The Vegas Top Ten: Who are the Highest Rollers in Las Vegas in 2024?

We have made a lot of headway into the gambling capital of the world, and yet Las Vegas still has some surprising twists and turns up its sleeve. It’s all too true: in Sin City, there’s always action waiting to happen, and this brings us to our next Vegas Top Ten: who are the highest rollers in Las Vegas as of 2024?

But before we begin, we think it’s in our best interest to define what a high roller really is. According to Wikipedia, a high roller (also known as a cheetah or a whale) is, simply put, “a gambler who consistently wagers large amounts of money.” This is about as close a definition as it gets. But more importantly, what does a high roller receive? We believe this is more important than what a high roller is, because, admittedly, it would be nice to see how the other half lives once in a while, don’t you think? As Wikipedia also states, a high roller “often receives lavish "comps" from casinos to entice them onto the gambling floors, such as free private jet transfers, limousine use and use of the casinos' best suites.” Sounds exciting? Well, hold your horses (and bet on them), as this is only the beginning. Here are the highest rollers in Vegas, 2024 edition.

1. James Packer

The billionaire James Packer, owner of Crown Resorts, is no stranger to the high-stakes gambling world. Although the Australian’s empire has faced a diverse array of legal troubles and controversies over the years, Packer's love for Las Vegas has never waned or even wavered. As a seasoned gambler, he continues to play at top casinos such as The Bellagio and The Venetian, where his bets regularly run into the millions (no surprise there). His affinity for blackjack and poker, combined with his enormous wealth, places him among the top-tier gamblers in Sin City.

2. Phil Ivey

Regarded as one of the best poker players of all time, Phil Ivey is one of the most famous professional gamblers whose skills extend far beyond poker. With ten World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and countless tournament wins under his belt, Ivey has cemented himself as a veritable legend in Las Vegas gambling circles. He is known for his ability to ‘read’ his opponents, and he frequently plays in high-stakes cash games (often wagering hundreds of thousands of dollars – we wonder how much his net worth is?). His exploits at the poker tables and in other areas make him one of the most well-known high rollers in 2024.

3. Kerry Packer

The late Australian media mogul Kerry Packer (yes, he is the father of James Packer, and it looks as though the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree) remains one of the most legendary high rollers in Las Vegas history, and his influence lingers - even in 2024. Although he passed away in 2005, his infamous gambling stories are still widely discussed in the city’s high-roller circles. At his peak, Packer was known to bet millions of dollars in one night, famously losing $20 million at the MGM Grand in one session but winning it back at a different casino just days later. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate today's top gamblers.

4. Dan Bilzerian

Self-proclaimed "King of Instagram," Dan Bilzerian is as famous for his lavish lifestyle as he is for his gambling skills. Bilzerian, who has accumulated millions of dollars from poker games, frequently visits Las Vegas casinos, including Aria and The Wynn, to engage in high-stakes poker games as well as baccarat. He’s notorious for his ability to win huge sums in private poker games, playing against some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Along with this, Bilzerian’s flamboyant lifestyle and massive bets keep him in the public eye - and firmly on the list of Las Vegas’s highest rollers.

5. Floyd Mayweather

Boxing champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather lives up to his nickname in every possible way. Mayweather, whose net worth is reportedly $1.2 billion, is famous for his undefeated record in the ring, but he is also known for his high-stakes gambling habits in Las Vegas. Whether it's betting millions on sports events or spending nights at blackjack and roulette tables, Mayweather's gambling appetite is enormous, to say the least. His Las Vegas mansion and frequent appearances at the most luxurious casinos further marks his position as one of the biggest high rollers in 2024 and beyond.

6. Terrance Watanabe

One of the most celebrated names in the world of high-stakes gambling, Terrance Watanabe is known for losing an estimated $200 million at various Las Vegas casinos, including The Rio and Caesars Palace, in a single year. His dramatic gambling spree still echoes in the halls of Vegas, making him a cautionary tale for today's high rollers. Despite his heavy losses, Watanabe's story remains a significant chapter in the gambling history of Las Vegas, and many casino insiders still talk about his many exploits.

7. Bobby Baldwin

A former poker player turned casino executive, Bobby Baldwin has one of the most impressive resumes in the Las Vegas gambling world. As a World Series of Poker champion and an industry insider, Baldwin has played at the highest stakes imaginable. Although his focus has shifted to the business side of casinos, Baldwin still finds time to indulge in high-stakes poker and table games. His extensive knowledge of the gambling industry and his sharp poker skills keep him among Las Vegas’s elite.

8. Akio Kashiwagi

The late Japanese real estate mogul Akio Kashiwagi (also called ‘The Warrior’), known for his massive bets in baccarat, was one of the biggest gamblers to ever set foot in Las Vegas. In the early '90s, he was a regular at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City and often played baccarat with bets exceeding $100,000 per hand. Although he tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances, his influence on Las Vegas’s high-roller culture is still felt today. That said, his daring gambling style continues to inspire modern-day whales.

9. Bill Benter

Bill Benter may not be a household name like Dan Bilzerian or Floyd Mayweather, but in gambling circles, he is a legend. Here’s why: Benter made his fortune using sophisticated mathematical models to beat the odds in horse racing, but his skills extend outside sports betting. He frequently visits Las Vegas to play blackjack and other games, where his ability to calculate probabilities gives him a significant edge. As one of the most intelligent gamblers in the world, Benter’s low profile belies his massive impact in gambling.

10. Leon Tsoukernik

Owner of the King's Casino in the Czech Republic, Leon Tsoukernik is a major player in the world of high-stakes poker and casino gambling. Tsoukernik frequently visits Las Vegas to participate in high-stakes poker tournaments and cash games, and he is known for his fearless style of play. His wealth and passion for poker make him one of the most prominent high rollers in Sin City, and he is regularly seen at exclusive poker events like those at The Aria and The Bellagio.

The temptation of Las Vegas for high rollers

There’s no doubt about it: Las Vegas continues to be the go-to destination for high rollers worldwide, with its blend of luxury, entertainment, and world-class gambling prospects. Casinos in Sin City are eager to attract these wealthy gamblers by offering them a range of perks - including private game rooms, their very own personal concierges, luxury suites in the fanciest hotels, and even private jets. In fact, the competition between casinos to host the biggest high rollers is fierce, as these individuals can make (or break) a casino’s revenue in just one night.

High rollers often gamble sums that can exceed millions of dollars in a single session, making Las Vegas the ultimate playground for the wealthy. For these persons, the city offers more than just a chance to win money - it provides an entire lifestyle of exclusivity, extravagance, and indulgence.

This 2024, despite other gambling meccas cropping up all over the globe, Las Vegas remains the capital of high-stakes gambling, and the highest rollers continue to shape the landscape of the city’s many glittering casinos. Whether they are poker legends, sports stars, or billionaire moguls, these individuals have turned gambling into an art form, placing bets that we could only dream of. For as long as Las Vegas shines bright in the Nevada desert, it will remain the top – and only - destination for those who live to gamble big.