Casinos invest heavily to attract high rollers – also known as “whales.” These elite gamblers place massive bets and generate substantial casino revenue.
To keep the whales engaged, did you know that casinos offer private jets, penthouse suites, fine dining, and exclusive gifts? But luxury alone isn't enough. High rollers are super keen to bet big on top casino games.
High-stakes players with deep pockets – and often, secure Swiss vaults – gravitate toward VIP casino games that deliver massive payouts and heart-racing excitement. Let’s explore the most popular high-limit games whales play in Vegas and uncover why elite gamblers keep coming back for more.
Real High-Stakes Wins & losses
Archie Karas: The Gambler Who Turned $50 Into $40 Million in Vegas
Few high-stakes gamblers are as legendary as Archie Karas. In the early 1990s, he arrived in Las Vegas with just $50—and turned it into over $40 million in what's now known as “The Run.”
Karas played high-stakes poker, craps, and baccarat, winning massive sums with fearless bets and sharp skill. His streak is still considered one of the greatest in casino history. If you're into real-life high rollers and incredible Las Vegas wins, Archie Karas is a name you need to know.
How Terrance Watanabe Lost Over $200 Million: A High Roller’s Cautionary Tale
One of the most shocking gambling stories I’ve ever come across is that of Terrance Watanabe. As the heir to the Oriental Trading Company fortune, Watanabe reportedly lost over $200 million at Caesars Palace and the Rio Casino in Las Vegas – making it one of the biggest casino losses in history.
He focused on high-stakes blackjack strategy and baccarat, sometimes betting $100,000 per hand. His story is a reminder that even massive wealth can vanish quickly at the casino tables.
Top 4 Casino Games for Big Bettors
In this post, I reveal the top casino games high rollers favor for high-stakes gambling – including baccarat and blackjack – and how VIP comps keep them coming back.
From what I’ve seen, these four casino games consistently attract the biggest bets – from Vegas to Macau:
Best Baccarat Strategies for High Rollers:
- House edges on Baccarat games are low: Banker 1.06% and Player 1.24%
- Minimal decision-making: there’s only one decision to make, i.e. Banker or Player (with a tie resulting in a push).
- Baccarat side bets: In Punto Banco baccarat individual baccarat tie bets and other side bets offer huge payouts reaching 220:1
- Super high table limits: Baccarat, especially the Punto Banco variant, has table limits of $100,000-plus on the outcome of just one hand.
Why Baccarat Attracts the Biggest Bets in Casinos
Often dubbed the “game of kings,” Baccarat is the top choice for high rollers seeking big wins and elegant simplicity. With a low house edge of just 1.06% on Banker bets, it’s one of the most favorable games in any casino for serious players.
Why High Rollers Prefer Baccarat
In Asian casinos, especially in Macau, single bets of over $1 million are not uncommon. Globally, high-stakes Baccarat hands average around $50,000.
Despite the prestige, the game itself is easy to play – just bet on the Player box or Banker or a Tie. And unlike Blackjack, you’re not affected by other players’ decisions, making Baccarat a more controlled, solitary experience.
Blackjack: A perfect strategy game card counters love because:
- House edges on Blackjack games are lower than Baccarat – down to around 0.5% if perfect basic strategy is used and card counting techniques can help gain an advantage too, but;
- Blackjack can be a decision-making nightmare and other players at the table can have an adverse effect on the flow and outcome of games.
- High table limits: Up to $50,000 per hand on most elite Blackjack tables and in some casinos a lot higher. But because;
- Blackjack splits and double downs are common, high rollers tend to limit bet sizes to protect their bankroll and plan for multiple possible box openings.
High stakes Blackjack Tables With Bankroll Management at Work
Coming in second on my list of high-stakes casino games is blackjack—a true favorite for serious players. It blends skill, strategy, and just enough luck to keep things thrilling. I've seen bets range from a few thousand to well over $100,000 per hand at VIP tables.
Surprisingly, in today's VIP rooms, many high rollers prefer lower-end high-stakes bets. That’s because blackjack is a social, slower-paced table game, ideal for extended play and interaction.
With one of the lowest house edges in the casino, as low as 0.5% with perfect strategy, blackjack remains a favorite among serious players seeking value and entertainment.
How a Pro Gambler Beat Blackjack with Favorable Rules
Pro gambler Don Johnson placed blackjack bets of $100,000 or more in Atlantic City between 2010-11, winning over $15 million.
