High Limit Areas
December 29th, 2009 at 10:57:03 PM
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Am travelling to Vegas in July and have a couple of questions about the high limit areas in strip casinos.
In Australia they are generally a seperate room and to gain access you either have to be invited based on prior play if you are a local or buy in for a certain amount (usually about $5k) in you are from interstate or overseas. How does one gain access to these areas in strip casinos? Can you just wander in uninvited or do you need to show some kind of financial credentials? If so, how much would you need to buy in for at a large casino? Medium casino?
What sort of table minimums would you generally see? What games do they usually provide?
Thanks
In Australia they are generally a seperate room and to gain access you either have to be invited based on prior play if you are a local or buy in for a certain amount (usually about $5k) in you are from interstate or overseas. How does one gain access to these areas in strip casinos? Can you just wander in uninvited or do you need to show some kind of financial credentials? If so, how much would you need to buy in for at a large casino? Medium casino?
What sort of table minimums would you generally see? What games do they usually provide?
Thanks
December 30th, 2009 at 1:01:37 AM
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My understanding is that each casino decides how high is high. The minimum table limits are the main constraint.
Also, I believe that Nevada regulations require gaming areas to be open to the public, so a licensee can really only use psychological and social pressure to cajole people who don't belong out of the high limit area.
Baccarat, 21 and roulette are all I would consider playing in a high limit room. Often the most advantageous blackjack rules will be in the high limit area. Best wheels in roulette will be in the High Limit area.
Dealers in a high limit room tend to be experienced and trusted by the casino. Cocktail waitresses are very attentive and premium brands are routinely served.
Also, I believe that Nevada regulations require gaming areas to be open to the public, so a licensee can really only use psychological and social pressure to cajole people who don't belong out of the high limit area.
Baccarat, 21 and roulette are all I would consider playing in a high limit room. Often the most advantageous blackjack rules will be in the high limit area. Best wheels in roulette will be in the High Limit area.
Dealers in a high limit room tend to be experienced and trusted by the casino. Cocktail waitresses are very attentive and premium brands are routinely served.
December 30th, 2009 at 2:41:49 AM
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I believe what FleaStiff wrote is correct. By law, high limit areas must be open to the public. I wander into them all the time to investigate rules. Limits on the Strip are usually $200 in blackjack, $100 in baccarat, and $100 in roulette. It is a much nicer experience, if you can afford it.
I might add that Macau is similar or the same as Australia. You need to be invited, and there is a guard to ensure you have the proper card. At the Wynn Macau there is a VIP area, and an VVIP area at the top of the hotel tower. I think they go by front money to gain access, or make private deals with the junket operators.
I might add that Macau is similar or the same as Australia. You need to be invited, and there is a guard to ensure you have the proper card. At the Wynn Macau there is a VIP area, and an VVIP area at the top of the hotel tower. I think they go by front money to gain access, or make private deals with the junket operators.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 30th, 2009 at 3:13:23 AM
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Thanks guys.
One other question. Would any of the casinos be likely to have a Pai Gow (tiles) table in the high limit area?
One other question. Would any of the casinos be likely to have a Pai Gow (tiles) table in the high limit area?
December 30th, 2009 at 5:49:43 AM
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How high is high?
Most casinos have high limit areas on the floor. These are open and anybody can wander thru. Yeah, they have signs that say that they are for high limit players only, but nobody cares unless you make a nuisance of yourself.
Some casinos also have 'private' areas for the very high limit players. Sometimes, you wouldn't even know it exists.
About three years ago, I was at Foxwoods, heading to my hotel room with the wife. For no particular reason, we hit the button for the top floor, just to see what, if anything, was up there.
To our surprise, it opened to a counter with a receptionist. Behind her was the highest limit tables. She explained that it was exclusive for the high limit players. She didn't go any further to 'qualify' us, nor did we ask.
In retrospect, I wonder if her job was anything more than merely keeping out the riff-raff.
However, she did say that we happened to stop in when there weren't any players, so we could look around if we wanted to.
