Wynn/Encore – 191,424 Square Feet: The biggest casino in Vegas is also one of the most luxurious. Megabucks Casinos. When looking for what casino in Vegas pays out the best and not have one.

In high stakes gambling, there are two terms which you should understand:”whale” and “high roller”. Generally, it’s assumed that a high roller is someone with a gambling budget of $100,000 to $1M for a regular 3-day weekend visit to the casino.

The casino will consider you a whale if you begin to get over the $1M bankroll mark. Whales have a normal budget of $1M to $20M and could easily be up or down millions in a weekend. Their bets are usually more than $25,000 per hand and take delight in the very best freebies, comps, and other perks from the casino.

Approximately, there are probably less than 200 mega whales, whose bankroll is more than $10M, throughout the world. That’s why many casinos are aggressively competing to win this market segment to achieve a large effect on their profits every quarter. Below we’ve compiled a list of the biggest whales of all time.

List of Well Known Las Vegas High Rollers

Adnan Khashoggi

Adnan is the son of the personal physician to the Saudi King and a global arms dealer. In the 1980s, he has spent more than £12M in the Ritz Casino in London. He’s known to spend long amounts of time playing on the casinos in London. He mainly played Baccarat during his gambling sprees.

Archie Karas

When he arrived in Las Vegas, Archie had only $50 in his pocket. He somehow managed to run this up to more than $40m before losing it all. His fascination with Craps allowed him to make a huge run, though he’s an ardent poker player. He had made multiple visits to casinos in Las Vegas until to this day.

Akio Kashiwagi

Akio is perhaps the largest gambler to ever visit Las Vegas during the 1970s-1980s. He was a brave Baccarat player that won’t hesitate to spend $100,000 to $200,00 per hand during his sessions. In 1992, he was found murdered in his house in Japan and his death was linked to organized crime.

Charles Barkley

Former NBA star Charles Barkley is a self-professed gambler who loves to play Blackjack. Throughout his gambling career, he lost close to $30m. He usually stays on the main open floor of the Wynn Casino and allows people to watch him play.

“Sir Charles” opens up about his gambling.

Don Johnson

Don became popular after the media reported on how he won close to $15M from two different casinos. It became apparent that the casinos made a mistake and provided Don a comp plan that essentially flipped the house edge to his advantage. This unexpected luck allowed him to collect large winnings playing blackjack.

Fouad al-Zayat

Known as “The Fat Man” Fouad is estimated to have lost more than $42M on his 12-year gambling spree. This Syrian businessman had visited some of the top casinos in London for more than 600 times during his gambling spree. One casino sued him for bouncing a checks for millions in gambling debt- according to him he’s stopped now.

Kamel Nacif

Nacif is a prominent businessman in the textile business in Mexico and he’s known to take trips to Las Vegas many times every year. As with most whales, he mainly plays Baccarat, wagering as high as $200,000 per hand. He’s famous for his hair-trigger temper every time his luck turns out bad during his sessions.

Kerry Packer

Packer is an Australian business magnate and known to be one of the most fearless gamblers of all time. He’s not afraid to risk tens of millions on each session he played. He won a lot and his estimated winnings reached $9m from Hilton Las Vegas in 1992. It’s also rumored that he won $33m on this particular session at MGM.

Larry Flynt

Founder of Hustler adult magazine, Larry is a frequent visitor to Las Vegas for decades. His main game is Blackjack and risks up to $50,000 per hand in every session. He moved to Hard Rock and other hotels when new hosts of Las Vegas Hilton courted his action with generous comps.

Mo Chan

Mr. Chan went on a notorious run in Australian casinos amassing $10M from the table playing Baccarat at $300,000 to $500,000 per hand. This Chinese native high roller apparently had a falling out with the casino when they restricted his game and he promised never to come back.

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey is the personification of a true gambler and possibly, the best poker player of all-time. He’s known to take “crap tours” worldwide where he visits more than five casinos in various places. He gambles more than $100,000 per roll on the craps table and is said to play Baccarat up to $200,000 per hand.

