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Vegas Casinos Want Privacy for High Rollers

``A `whale’ is what casinos call the most elite high rollers, about 200 of the world's wealthiest gamblers courted to stay in lavish suites with personal butlers, chefs and private pools.

``As if the red carpet isn't rolled out enough, casinos now want their biggest gamblers betting in private salons, away from gawking tourists and their plastic change buckets.

``A bill approved by the state Legislature and awaiting Gov. Kenny Guinn's signature would create private gambling salons in which casinos' most prized customers wouldn't have to mingle with regular folks.

``Many casinos already have gambling rooms for high-end players, but they are required to be open to the public.

``…Some casino executives argued before the Legislature that some whales avoid Las Vegas because they are not ensured privacy.

```Some of these people can win or lose millions of dollars, but not all of them wish to be identified in public,’ said Bill Timmins, president and chief operating officer of the Aladdin.

``Casinos decline to identify their whales, and work to not only satisfy their most valuable customers but try to lure them away from the competition.

``…Under the new law, casinos can decide which gamblers are wealthy enough to gamble in private. Celebrities may be invited into the salons, but ultimately each casino chooses who has the money to play, said Brian Sandoval, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

``Casinos would have to notify gaming regulators each time a whale gambles so regulators can decide if they need to provide extra surveillance.

``So who are these high rollers? Casinos say they're large-business owners from around the world who have credit lines of millions of dollars…”

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