. Because professional gamblers are famous personalities, and there are many “whales” who want to try their luck against them. In other words, their presence alone is enough to attract other high-rollers.

When they use their own money, they are much more careful and avoid big wagers, as bankroll management is vital for them.

Is Being a High Roller a Good Thing?

A life full of free gifts and nights filled with gambling – although these may sound appealing, being a high roller usually isn’t an adventure that ends well unless you’re a professional gambler. In the long run, the casino always wins, and the casino is always richer than you, no matter how much money you have. In other words, even the biggest bankrolls will one day run out. For example, Terrance Watanabe, which we mentioned above, was almost a billionaire, but he spent all his wealth within 5 years and left Las Vegas with a debt of $200 million.