So we looked around.
Sorry I can't provide any details. I simply don't remember how big it was, or how many tables or what kinds of tables.
All I remember is that it was so dark that I wouldn't want to play there. Even if I had a whale as a buddy, and they allowed me to play next to him at $5 levels - I wouldn't play.
On a side note, do casinos allow that? I.E. If a $1,000+ player wants his $5 buddy to play next to him, is it allowed?
Most casinos have high limit areas on the floor. These are open and anybody can wander thru. Yeah, they have signs that say that they are for high limit players only, but nobody cares unless you make a nuisance of yourself.
Some casinos also have 'private' areas for the very high limit players. Sometimes, you wouldn't even know it exists.
About three years ago, I was at Foxwoods, heading to my hotel room with the wife. For no particular reason, we hit the button for the top floor, just to see what, if anything, was up there.
To our surprise, it opened to a counter with a receptionist. Behind her was the highest limit tables. She explained that it was exclusive for the high limit players. She didn't go any further to 'qualify' us, nor did we ask.
In retrospect, I wonder if her job was anything more than merely keeping out the riff-raff.
However, she did say that we happened to stop in when there weren't any players, so we could look around if we wanted to.
So we looked around.
Sorry I can't provide any details. I simply don't remember how big it was, or how many tables or what kinds of tables.
All I remember is that it was so dark that I wouldn't want to play there. Even if I had a whale as a buddy, and they allowed me to play next to him at $5 levels - I wouldn't play.
On a side note, do casinos allow that? I.E. If a $1,000+ player wants his $5 buddy to play next to him, is it allowed?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, irrational, childish rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
December 30th, 2009 at 5:51:09 AM
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High limit rooms often cater to Asian gamblers.
The Baccarat table layout will often omit the number 4 because that is supposedly a death number in many Asian cultures. And ofcourse the number 13 is omitted just as often an office building in the USA will skip the number 13.
I do not know for sure but would expect Bellagio Caesars Venetian/Palazzo to have pai gow tiles available in the high limit room. Websites or hosts might be able to confirm this for you. And if you do expect to be a high roller you just might benefit by prior contact with a casino host. If you are a high roller, I've no idea how much casinos would want you to wire transfer to them, but you might as well ask a host what would be expected of you before you even buy your airline ticket. It will be easy for you to get return visits comped but you might try to get your airfare for your first visit comped too. Certainly you will probably be RFB(Room, Food, Beverage) even at the upper tier places such as The Venetian.
The Baccarat table layout will often omit the number 4 because that is supposedly a death number in many Asian cultures. And ofcourse the number 13 is omitted just as often an office building in the USA will skip the number 13.
I do not know for sure but would expect Bellagio Caesars Venetian/Palazzo to have pai gow tiles available in the high limit room. Websites or hosts might be able to confirm this for you. And if you do expect to be a high roller you just might benefit by prior contact with a casino host. If you are a high roller, I've no idea how much casinos would want you to wire transfer to them, but you might as well ask a host what would be expected of you before you even buy your airline ticket. It will be easy for you to get return visits comped but you might try to get your airfare for your first visit comped too. Certainly you will probably be RFB(Room, Food, Beverage) even at the upper tier places such as The Venetian.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:01:01 AM
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Quote: AussieThanks guys.
One other question. Would any of the casinos be likely to have a Pai Gow (tiles) table in the high limit area?
I believe Mandalay Bay does.
The Tiles table at Palazzo is right next to the high limit area, but not inside. If you ask, I'm sure they'd be happy to raise the limit for you to keep people like me away.
The ratio of people to cake is too big.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:48:36 PM
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If a thousand dollar player wants the dealer to stand on his head, its allowed! Well, okay... I guess that might take more than just a thousand dollars a play. After all even in the general casino you can usually put five grand down on the line.Quote: DJTeddyBearOn a side note, do casinos allow that? I.E. If a $1,000+ player wants his $5 buddy to play next to him, is it allowed?