Phil Ivey video on beating casino for $30 million!

Ramon DeSage

Ramon DeSage is perhaps one of the most prominent gamblers of all time to ever visit the Strip. This very famous whale was charged in a Fraud scheme by the US Government. From the money he obtained from his frauds, he wagered and lost almost $175M in different Las Vegas casinos.

Sultan Of Brunei

This monarch is known to be a passionate gambler in London and Las Vegas. He’s known to lose $1M daily inside casinos. He mainly played Baccarat and go on secret trips where he would spend a long time playing at the tables and enjoying all the comps given by the casinos.

So where do these big dogs play? While some are discreet, others enjoy these high limit Vegas card rooms. You never know who you will run into in Sin City.

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About

Tim Schmidt is an Entrepreneur who helps companies grow their online business. A firm believer in creating great content, he founded AllWorld.com to empower world travelers. You can also find his work published at the Huffington Post, Social Media Today, and many other online journals. His latest claim to fame is having his footage of feeding giant crocodiles in Costa Rica featured on Animal Planet. Visit his official site to learn more about him.

By: Jay Adrianna - at February 15, 2015

Las Vegas is one town that everyone has to travel to at least one time in their life. The lights and the action are something that everyone can get a kick out of. In recent years, the gritty undertones have been replaced with an almost Disney feel. Everything is family friendly, and the hotels even have amusement park rides the whole family can enjoy. Of course, at its heart, Las Vegas will always be a gambling town. Even with all of the weddings and bachelor parties going on, it is still about the almighty buck at the various casinos throughout town. Every restaurant and every hotel has some way in which you can put your money on the line. These are the places with the best odds of you being able to win big when you are visiting Las Vegas.

15) The Venetian
This is one of the prettiest casinos that can be found in Las Vegas, or anywhere else for that matter. From the moment you walk in the door, it is nonstop opulence with gilded décor and ceilings that will certainly make you lose your footing. The massive size of the casino floor may seem off-putting at first, but you will soon get your bearings, and start to enjoy everything that the betting floor has to offer. You can find your niche very quickly with a slew of different games that you are able to get involved in. Everything from slots to blackjack to sports betting is available here. If you enjoy Spanish 21, the Venetian offers some of the best odds for winning at this game in Las Vegas.

The Venetian
By Ricky Barnard via Wikimedia Commons

One of the main draws is that you are able to take advantage of mobile betting. Simply download the app that allows you to bet on races and other games, and you are able to place a bet and check in on the status of your bet as you are walking throughout the hotel. It is not necessary to stay on the casino floor, but with all of the re-creations of art masterpieces, you may be inclined to stay and just take pictures even if you did not have any luck at the tables.

Outside of The Venetian
By ZooFari via Wikimedia Commons

14) Palms Casino Resort
When you are not trying to win your nest egg at the tables in the Palms casino resort, you can enjoy the movie theater or the nightclubs and bars. Once you are ready to sit down, you may not be shocked to find that you are elbow to elbow with Hollywood royalty. Many legends of the silver screen like to hang out at the Palms because of the great restaurants as well as the great gambling that is offered. Among the major casinos, this is one of the few that has some pretty decent odds of winning even if you are betting against some of the higher stakes players.

Palm's Place
By Marc Berry via Wikimedia Commons

The only real suggestion here is to stay away from the slot machines. These are the bread and butter of the casino since the odds are stacked against the players, even though state law requires that they pay out at least 75 percent of what they take. At the tables, there are several people betting against the house. If you find yourself at a table with people who are less skilled than you, you have just as much chance of beating the house as they do. Regular tournament play is on Wednesdays, so if you are just in town to have fun, and don’t feel like a tourney, you might want to skip this one in the middle of the week.

Palms Basketball Suite

13) Circus Circus
If you have the kids along with you, they will certainly get bored if you are at the tables gambling all night long. This is when you might want to consider taking them to Circus Circus. This casino is very family oriented and has décor your children will find highly engaging. They are able to take advantage of the amusement park and the video arcades while you are trying your luck at the tables. It is the best way to make sure you can turn a family vacation into a gambling vacation for you.

