While the main casino floor is filled with casual tourists playing penny slots, a completely different world exists behind closed doors.

The competition to attract a legitimate 'Whale' is incredibly fierce, with resorts offering jaw-dropping perks just to get them in the door.

What Separates a High Roller from a Whale?

While high rollers are valuable, a true 'Whale' is a mythical creature in the casino world, bringing a bankroll of $1 Million to $10 Million.

There are estimated to be fewer than 500 legitimate whales operating globally, primarily wealthy businessmen from Asia and the Middle East.

• A 'Premium Mass' player is a newer term for wealthy tourists who bet large amounts but don't quite reach the multi-million dollar whale status
• Credit lines (markers) extended to whales are often secured by massive international real estate holdings or corporate assets
• The stress on the casino executives is immense when a whale is playing, as a $10 million loss can severely impact the bottom line

The Extravagant Life of a Casino VIP

The standard 'comp' for a whale goes far beyond a free buffet; we are talking about unbridled, extreme luxury.

These villas feature private swimming pools, personal 24/7 butler service, and private dining rooms catered by celebrity chefs.

While the average player grinds away at the penny slots, the whales are quietly funding the massive chandeliers and the marble floors.