The trouble is that usually the people who put a grand down for each bet simply don't have friends who only put down five dollars. I wish I could find some Ms. Moneybags who wanted a 5.00 player like me around!!
December 30th, 2009 at 3:50:54 PM
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I wouldn't consider myself a high roller, I just prefer to play in high limit areas (at the minimum) if possible. Average bet on Pai Gow would be $100-$200 which is enough to do this in Australian casinos and by the sounds of it, in Vegas too.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:14:05 PM
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Quote:Would any of the casinos be likely to have a Pai Gow (tiles) table in the high limit area?
I can confirm the Manadaly Bay does. Just a $25 minimum too. I is unusual to be able to play anything for so little in a high limit room. I think the reason is Asian gamblers like a huge bet spread.
Quote:
On a side note, do casinos allow that? I.E. If a $1,000+ player wants his $5 buddy to play next to him, is it allowed?
It is up the discretion of the floor supervisor, but he/she would almost certainly allow it. Your odds of it being allowed go up as your bet goes up (and $1000 is very strong), and the number of other players at the table goes down. It would also help if your friend was an attractive female.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 18th, 2017 at 8:34:06 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffDealers in a high limit room tend to be experienced and trusted by the casino. Cocktail waitresses are very attentive and premium brands are routinely served.
This is very true. The OP should have his question answered by now but for those interested in Australian casino conditions...
The minimum front money required for access to VIP areas in Australia varies between $5K-$10K and the min. BJ bet varies between $50-$200. Beyond that there are private gaming rooms that require a min. bet of $500, sometimes with slightly better rules as long as they still comply with State regulations. Even so the main activity in these areas is Baccarat which is the preferred game played by Asians, mainly Chinese and sometimes organised through gambling junkets. They are also very aggressive with their betting and believe in lucky spirits surrounding the table to win rather than the mathematics so they quite often lose large sums of money which makes them premium players for the casino.
In Australia, a guest of a premium player must at least play the table minimum and a pit boss or floor supervisor would have no authority to alter that requirement. The US may well be different and more flexible.
One of the best conditions in Australian casinos, main floor or the VIP area, is the No Smoking rule.
Last edited by: davethebuilder on Mar 18, 2017
Casino Enemy No.1
March 18th, 2017 at 8:58:59 AM
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Are members of the public allowed to enter the so-called "private" high limit areas when whales are playing?
I am referring to the rooms located away from the main casino floor, e.g. on the top floor, "hidden" away from view?
I am referring to the rooms located away from the main casino floor, e.g. on the top floor, "hidden" away from view?
"What, me worry?"
March 18th, 2017 at 9:11:37 AM
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Quote: MrVAre members of the public allowed to enter the so-called "private" high limit areas when whales are playing?
I am referring to the rooms located away from the main casino floor, e.g. on the top floor, "hidden" away from view?
No. In Australia, the general public are only allowed on the main floor. There are various types of high limit areas and to access them you must become a member and then qualify with front money, enter as a guest of another member or earn enough points on your players card to qualify for entry. Whales often have their own private gaming areas which are called salons and the only way an ordinary member may enter is by invitation.
Casino Enemy No.1
March 18th, 2017 at 9:12:13 AM
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Most states have a law that it must be public but it's discouraged - the talon room in Cosmo is open but they frown
Marlyland live has a curtain with a card it's just strange - but I prefer to play with no one there so I hate that they allow public access but whatever I think law is it must be public and anyone can enter the room
Marlyland live has a curtain with a card it's just strange - but I prefer to play with no one there so I hate that they allow public access but whatever I think law is it must be public and anyone can enter the room
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
March 18th, 2017 at 11:17:00 AM
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I wonder whether there are ever exceptions to the public access rule?
For example, if a whale the size of Kerry Packer (R.I.P.) insists on privacy or he won't play: can that be accomodated?
If so, how (without running afoul of the rule)?
For example, if a whale the size of Kerry Packer (R.I.P.) insists on privacy or he won't play: can that be accomodated?