By Mutari via Wikimedia Commons

Best of all, since the atmosphere of this casino tends to ward off many of the high rollers, it allows beginning gamblers an advantage in the game. You will be able to play at the poker tables without having to worry about seasoned players taking all of your cash. Chances are that you will be playing against some other tired parents just looking for something fun to do rather than watching the kids for a change. If nothing else, you might just make some friends out your gambling foray.

Midway, Circus Circus

12) Aria Resort & Casino
If you are looking for luxury, it is hard to beat Aria. This is one of the newest casinos on the strip and it is the only casino that is located within the City Center development. The main thing that sets its gambling floor apart from the rest of the casinos' is that it has an open feel. The other casinos give you a kind of claustrophobic feeling with closed roofs and no way to see anything but gleaming lights and gamblers as far as the eye can see. The open construction of Aria is a welcome departure from the norm.

Front View of Aria Resort and Casino
By Sarah Nichols via Wikimedia Commons

If you are getting tired of rolling dice and hunching over the poker table, you can order up a chair massage right on the casino floor. This is a very unique service you will not find at any other casinos. While the massage may not make you a better gambler, you will at least feel like you got something out of money that you spent while on the casino floor.

Lobby of the Aria Hotel
By Colin Rose via Wikimedia Commons

One of the best bets if you are a poker player is that it has more poker tables and options than just about any other casino in town.

11) The Excalibur
Any expert in Las Vegas will tell you to start small and work your way up as you get more experience on the gambling floor. This is why the Excalibur is one of the best casinos to get started at. You will not be surrounded by all those professional gamblers that see the inside of a casino more often than they see their home. There are $5 minimums available, so you are able to start off small and see where things take you. Since the biggest opposition you are likely to face is the dealer, you will have a pretty good shot at winning at least a few hands. If nothing else, it is a good place to get your bearings on what you can expect at some of the larger casinos.

Excalibur During Daytime
By Brian Whitmarsh via Wikimedia Commons

The Excalibur is one of the older casinos in town, so do not expect a lot in the way of glitz and glamour. Also, do not expect a lot of comps. Unless you are willing to spend all your money at the slots (never a good idea) you are not likely to get much for free while you are gambling. Now, if you hit a big winning streak, you will certainly get some free drinks and maybe even a free meal, but you are better off getting your meal elsewhere.

Night View of Excalibur from Tropicana Avenue
By Josh Truelson via Wikimedia Commons

10) Mandalay Bay
After watching poker played on television and in the movies, everyone thinks that they are an expert. Las Vegas is a great town to put those feelings to the test. If you truly have the talent, you will find out. If you don’t, you will surely lighten your load while in town. If you just want to try your hand in a real setting, there is no better practice ground than at the Mandalay Bay. This is one of the casinos known for poker, and it is among the only places in town where the casino will actually teach you how to play for free. If you show up in the afternoon, there are lessons given to anyone who wants to take them. Just be careful who is watching you learn.

Mandalay Bay
By Kris1123 via Wikimedia Commons

While you are at the Mandalay Bay, take a little time to walk away from the table and experience the rest of the casino. It is one of the hotels in town that likes to put on a big water and lights show. Since there are so many people drawn to the casino for the entertainment, the odds are stacked pretty well in your favor. With so many different gambling options, you have the ability to choose something you have some talent for.

View from Pool at Mandalay Bay
By Erin Khoo via Wikimedia Commons

9) The Flamingo
This is the casino that many remember from the movie 'Swingers.' It is one of the older casinos in town, and as such, it does not draw a lot of the professional gamblers. Additionally, the tables allow you to place smaller bets and get your feet wet. While you are able to start small, you will also be able to move your way up to playing at some of the higher stakes tables if you feel so inclined. Just make sure that you are getting yourself a drink while you are on a winning streak. More than likely your drink will be for free, and that just makes a good time better.

