high roller

American  

Or highroller

noun

Informal.

1. a person who gambles for large stakes, as in a casino.

2. a person who spends money freely for entertainment and extravagant living.

3. a corporation or governmental agency that invests or spends freely or recklessly.

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high roller British  

noun

1. slang a person who spends money extravagantly or gambles recklessly

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Other Word Forms

• high rolling noun

Etymology

Origin of high roller

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

The Atlantic describes the Brightline train as a luxurious ride for high rollers but paints a downscale cast to those who are run over by it.

From The Wall Street Journal

"You have heard me say before, I am not a betting man. I am not a high roller; one dollar is my betting limit," Kirschner told Cohen.

From Salon

In writing the pilot script of “Bookie,” Lorre and Bakay thought it was only fitting that the show find a way to feature a Hollywood star playing a version of themselves as a high roller.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the gambler, casinos had previously treated high rollers like Paddock to free cruises, flights, penthouse suites, rides in “nice cars” and wine country tours.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Paddock, who sometimes spent up to 18 hours a day gambling in various hotels “was very upset at the way casinos were treating him and other high rollers,” one gambler told the F.B.I.

From New York Times