For some, a game of poker or a spin of the roulette wheel is an occasional and somewhat half-hearted pastime, but for the world’s high rollers it’s all about high-stakes gambling featuring eye-watering sums of money, and sometimes, astronomical wins that leave them walking away even wealthier than they already were.

But it’s not just big-money bets that set the world of VIP casino players apart, and from travel by private jets and luxury superyachts to lavish hotel suites and Michelin-starred meals, the world’s whales are courted by casinos through VIP programmes designed to keep them coming back for more, and offer them an array of opulent perks and privileges, along with special personalised service, for doing so.

Elite players like these are highly sought-after in the luxury casino world, and providers pull out all the stops to ensure their loyalty. But competition is fierce, with some of the biggest names in the business striving to outdo one another in order to come out on top – and win the custom of the monied players who matter the most to them.

We asked the experts at Cash of Slots to lift the lid on what exactly makes for a high roller in 2025, and how casinos are going above and beyond to reel them in.

Who are the high rollers, anyway?

High rollers aren’t just those who throw caution to the wind on an odd occasion and bet a little bit more than they usually would; these are serious gamblers who often wager tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds in a single sitting. It goes without saying that in order to do so, they have to be pretty well-off to start with, and from celebrities to business moguls and tycoons of all types, these are people with vast fortunes and plenty of money that they can afford to lose.

Risk-takers who are willing to go all out for the thrill of the game, these fearless players garner much attention in casinos, often drawing crowds of spectators when they are playing – which is why casinos offer them exclusive access to private gaming rooms so that they can play in peace.

To be considered a high roller, players are assessed on their ‘average daily theoretical’ (ADT) – in other words, how much revenue they are likely to generate for a casino on average. The more you bet, the more likely you are to qualify for the prestigious and often coveted status.

Private jets and presidential suites

Those who make the cut can expect to revel in sheer extravagance, with top casinos lavishing them in rewards for their continued big-spending in a bid to retain their loyalty. From flying them in for their next poker game on board a lavish private jet, to whipping out the red carpet for their arrival and putting them up in the Presidential Suite with a minibar pre-filled with bottles of the finest Champagne, nothing is too much trouble when it comes to making high-rolling players feel valued and welcome. While these players might spend big at the casino tables, it’s the only time they’ll have to get their wallets out for the entire trip, with all expenses paid and personal service to ensure that their every need is met from start to finish.

While high-rollers are highly sought-after by luxury casinos across the globe, gambling meccas such as Las Vegas, Macau and Monte Carlo, where there are a particularly high concentration, compete fiercely for their custom. From VIP boxes at concerts of globally-renowned artists to gourmet meals dreamt up and prepared especially for them in exclusive private dining areas, the efforts to outdo one another are never-ending – leaving the world’s whales spoilt for choice.

Private gambling suites, where high-wagering players are whisked away to enjoy their favourite games in the utmost of privacy are another card many top casinos have up their sleeves in order to entice them in. Here, they can enjoy a discreet environment away from prying eyes, free-flowing Champagne and gourmet canapés and impeccable service, with their every wish is the casino’s command.

High risks, big rewards

For the world’s whales, the stakes are as high as the amounts they wager – but sometimes, the risk pays off. Australian businessman Kerry Packer, who is said to have scooped in excess of $20 million in just one weekend of gameplay in Sin City, is a prime example – but it doesn’t always work out that way.

Nevertheless, high rollers play to win, and that means that sometimes, casinos have to make huge payouts. While they openly encourage high rollers to place large bets, they do set limits to manage the risk of having to do so, and larger chains will pool the risk across a number of their properties to hedge high-stakes gaming.

The bottom line

In the world of luxury casinos, the more money you have to play with, the more valuable you are – which means you can expect to be rewarded handsomely just for having a bit of fun with your fortune, even if you don’t win. High-rolling players are like gold dust to big name casinos – but that doesn’t mean they don’t come with risks of their own. Nevertheless, they pull out all the stops to shower them with prestigious perks and privileges, because just like the players themselves, casinos are willing to take the chance.

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