HOW TO BECOME A HIGH ROLLER

Ever since James Bond walked into a casino and took a seat at a baccarat table, the world has fallen in love with the high-stakes, high-glamour portrait of casinos. Increasingly high numbers of casino players are seeking out the luxurious feel of the iconic Vegas casino in films, thanks in no small part to our social media-obsessed world.

Online casinos are thus looking to translate that timeless charm through the slickness of technology, allowing for more and more money to be bet on the tables by any player hoping to reach casino stardom and become a high roller.

If you’ve clicked on this article, chances are you’re looking to be a high roller. It’s not all roses, though – there are a few things you should keep in mind before attempting the lifestyle. Before taking the plunge, read this primer for a basic rundown of the highs and lows of becoming a high roller!

WHAT IS A CASINO HIGH ROLLER?

There is no one-size-fits-all definition to being a high roller. However, generally speaking, high rollers (also known as casino whales) are experienced gamblers who live an extreme gambling lifestyle. A professional gambler is not necessarily the same as a high roller; they are not mutually exclusive.

They have a ‘the-bigger-the-better‘ attitude regarding betting limits and enjoy the best perks an establishment offers. However, even high rollers in the same casino vary; not all whales bet the same amount of money, so perks may be tiered.

High rollers are synonymous with casino glamour, but increased social media underlines the idea that everyone can do it. While it’s true that there are no obstacles in this path, provided gamblers approach it the right way, it has to be emphasised that the mental tolerance required is no joke. To become a high roller, one must be comfortable with the magnified risks of big bets at a gaming table.

BENEFITS OF BEING A HIGH ROLLER

There’s no shortage of perks that a high roller gambler can expect from gaming sites. That being said, there are some differences between an online casino and a land-based one, although the concept remains the same. Online casinos cultivate the relationship with their high rollers through such things as:

• Higher deposit and withdrawal limits.
• Status symbols such as a private jet and luxury hotel rooms are provided.
• More games and tables to pick from.
• Bespoke high roller bonuses and promotions to collect rewards.
• A dedicated personal manager and preferential treatment.

According to its casino loyalty program, a gambling whale may stick with a specific casino over another. Rest assured, every land or online casino has a vested interest in showering loyal players and their money with rewards.

BEST TIPS TO BECOME A HIGH ROLLER

To make your way through casino high society and swim with the casino whales, here are a few things to keep in mind on your journey to the top. Let’s go through them now.

PLAY FOR REAL MONEY

Demo versions of video casino games and slot machines are abundant in online casinos. They’re great for getting yourself familiar with the mechanics and style of play before risking any funds. However, if you want to make a mark, it’s impossible to do so when you’re playing with virtual funds. Remember, though, to always err on the side of caution with your money to avoid crushing losses.

SUSTAIN YOUR BANKROLL

It goes without saying bigger bets risk bigger losses. High rolling does not insulate you from the inherent risks in games of chance; in fact, it can crystallise them. Budgeting can bear the brunt of your ambitions. Map out the maximum margin of losses you can sustain when playing, and stay within it. If you exceed your budget, take a breather, and return only once your bankroll has sufficiently recovered.

MAKE A LARGE DEPOSIT.

One good way to get a gambling house’s attention is by depositing conspicuous amounts into your account (legally and responsibly, of course). Casinos keep an eye on the type of business and clients they attract, and large deposits indicate big spending. Consequently, the more interest (and more money) the client generates, the more the casino will encourage them via bonus offers and sweet deals. The same applies to brick-and-mortar casinos; however, you purchase your deposit’s worth in chips rather than depositing directly into an account.

VISIT REGULARLY

In the long run, it makes more sense to deposit moderate amounts into an account at a consistent rate than a humongous amount once every blue moon. Not only can one-off large deposits seem fishy to many gaming sites, consistency means your presence at the casino is likelier to be noticed.

PLAY AT VIP TABLES

This may sound like a given, but you’d be surprised how many players fail to understand the importance of regularly playing at such tables. VIP tables are online table games catering to the online gambling whale by recreating the experience in land-based casino pits. They will have higher betting limits in place and a lush feel, not to mention possible bonuses and promotions unique to the table.

MAKE USE OF BONUSES.

Bonuses are your best friend in the casino world. They come in all shapes and sizes; perhaps a bonus awards free spins on qualifying slot machines, or it can award extra funds for players. There are as many types of bonuses as there are casinos, and it’s good practice to be aware of what the online casino you’re playing at is offering. Just as important is to be mindful of the Terms and Conditions of a chosen bonus. Some may have wagering requirements to fulfil for the bonus or include jurisdictional limitations.

PROS AND CONS OF REACHING WHALE STATUS

Suppose you’re curious about whether to go down this particular path. In that case, it may be helpful to have a simplified list of pros and cons to compare the two with your position:

ADVANTAGES

• Tailor-made deals for high rollers.
• Exclusive access to special tables.
• Personalised support for clientele.

DISADVANTAGES

• Risk-averse players may find it too nerve-wracking.
• Stricter betting limits than recreational players.
• Possible unsolicited attention from unsavoury folk.

THE MOST FAMOUS HIGH ROLLERS OF ALL TIMES

As you can tell, high rolling is an expensive sport. Naturally, wealth and social status go hand in hand, and celebrity culture has enjoyed dalliances in the world of high-stakes gambling. Coupled with the fact that it takes nerve, some high rollers have established themselves as well-known gamblers. Let’s take a stroll through the casino whale hall of fame:

• Dana White – UFC owner Dana White is a Las Vegas heavyweight known for generous tips of up to $100,000 to blackjack dealers and perfectly cooked steaks.
• Michael Jordan – one of the greatest athletes to grace the sporting world, it was rumoured his first retirement was due to problem gambling. Losing $1 million in a game of golf surely didn’t help.
• Ben Affleck – Ben’s skill as an actor is arguably matched by his knack for blackjack. He was even physically removed by at least two casinos due to being a highly skilled card counter at a blackjack table!
• George Clooney – perhaps the most prominent example of a casino high roller suave, the beloved actor is a genuine real money player of the classiest type. That being said, he is said to have relatively poor luck at the tables, which shows that becoming a high roller gambler is more about style than anything else.
• Tiger Woods – This star high roller is known for playing up to $25,000 in a single blackjack hand.
• John McCain – Not all high rollers can brag about games that last for over 12 hours! On top of that, this star casino whale was also known as an incredible fundraiser and successful business owner.

Though high roller status may go hand-in-hand with fame and fortune, only a tiny portion of upper-class players are Hollywood types. While a land casino can provide the typical luxury experience, online casinos pick up the slack through constant churning and tailoring of deals.

Most of the time, an online casino will have a loyalty program page detailing how to become a high roller for that casino and what you can expect as a high roller (slots, rooms exclusive to particular players and so on). 

Looking to climb the online casino VIP ladder? 

In that case, HotSlots has a fantastic program with dedicated service, not to mention a dizzying array of games!