“Throughout life, everyone is a loser, but the excitement of being able to win today, lose next month, win next year … is the challenge of this city.” These were the words of one of the greatest casino players to documentary maker Louis Theroux about Las Vegas a few years ago.

Las Vegas has a lot to do with the self-made American dream. Go to a casino with a $ 10 bill and come back with a million. Unlikely? But possible!

Although the common of the mortals is dedicated to bet small figures of money, there are some high “rollers” who dare to play a quantity of 6 figures or more. These players are known in English by the name of “high rollers” and can bet between $ 100,000 and $ 1,000,000 in three days. It is when the figure exceeds a million dollars that the casinos take notice and designate that player with the title of casino “whale”. The “whales” have a general budget of between 1 million and 20 per weekend and can make or lose millions in a matter of hours.

These players typically bet $ 25,000 per hand and take advantage of the incentives that casinos offer them, such as luxury stays, gourmet food and companions, or free transportation. It is estimated that there are only about 200 “whales” in the world.

Archie karas

When Karas first arrived in Las Vegas, she only had $ 50 to her name. However, he managed to turn this money into $ 40 million through the dice game called Craps for some years in Las Vegas casinos. A dream come true for Karas, who is still playing!

Akio Kashiwagi

This avid Baccarat gambler was the delight of Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos during the 1970s and 1980s. Unfortunately, in 1992 he was found dead at his home in Japan stabbed more than 150 times by a Samurai sword, probably due to his debts. of game.

Kamel Nacif Borge

This Mexican of Lebanese origin earned the nickname of the “King of denim.” He is one of the richest men in Mexico and one of the most famous casino players on the planet. His game? Baccarat, like so many other “whales”. Gossips say that his bad temper comes out when he has a “bad streak” playing.

Phil Ivey

Ivey is without a doubt the greatest poker player of all time. Famous for his world tours, no one has ever managed to figure out whether he is winning or losing. It is known that you normally bet $ 100,000 on Craps and $ 200,000 on each Baccarat hand.

Gonzalo Garcia-Pelayo

In Spain we also have the famous story of this player who, together with his entire family, managed to win millions (some say up to 250) at roulette , taking into account the physical imperfections of this and the purest statistics. This musician and filmmaker is the most notorious case of a gambling “whale” in our country and he was banned from the Casino Gran Madrid with his family.

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