High rollers are a popular part of the casino sector and are bettors who play a major part in gambling folklore. I think this is mainly down to the huge wins the biggest high rollers scoop and the glamour that is associated with them.
But what is a high roller? In my opinion, it’s someone who gambles consistently with a large betting bank for big stakes. To get a better idea of just what this sort of bettor is, I have put together the guide below that gives you all the information you need to know.
High roller definition: How wealth impacts the label
For me, the definition of a high roller is synonymous with wealth, luxury and having money to spend. I would class someone who plays at Canada’s best online casinos as a high roller if they have a lot of money to bet with and consistently place large stakes at high buy-in games.
Wealth, therefore, plays a major part in the meaning and image of a high roller for me. This is because I think they need enough money to place large bets and bet regularly at this level to be called a high roller.
The role of casino comps and hosts for high rollers
When I have played at any high roller casino site, the extra attention this type of player receives never fails to catch my attention.
I found that one popular way for casinos to attract people who consistently gamble large amounts is to use comps. I once had a spell playing at high buy-in tables for large stakes and was blown away by the perks.
During this period, I came across casino hosts who look after high rollers to maintain their loyalty. I loved the personalised touch this brought to my sessions.
What are high-stakes tables and who plays there?
High-stakes tables require a high amount to buy into and offer higher bet limits. When playing at casinos, I’ve found the exact amount needed to play on high-stakes tables can vary but is usually in the thousands!
But what sort of person plays there? For me, these tables are the natural habitat of high rollers and more elite gamblers who enjoy a lifestyle of privilege. I believe this is down to the combination of high stakes and a bigger buy-in, which means the other gamblers who are present are those you could name as high rollers.
High roller rewards: Perks that casinos offer big spenders
When putting together this overview defining a high roller in gambling, I started to really dig into what specific perks these bettors enjoy. I was able to draw on my experience as a high roller and think about the sorts of extras I’d received.
The most common deals and rewards I came across were:
- Higher withdrawal limits
- Invites to VIP events
- Higher cashback percentages
- Personalized account manager/host
These all made playing any casino game extra enjoyable and made me happy that the casino appreciated my custom. I think VIP event invites are the best and I advise looking out for them.
Famous high rollers in Vegas history
Although there are lots of gambling hotspots in Europe and around the world where high rollers make an impact, I still classify Las Vegas in the US as the number one town for casino-based entertainment.
This is not just confined to wealthy individuals betting at casinos there, of course. Howard Hughes Jr, for example, helped Vegas become what it is by investing in the Desert Inn, Castaways and New Frontier, as well as the Sands and the Landmark Hotel.
When it comes to the top high roller Las Vegas examples, I think the icon Kerry Packer stands out for the $33 million he won during one session at a tournament at the Hilton in 1992. Before that, the $200,000 Akio Kashiwagi would risk on each baccarat hand in Vegas in the 1970s/80s also warrants a mention.
High rollers: The bottom line
My guide has covered all you need to know about this sort of bettor and has explained what a high roller in gambling is. From the definition of one, to the most famous bettors in Vegas history, this article really helps to understand what a high roller is. Although betting large amounts at high buy-in games is not everyone’s style, I think high rollers are a core part of the casino industry and help to bring that little extra glamour and drama to proceedings.
FAQ
1. How much money does a high roller typically bet?
This can vary between casinos, countries and games. As a rough guide, high rollers bet anywhere from a few thousand per hand up to hundreds of thousands. This is why high bet limits at tables these people play at are so crucial.
2. Do high rollers always win big?
People who meet the definition of a high roller don’t always win a fortune. It’s always possible to lose a hand when playing casino games, and I have seen leading, lavish bettors blow a hole in their betting bank when gaming.
3. What games do high rollers usually play?
High rollers tend to favour certain games. This did not surprise me, and these games included craps, baccarat, blackjack and poker. Poker is the example I think most people will be familiar with and is loved by whale bettors.
4. Are high rollers only found in casinos?
Although I think that high rollers play a key role in the casino sector, I’ve noticed them in other places. Sports betting is one example I think of immediately, and I know some people love to place large bets on sports. High rollers can also be found anywhere where people are spending large amounts of cash consistently.
5. Are high rollers treated differently in casinos?
Yes, high rollers are treated differently by casinos. In my experience of playing casino games, this includes dedicated hosts and exclusive perks. I found that these extras are often delivered by VIP programs on a casino’s promotion page, and include VIP event invites, prize giveaways and more.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Responsible Gambling Council – https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
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