In the casino industry, high rollers are known as “whales” – the biggest, most valued customers that wager astronomical sums at table games and slots. These elite players get the royal treatment with extravagant comp packages and exclusive VIP services.
What defines a casino whale varies between properties, but they generally wager a minimum of $50,000 to $100,000 per trip. In return, they receive complimentary amenities, gifts and entertainment to encourage their continued patronage.
For casinos, attracting and retaining players is crucial for profits. That is why billion-dollar integrated resorts operate exclusive VIP clubs and lavish villas – to cater to their most prized clients.
All Sky Crown players enjoy a basic set of complimentary rewards, with the value increasing proportionally to their losses. Standard perks include:
As players gamble more money, they climb tier levels, which unlock better rewards. For example, Seven Stars members at Caesars Entertainment properties receive 50% discounts on retail purchases, free trips and access to the Seven Stars Lounge with complimentary cocktails and food.
For the biggest players wagering over $1 million per trip, the royal treatment reaches another level entirely. These ultra VIPs negotiate custom deals for over-the-top experiences like:
Sprawling two-story villas with private pools, home theaters, massage rooms and 24/7 butler service. For example, the 10,000 square-foot, $35,000 per night Mansions at MGM Grand.
Complimentary private jet transportation to fly in high rollers from across the globe. In 2025, Las Vegas Sands will operate a fleet of 7 aircraft for its VIP clients.
Bringing along entourages of friends/staff and housing them in complementary attached suites. Encore at Wynn Las Vegas offers private gaming salons next to 3-bedroom villas for entourages.
Huge shopping credit lines at designer stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton inside casinos, with 24/7 personal shoppers available. $250,000 credit lines are common for the biggest players.
VIP access to the most in-demand concerts, shows and nightclubs – plus backstage meet-and-greets with celebrities. Getting a front-row seat for Elton John or Mariah Carey during New Year’s Eve is easy for players.
Multi-million lines of credit for gaming. When MGM opened Mansion rooms in 2023, their biggest player was approved for a $10 million credit line!
The key contact for all high roller players are their personal VIP hosts – think of them like casino ambassadors. Top hosts have huge Rolodexes of wealthy clients and work tirelessly to attract them.
Their job is to understand exactly what players want – then leverage all possible resources to deliver it. This makes hosts indispensable middlemen between players and casinos. $1 million+ players usually have multiple hosts assigned to handle their trips.
To become a casino host, relationship-building skills are vital because the role is all about personalized service. Language fluency is also key to catering to international VIP clients. With so much money on the line, the best hosts are master negotiators.
The hottest hosts hold great power in negotiating comp packages with their casinos. Top earners make $500k+ in salary and bonuses. However, it is a high-pressure job – if their players stop visiting, hosts risk losing it all.
|
Whale Tier |
Average Wager Per Trip |
Comp Package Value |
Dedicated VIP Hosts |
|
Seven Stars |
$500k |
Up to $250k |
One Host |
|
Elite |
$1 million |
Up to $500k |
One Lead Host + Team |
|
Ultra Elite |
$3 million+ |
Seven Figures |
Multiple Hosts + Assistant |
So while casinos may attract patrons with bright lights and gambling thrills, what really seduces high rollers is first-class treatment catered specially to their desires. The secret world of VIP services gives ultra elites an unparalleled lifestyle...as long as they gamble big.