The Flamingo
By Kvasir via Wikimedia Commons

While many may flock to the Flamingo for the low $5 betting available, they will stay for the inviting atmosphere of the staff and the décor. You are not distracted by a lot of lights and sound. Instead, there is a more subdued atmosphere, so that you are able to concentrate on what you are doing while you are at the table. It can help to bring the fun back for you.

Bugsy Siegel Memorial Outside the Wedding Chapel at the Flamingo Hotel
By Jarhed via Wikimedia Commons

8) Tropicana Las Vegas
If you are going to go to Tropicana, make sure that you join the Players Club first. This is a club that will allow you to have protection if you decide to play the machine-betting games. If you should lose $200, you are protected over the course of three days. This is reimbursed in the form of a “free play” rather than actually giving you your money back. You will at least be given the opportunity to win your money back. It is suggested that if you already have lost $200, don’t go beyond your free plays and lose $200 more. Switch to some other kind of gambling instead.

Tropicana Las Vegas North Tower
By Matthäus Wander via Wikimedia Commons

As some of the older hotels have been demolished or given in to lower rate tables, Tropicana has been able to hold on as one of the better casinos. This may be in large part due to the $200 million renovation that the casino went through. The new theme of Tropicana is to make it look like the casino is set in South Beach. You can find graphics from “Sex and the City”, “The Hangover”, and “Ghostbusters” on the different walls. You can still find low limits to bet on if you are not willing to risk some of the higher stakes.

Biggest Bet In Las Vegas History

Casino and Leaded-Glass Ceiling

7) Paris Las Vegas
Those who live close to the strip will tell you that you have to go to Paris, if for no other reason than to try out the Le Village Buffet. It is renowned as being one of the best on the strip. Of course, you may go for the buffet, but you will stay for the gambling, and the gambling floor will not disappoint you. Keep in mind that the casino floor is pretty big, but you will not have to worry about getting lost. There are definitely larger and more confusing casino floors on the strip. The staff has been rated well and will be more than happy to help you should you not be able to find what it is you are looking for.

Paris Las Vegas
By thinboyfatter via Wikimedia Commons

Vegas Online Gambling

If you are worried about getting hooked by the professional gamblers, simply stay out of the high stakes rooms. This is where all of the high rollers go to play on a daily basis. The sports bet areas are among the favorite spots for locals and tourists alike to find a fun place to relax. Just settle in and lean back in front of one of the large TVs, and watch the game. Even if you are losing money, you will still be able to enjoy watching the game and having a drink.

Paris Las Vegas Lit up at Night
By ZooFari via Wikimedia Commons

6) Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel
While you are in Las Vegas, you are supposed to check out the Fremont Street Experience, and when you go to Binion’s, you are able to do just that. This is the casino where the World Series of Poker got its start. Beginning in 1970, the now famous series brought together some of the best in poker to try their hand at winning a truly huge pot. Do not let this intimidate you from trying to play poker at these tables. There are many novices that want to play in this historic location, and you will be among them, which puts you at good odds of winning whenever you are playing. Just make sure to stay away from the high limit tables if you are unsure of your skills.

Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel

You will not be able to stay the night at Binion’s since the hotel closed in 2009, but you can still get a bite to eat in between hands at the blackjack and poker tables. If you do not want to worry about coins when playing slots, this is the place for you since you will be using a “ticket-in ticket-out” system while you are playing the machines.

Fremont Street Showcasing Golden Nugget and Binion's
By Johnwalton via Wikimedia Commons

5) The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan is another of the casinos where you can take advantage of the Players Club and get a $100 rebate for machine losses. This is another of the newer casinos in town, and it offers a lot for the whole family. You will be able to check out the bars while the kids are enjoying themselves. The restaurants will have something for everyone, so you can have a nice family dinner before sending the kids to bed and seeing what you can do with their college funds.

Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino
By Allen McGregor via Wikimedia Commons

You may want to consider staying at the Cosmopolitan while you are in town. Like several other hotel-casinos, there is a good chance that if you start winning, they will comp your room rate for the duration of your stay.

