High rollers are probably the bread and butter of casinos. Also referred to as “whales,” the term refers to high-value gamblers who usually spend large amounts at casinos. To keep such paying customers happy, all casinos offer expensive comps or freebies to keep the high rollers in their seats and gambling. The amount and type of high roller events that casinos organize will depend on several factors. Here is a tiny glimpse to how these high roller events work:
Casino Hosts — Casino hosts are responsible for identifying and coordinating with high rollers. The sole job of the host is to keep the whales happy with the best possible experience at the casino. The hosts contact the whales and bring them back to the casino usually by offering targeted custom deals. Pit bosses also work in conjunction with casino hosts to identify and track high roller events who are new to the floor. Most casinos also set up clubs and register these players so that play and spending can be tracked and matched to available comps.
Levels of comps: Depending on just how much the gambler is spending, casinos offer levels of comps. For example, the most common comp is free alcohol and accommodation. The type of alcohol and accommodation will also vary depending on the type of guest. A slightly higher level is free parking, free meals and lounge access. This is done to ensure that the high roller sticks around at the lounge or restaurant and spends more money. For VIP gamblers, the sky is literally the limit and casinos do not have a cash limit on the comps they provide. For example, most casinos have attached hotels and they offer suites, personal chefs and free butler service. This will include welcome baskets with high-end $100 champagne, handmade chocolates, gourmet foods, luxury fashion, objets d’art, spa freebies, and luxury bath and body items. The personal chef service can be particularly impressive. To keep guests entertained, airline tickets, tickets to entertainment shows, golf entry, and private limo rides are the norm. In some cases, casinos also offer cash rewards like a cashback service, free bet offers, entries into cash tournaments, prize draws, money to show up and play at the casino, private gaming sessions and areas, and loss rebates.
Factoring in profit/loss for the casino
Casinos don’t do this out of the goodness of their hearts. Before the comp is given, both the pit boss and the casino host factor in the amount being played, time played and profit/loss for the casino. In short, the more you play, the more you win/lose, the more comps you get.
But the house always wins.