If so, how (without running afoul of the rule)?
"What, me worry?"
March 18th, 2017 at 11:32:41 AM
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I'm. Not sure but at Maryland live they have a baccarat game in the high limit in the corner with a curtain that wraps around it and they put a guard-
Also I have heard floor people ask people to sit and play it keep moving however the person really doesn't need to listen
Also I have heard floor people ask people to sit and play it keep moving however the person really doesn't need to listen
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
March 18th, 2017 at 1:28:38 PM
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Rivers Casino, in Pittsburgh, is one that has signage posted around the High Limit room that essentially states that you should only be in there if you are actually playing. There also seems to be a security guy (or slot suit) posted in there more often than not.
I suppose they could come around and actually ask you to sit down and play and the player would not technically have to abide as it is a public area. Although, I don't think I would press my issue to make my point because a casino can also kick you out for any reason that it wants to provide the reason doesn't violate a law in and of itself. If I wanted you out of my high limit room and you wouldn't leave, then I would just kick you out of the casino without explicitly stating a reason. I imagine I would wait until you had physically left the high limit room on your own to do it.
I suppose they could come around and actually ask you to sit down and play and the player would not technically have to abide as it is a public area. Although, I don't think I would press my issue to make my point because a casino can also kick you out for any reason that it wants to provide the reason doesn't violate a law in and of itself. If I wanted you out of my high limit room and you wouldn't leave, then I would just kick you out of the casino without explicitly stating a reason. I imagine I would wait until you had physically left the high limit room on your own to do it.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
March 18th, 2017 at 1:35:52 PM
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Quote: MrVI wonder whether there are ever exceptions to the public access rule?
For example, if a whale the size of Kerry Packer (R.I.P.) insists on privacy or he won't play: can that be accomodated?
If so, how (without running afoul of the rule)?
I read through the NV gaming regulations a while ago, but IIRC, in Nevada, private gaming is legal if the gaming comission signs off on it. Same thing with having an area that charges people to enter (if gaming says okay, then it's okay).
March 18th, 2017 at 4:26:26 PM
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The free food areas in Las Vegas High Limit rooms are "invitation only" or require a high-level players card. Drinks in free food areas are free even when not gambling (up to certain limits, used to be $35 at Caesars & $25 at Bellagio). I like fresh watermelon juice, carrot juice, etc... (which are usually unavailable on the main floor).
In some countries, complimentary food is available for everyone, but the US usually restricts it to high-level players.
In some countries, complimentary food is available for everyone, but the US usually restricts it to high-level players.
March 18th, 2017 at 4:47:02 PM
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Sorry if this is getting too far off topic, but does anyone know the law in NJ?
I've been booted off a machine in AC for not having the "correct" player card status.
I've been booted off a machine in AC for not having the "correct" player card status.
March 18th, 2017 at 4:54:54 PM
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Were you actively playing the machine?
If you tell me what property I might be able to give you some info-
Feel free to pm me with it
If you tell me what property I might be able to give you some info-
Feel free to pm me with it
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
March 18th, 2017 at 8:57:43 PM
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Quote: mamatThe free food areas in Las Vegas High Limit rooms are "invitation only" or require a high-level players card. Drinks in free food areas are free even when not gambling (up to certain limits, used to be $35 at Caesars & $25 at Bellagio). I like fresh watermelon juice, carrot juice, etc... (which are usually unavailable on the main floor).
In some countries, complimentary food is available for everyone, but the US usually restricts it to high-level players.
I snuck a brownie or cookie from the HLR at Cosmo once (the new one, not the old one). Ah yeah, son! That's living the AP lifestyle.
March 18th, 2017 at 11:04:20 PM
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Meadows has that tier area. There is somebody sitting there asking for cards that always irritates me. I've asked by email and was told you don't need a higher card to walk back there and play slots, only to eat the snacks and drinks. I walked past the lady ignoring her and she got all moody whining, " your card? Your card sir? Your card?" People in that room believe the machines are only for them, even though it's not true.