Night View of the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino
By Cygnusloop99 via Wikimedia Commons

4) El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Almost everyone will tell you to check out El Cortez while you are in Las Vegas. This is for a few different reasons. For one thing, the casino is not on the strip. Instead, it is downtown, and you are able to have better luck with the odds because the casino is not one of the ones where many of the locals will try to prey on tourists. If you are going to be there on the weekend, even better. You will be able to check out the food truck festival that is held there every Saturday. This will allow you to experience all of the different foods that these vendors have to offer.

El Cortez Hotel & Casino

On top of being one of the better places to eat on the weekends, the casino is on Fremont Street, which is a destination that every tourist needs to check out at least once while they are in Las Vegas. This is because the whole Las Vegas scene would not exist if it were not for the downtown area. El Cortez is just one of the last stalwarts left from this bygone era and is a must see. It does not hurt that the odds of you winning are in favor while you are gambling here.

Inside of El Cortez

3) Caesar’s Palace
It is hard to imagine a trip to Las Vegas without going to Caesar’s Palace. There are very few places that can be described as truly Las Vegas in style, but this is one of them. The entire scene is all out opulence. Built as if it was built for Caesar himself, the entire casino and hotel resembles something out of ancient Rome, with a hefty dose of mythology. It is no wonder that just about all of the boxing matches occur at this location. If you just want to be entertained, you can find what you are looking for at Cleopatra’s Barge, including some great drinks and dancing.

Caesars Palace View from Across Bellagio Lake

Of course you are in Las Vegas for the gambling, so you will want to mosey on down to the poker tables. Steer clear of them during the tournament schedules. You will know when these are going on because they are highly publicized within the casino. Keno and sports book, along with tons of slots, give you the choice of how you want to play the odds. Staying with card games will give you the best odds of winning.

Sports Book Betting Area at Caesars Palace
By Blane via Wikimedia Commons

World Famous Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

2) MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
MGM Grand puts the grand back into the casino. It is actually the biggest in Las Vegas. Heck, it is the biggest resort complex in the world. There is simply nothing that can compare with the absolute magnitude of the MGM Grand. As such, the odds are in your favor. If you walk up to a table and you notice that the dealer knows every single person there, just walk on to find a table at which you are not the only stranger. The more people from out of town you can find at a table, the better your chances are of winning because they are not career local gamblers.

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
By Bobak Ha'Eri via Wikimedia Commons

You do not always have to play poker whenever you want to play a table game. You can also get involved in Casino War, roulette, Pai Gow and more. If you are into poker and that is all you want to play, you will be able to find a multitude of poker games that you can play as well as the varying stakes that are available to you so your chances are even better of winning.

Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand
By Izx from Wikimedia Commons

1) Bellagio
If you are looking for sophistication, you cannot beat the Bellagio Casino. This is one of the ultimate luxury resorts. As such, you can expect that there are not going to be many low stake tables to get involved in. Of course, you can also expect that you will have a really easy time of winning. The locals tend to stay away from the tables, and big money players come in from out of town to try their luck, often with more money than knowledge of the game.

Bellagio Casino at Night
By Photographersnature via Wikimedia Commons

Expect to get free drinks as long as you are able to stay at the table. In fact, you can expect to get pretty much anything for free as long as you are not losing too much. If you go up and down, you may still be able to get a lot out of the experience. Just make sure that this is not your first stop, so you are able to get some experience under your belt before going for the big money. With some decent experience, the odds are stacked in your favor to win at Bellagio.

'Dancing' Fountains of the Bellagio
By Photographersnature via Wikimedia Commons

Conclusion
These Las Vegas casinos are just a handful of the hundreds of casinos you can try out. The locals will tell you that the best odds are at the casinos outside of town, but gambling experts will tell you to never bet with the locals. This is especially true if you are a novice at gambling. The locals that bet every day will smell you coming from a mile away and cozy right up to you until even your emergency backup money is gone. The best advice is to bet on what you are comfortable with, and above all else, have fun. Never gamble what you are not willing to lose, and never bet with the thought about what you might win. Approach your trip to Las Vegas with these 15 places in mind and bet with a level head, and you might still have some money for a drink on the plane.

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