We’ve all heard of the Pareto principle – that 20% of people tend to account for 80% of money revenue. Never does that ring truer than in gambling. The majority of people come to a casino and spend a few hundred dollars once in a great while. These people are profitable for casinos; however, it is less than 2% of players that form the backbone of gambling profitability. So-called whales provide casinos a whopping 90% of their revenue. Indeed, a single whale can have more impact on a game’s financial performance than hundreds or even thousands of regular players.
Developers pay close attention to these users as their purchasing behavior shapes how a game is updated, marketed, and monetized. In this article, we are going to talk about the way the industry is molded by these high-rollers.
Behavior of Whales in iGaming
The definition of a whale is a player who spends far more than the average user by a wide margin. These people dive into the game with their heart and soul, chasing the premium content, the exclusive features, and giddy about unlocking whatever side bets and prizes they can get their hands on. They are the difference between a game that breaks even and one that becomes a blockbuster.
The spending habits of whales may seem extreme, and you very well may indeed be right to think so. People have in some cases even spent north of a million dollars on a single casino game. However, this is not the way they typically behave. Normally, they just spend a few dozen dollars a day – they just do so over and over and over. These are not always the flashy splashes you see in the movies, though they often are. What you do encounter more often than not are long, ongoing investments. This steady rise in whale spending reflects not just individual behavior but the evolving sophistication of mobile game monetization.
Different genres exhibit different phenomena. Crash games for which people use resources like Aviator predictor online and word-based titles tend to see higher ARPPUs due to older demographics with more disposable income. Mid-core games – such as strategy or RPGs – see broader but more balanced contributions from their top players.
It’s also worth noting that whale behavior often involves a degree of emotional attachment. They might start out with a small purchase to test the waters but end up spending far more over time as they become invested in the game’s world, characters, or social community.
Whale Categories
Despite the general trends, the way they spend – and how quickly they commit – can vary dramatically. Some leap in immediately, throwing down hundreds within their first few play sessions. Others take their time. Therefore, they require different approaches on developers’ part.
Splurge whales
These people are decisive and confident and will spend tons of money right up front, often hundreds of dollars on their first day. What they want is instant power and prestige, and they’re willing to pay for it. The game’s first impression is everything to them. If the onboarding and early monetization flows are tuned just right, you’ll catch them. If not, they’re gone. That means offering top-tier characters, fast-track progress, and grind-heavy mechanics.
Among these are gacha whales – people who spend heavily in pursuit of these ultra-rare items. Their goal isn’t just to play the game – it’s to collect, complete, and dominate. For them, it’s not just gameplay – it’s a mix of accumulation, status, and the thrill of the pull.
Gradual whales
Such players are more cautious, starting with a low-risk investment, maybe a small bundle or cosmetic item. They want to test whether the game respects their time and money. If it does, they slowly ramp up their spending. For this type of whale, retention is the name of the game. The longer they play, the more they spend. It might take weeks or even months before their full potential is realized, but if nurtured properly, they can become just as profitable – if not more so – than their big-splurging counterparts.
These people don’t have the same ego and are more about emotional hooks and respond better to carefully timed incentives. The result of both is the same – ridiculous LTV.
Lower-spenders
Dolphins, by contrast, are the middle tier. They spend more than the average player but nowhere near as much as whales. Think of them as steady contributors – they regularly buy in-game currency, cosmetic items, or season passes. While their individual impact is smaller, their numbers make them essential. Dolphins often represent a large and reliable stream of revenue that helps smooth out income between big whale drops.
Then there are the Minnows – the vast majority of users. These are the players who might spend a few dollars here and there or stick entirely to the free content. They may not contribute much financially on their own, but their value comes from other areas: they fill servers, keep matchmaking pools active, engage in social features, and generate ad revenue. Minnows make up the community backbone and provide the environment whales and dolphins want to play in.
VIP Programs and Personalized Incentives
The VIP programs each player is presented and offered after they sign up exist first and foremost to catch those whales, which is why they’re built around exclusivity, status, and personalization. The name of the game here is engagement. These VIP schemes are strategic retention tools designed to maximize player lifetime value while creating a sense of prestige and emotional loyalty.
Entry-level perks might include modest cashback or faster withdrawals, but as players climb the VIP ladder – based on their wagering volume, frequency, and tenure – they unlock increasingly lavish rewards:
- personalized bonuses
- luxury gifts
- free tickets to sporting events or concerts
- dedicated account managers
- birthday presents
- private concierge services
- comps in the form of hotel rooms and meals
However, the pleasantries go far beyond that. These players are ushered into invite-only loyalty programs with entirely bespoke benefits. Think all-expenses-paid cruises and trips to Monaco or Dubai, invitations to exclusive poker tournaments, backstage passes, or even the ability to request specific games or table limits. Some operators have been known to charter private jets or upgrade hotel suites on short notice for their highest-stakes clients.
Strategic Whale Incentivization
Casinos have VIP account managers, or so-called hosts, specifically dedicated to individual role players, and are an important component in keeping the money rolling. They check in on a regular basis with the players they’re assigned to, fulfilling their whims. When it comes to land-based casinos, this means servicing them in person and giving instant credit extensions. In iGaming, it translates to rapid response times and decision-making power to adjust player limits or offer discretionary bonuses.
VIP Hosts’ Job
All of the account manager’s actions are carefully crafted and timed. This is often:
- right after a big loss to encourage recovery play
- during peak activity hours
- after periods of absence
- on holidays
When done correctly, the user’s engagement is reignited, and players’ playing sessions are extended. If done irresponsibly, however, they can attract the attention of regulators and get the casino punished for unethical practices. Indeed, critics argue that some of these tactics blur the line between excellent service and psychological manipulation, especially when they are used to retain players exhibiting problematic behavior.
These VIP hosts also expedite withdrawals for them, troubleshoot any issues, and are trained in relationship management as well. They know their clients’ favorite games, preferred stakes, beloved sports teams, even their birthdays and anniversaries. Their job is to create a seamless, luxurious experience that mirrors five-star concierge service.
For some whales, this means access to private game tables – both in physical casinos and via online live-dealer platforms. These tables may be customized with the player’s name, branding, or even house rules tailored to their preferences. Operators also organize exclusive tournaments, private raffles, and one-on-one challenges that cater specifically to elite players, ensuring they never feel like just another user.
(DISCLAIMER: The information in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of The Global Hues. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information in this article.)
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