It's not a HL area though.
It's not a HL area though.
Last edited by: onenickelmiracle on Mar 19, 2017
I am a robot.
March 18th, 2017 at 11:31:43 PM
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Quote: MrVI wonder whether there are ever exceptions to the public access rule?
For example, if a whale the size of Kerry Packer (R.I.P.) insists on privacy or he won't play: can that be accomodated?
If so, how (without running afoul of the rule)?
There must be exceptions because many years ago when the Bellagio was new, I had a friend that was the host for Tiger Woods and Charles Barkley. He took me into a high limit area and there they were playing blackjack. They were in a private room and nobody else was at their table. I remember my friend telling me on of their average bets was about $7,000 a hand and the other was a few thousand. I don't remember which was which though.
Incidently, as we were leaving the high limit room to go to dinner, Troy Aikman was out on the main floor playing blackjack amongst the peasants. $25 table I believe.
ZCore13
I am an employee of a Casino. Former Table Games Director,, current Pit Supervisor. All the personal opinions I post are my own and do not represent the opinions of the Casino or Tribe that I work for.
March 19th, 2017 at 1:07:43 AM
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Quote: davethebuilder
One of the best conditions in Australian casinos, main floor or the VIP area, is the No Smoking rule.
This part is not quite true. While the main floor will be non-smoking, private high limit rooms will be exempt. In fact they will be the only indoor areas in the country where smoking is permitted.
March 19th, 2017 at 5:52:56 AM
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Quote: AussieThis part is not quite true. While the main floor will be non-smoking, private high limit rooms will be exempt. In fact they will be the only indoor areas in the country where smoking is permitted.
Yes, high limit private gaming rooms are exempt from the No Smoking laws but I was speaking generally as most people will never see the inside of them. There are also designated smoking areas within the casino but my point was that the general public can gamble in a smoke free environment if they wish.
Casino Enemy No.1
March 19th, 2017 at 7:07:50 AM
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Quote: RSI snuck a brownie or cookie from the HLR at Cosmo once (the new one, not the old one). Ah yeah, son! That's living the AP lifestyle.
To make that a true AP move, you need to sell the brownie.
You can't know everything, but you can know anything.
March 19th, 2017 at 10:57:09 AM
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Sugarhouse has one table in the back of the high limit room-
It's pretty much meek mill that plays there for those of you interested
It's pretty much meek mill that plays there for those of you interested
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
March 19th, 2017 at 11:08:17 AM
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Quote: RSI snuck a brownie or cookie from the HLR at Cosmo once (the new one, not the old one). Ah yeah, son! That's living the AP lifestyle.
The key is to look like you know what you are doing. Any person confident and not looking like a hobo can easily score a cookie, or even better a muffin. If questioned play dumb and say you are looking for the Book & Stage Bar and Thank them for having snacks out for everyone.
Or if your really bold ask them why you can't vulture the UX machines there anymore.
March 19th, 2017 at 11:22:05 AM
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Quote: BozThe key is to look like you know what you are doing. Any person confident and not looking like a hobo can easily score a cookie, or even better a muffin. If questioned play dumb and say you are looking for the Book & Stage Bar and Thank them for having snacks out for everyone.
Or if your really bold ask them why you can't vulture the UX machines there anymore.
Don't remember if they had muffins. Not a huge fan, but it depends. But that's what I did -- strutted in there all confident-like, grabbed a cookie like I knew what I was doing and belonged there. Surprisingly, I think I was with djatc and he was being too much of a girl to take a cookie. That was shocking.
March 19th, 2017 at 11:29:16 AM
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Quote: RSDon't remember if they had muffins. Not a huge fan, but it depends. But that's what I did -- strutted in there all confident-like, grabbed a cookie like I knew what I was doing and belonged there. Surprisingly, I think I was with djatc and he was being too much of a girl to take a cookie. That was shocking.
Are you serious!?
Me: I think this is underdone and very much so.
DJATC: Here, let me try it...munch, munch...no, I think that's fine.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