“I didn’t beat the house. I beat the system,” he said.
Johnson secured special rules including:
- A 20% loss rebate.
- Dealer standing on soft 17.
- Six-deck shoes instead of eight.
- The house allowed him the flexibility to split and double-down when he wanted.
While casinos won’t repeat that generous mistake, I still find blackjack tables with player-friendly rules—it just takes a bit of effort.
Craps: The High-Roller Favorite in U.S. and Canadian Casinos
- Smart craps players stick to core bets with an average house edge of 1.4% – and 0% on odds bets. Risky bets can push the edge up to around 16% for less experienced players.
- Craps is a fast-paced casino game popular in the U.S., with high max bets – usually lower per roll than blackjack or baccarat. Typical U.S. casinos allow $5,000 to $20,000 bets per roll. High-limit rooms accept $100,000 or more. Occasionally, high rollers wager $500,000+ per roll.
- In the UK, I’ve found that live craps tables are rare and typically don’t attract big bets.
- The complex betting layout and odds can confuse new players.
Craps: Still a Top Choice for Big Bets in the US
Craps is a top choice for big bets in U.S. casinos and I saw that first-hand playing in Las Vegas. The table energy was electric. High rollers love the fast pace, low house edge, the strategy of craps, and chance to win big fast.
Many Vegas casinos allow bets of $20,000 or more. For serious players, craps remains one of the most exciting and strategic high-stakes games around.
Why High Rollers Still Love Roulette – The Casino Game That Never Stops Spinning
- House edges of Roulette games based on variants:
- American Roulette = 5.26%
- European Roulette = 2.7%
- French Roulette = 1.35% (on even-money bets).
- Roulette average high roller bet sizes range on outside bets:
- High-end land-based casinos (Vegas, Macau, Monaco) £5,000 – £50,000 per spin.
- VIP online casinos (live dealer tables) £1,000 – £25,000 per spin.
In roulette, I’ve often seen total wagers reach £20,000 or more, but individual straight-up number bets are usually limited to around £200.
The High-Stakes Appeal of Roulette: Why VIPs Still Bet Big
I’ve seen why high rollers love roulette. It’s fast-paced and delivers a unique high-stakes buzz. In top casinos and VIP live dealer rooms, wagers often reach £20,000 per spin, with outside bets from £5,000 to £50,000.
Inside bets like straight-up numbers are usually capped at £200 but can hit £500 or more in VIP settings. With a low house edge – 2.7% in European and 1.35% in French roulette – it remains a top game for serious gamblers. For more on this topic, check out article on roulette strategy.
Top Casino Games for High Rollers and VIP Perks
I’ve followed high-stakes gambling for years. It’s grown beyond private Vegas rooms to elite casinos worldwide, online and land-based. Baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette draw the biggest bets with speed, strategy, and high limits.
Casinos compete with private tables and tailored rewards. Comps drive loyalty – cashback, suites, and personal hosts online and off. Online casinos now rival traditional venues. Live dealers, VIP perks, and 24/7 access offer flexibility with a premium touch.
High-stakes play keeps evolving. Knowing the right games and rewards helps you play smarter.
Top High-Stakes Casino Games by Region
After years studying high-stakes gambling, the trends are clear. In Asia, especially Macau, baccarat dominates, accounting for around 81% of high-stakes table play.
In the U.S., baccarat, blackjack, and craps lead, with baccarat alone seeing a 114% revenue surge in early 2025.
European high rollers show more varied preferences, often splitting stakes across roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
Where High Rollers Really Play: Online vs. Land-Based Casinos
After years around high-stakes gambling, I’ve seen where serious players go – and why. While online casino games have surged, about half of high roller action still happens in land-based casinos. For many, nothing beats the energy, exclusivity, and personal service of a luxury casino floor.
Still, the tide is turning. More high rollers now prefer live online casinos for privacy, convenience, and 24/7 access to games like baccarat and high-limit blackjack. These platforms offer real-time dealers and VIP rewards – delivering much of the experience from anywhere with an internet connection.
Both options have their edge – and smart players know how to use each to their advantage.
What Are the Best Casino Games for High-Stakes Betting?
In my experience, the best casino games for high-stakes gambling are baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette. These games consistently draw the largest bets thanks to their balance of strategy, speed, and big-win potential.
If I had to pick one, baccarat is the go-to for many high rollers – simple to play, fast-paced, and offering one of the lowest house edges in the casino.
