high roller

plural high rollers · alternative high-roller

1. CanadaUSinformalgamblingA gambler who wagers large amounts of money, usually in a casino.

   They were all "high rollers" against faro, had plenty of money, and, if the cards came favorably, would "chaw up" a bank in double-quick time.

   1873, [John O’Connor], “Inventors”, in John Morris, editor, Wanderings of a Vagabond. An Autobiography, New York, N.Y.: Published by the author, →OCLC, page 178

   3 more examples

   Before long, Zarin developed a reputation as an extravagant "high roller" who routinely bet the house maximum while playing craps, his game of choice. Considered a "valued gaming patron" by Resorts, Zarin had his credit limit increased at regular intervals without any further credit checks, and was provided a number of complimentary services and privileges.

   1990 October 10, Robert Cowen (Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit), Zarin v. Commissioner, archived from the original on 19 Oct 2017, 916 F. 2d 110

   He was a bigger net yield than any two or three girls because a satisfied woman was far more generous than a depleted john. And frequently, Rocco owed a high-roller a favor and the girl came back with nothing.

   2005, Joseph Levy, High Roller: A Novel, Lincoln, Neb.: iUniverse, →ISBN, page 24

   Chief among the dire presentiments was the suggestion that the ascension of Labour to power would result in Radiohead ceasing touring and instead taking up a residency at a Las Vegas resort. The image of Thom Yorke serenading Sin City's high rollers with a rousing chorus of Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors was mind-boggling, but you could see why some press went on the offensive.

   2017 June 26, Alexis Petridis, “Glastonbury 2017 verdict: Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Lorde, Stormzy and more”, in The Guardian, London, archived from the original on 12 Nov 2017

2. CanadaUSinformalOne who has a lot of money and lives luxuriously.

   1 more example

   The "Baron" bowed. This was a new complication, but it was all in the day's work. Of course, the whole thing was plain enough. Fatty Welch was "working" some swell guys who thought he was a real high-roller. Maybe he was going to pull off some kind of a job that very evening. Perhaps this big chap in the swagger flannels was one of the gang. Barney was thinking hard. Well, he'd take the tip and play the hand out.

   1905 September, Arthur [Cheney] Train, “The Extraordinary Adventure of the Baron de Ville”, in McAllister and His Double, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner's Sons, →OCLC, page 59

   Synonyms: two week millionaire