An opulently elegant affair, baccarat is one of the most prestigious (and confidential) games you can play in the dazzling realm of high-stakes gambling. Although casinos in Las Vegas or Monaco offer public high-roller tables of baccarat, there is another level of play even more closed than this: the underground VIP rooms where only the richest gamblers may play.
These mysterious dens are run beyond the gaze of curious visitors, their billionaire customers wanting the high of huge wagers, the finest levels of luxury, and complete secrecy.
But what really goes on inside these private matches? Who are the participants, and why do they prefer secrecy over the glamour of public halls? Let’s pull back the curtain on this shadowy world, after we’ve bet on the greatest football coaches of all time and won massive grand prizes for it!
The Billionaire’s Game of Choice
Baccarat is an old favourite of high rollers. It is nothing like poker or blackjack, where skill and strategy are involved, but rather a pure-chance game. The rules are uncomplicated: people bet on whether the Player or the Banker would receive a hand closer to nine, and there is no bluffing involved, or much intricate thinking. Only high-paced, high-tension matches.
The Appeal of Underground
While luxury casinos offer private salons, underground baccarat takes exclusivity to another level. These games are:
- Invite-only – You can’t just walk in. Connections matter.
- No limits – Bets can reach tens of millions per hand.
- Zero scrutiny – No casino cameras, no government oversight.
For the ultra-rich, privacy is everything. Many avoid legal casinos to dodge financial tracking, media attention, or even personal security risks. In secretive rounds and halls, they can play anonymously.
Inside a Secret VIP Baccarat Room
Imagine walking into a penthouse suite with no signage, no visible security, and a single baccarat table at the centre. The air is thick with cigar smoke, and crystal glasses of rare whiskey sit untouched, as these high rollers are too focused.
The Players: Who Are These High Rollers?
The usual suspects include:
- Tycoons from Asia – Chinese, Malaysian, and Indonesian billionaires dominate these games.
- Middle Eastern royalty – Oil sheikhs who fly in on private jets for a single night of play.
- Russian oligarchs – Known for betting millions without blinking.
- Wall Street hedge fund managers – High-risk gamblers who thrive on adrenaline.
Losing $10 million in a night might sting, but for them, it’s about the thrill, the status, and sometimes, the business deals made over the table.
The Rules (Or Lack Thereof)
Underground games bend the norms:
- No maximum bets – While Macau’s top casinos might cap bets at $500,000, private games have no ceiling.
- Custom side bets – Some rooms allow personal wagers, like wagering on the colour of the next card.
- Extended credit – Unlike casinos, unlicensed bankers may extend unlimited credit, leading to dangerous debts.
The Dark Side
With no oversight, these games can spiral into danger.
Cheating and Scams
Even among billionaires, trust is rare. Some high-stakes games have been rigged with:
- Marked cards – Invisible ink or tiny scratches tip off insiders.
- Collusion – Dealers working with participants to manipulate outcomes.
- AI card tracking – Sophisticated tech that predicts hands in real time.
When cheaters are caught, the consequences are brutal. Stories of violent retribution are whispered but rarely confirmed.
Debt and Desperation
Not every billionaire walks away unscathed, as some lose fortunes in hours, borrowing from loan sharks who charge exorbitant interest. In extreme cases, people have disappeared after failing to pay.
The Role of Hosts and Fixers
Behind every secret high-stakes baccarat game, there’s a powerful host, often called a “junket operator” in Asia or a “fixer” in the West. These individuals are the gatekeepers, responsible for organising rounds, inviting the right guests, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
A host’s job goes beyond just setting up a table, as they must:
- Vet players – Only those with proven wealth and discretion get invites.
- Arrange logistics – Private jets, luxury suites, and even bodyguards are part of the package.
- Extend credit – Many gamble on borrowed money, and the host ensures debts are paid by any means necessary.
In Macau, junket operators once ran a legal system connecting casinos to high rollers, but after government crackdowns, many moved underground. Now, they operate in the shadows, taking a cut of the profits while keeping games hidden from authorities.
The best hosts cultivate loyalty. A billionaire who wins big might tip them millions, while those who welch on debts face severe consequences. It’s a dangerous game… not just for players, but for the hosts themselves, who walk a fine line between luxury and ruin.
How Tech is Changing Things
Even in this secretive world, tech is making an impact, and while traditionalists prefer face-to-face games, new innovations are reshaping how billionaires play.
1. Digital Baccarat Platforms: Some covert rings now use encrypted apps to host virtual rounds, and people join via secure servers, placing million-dollar bets from different countries without ever meeting. This reduces the risk of raids but increases the chance of hacking and fraud.
2. AI and Card Prediction: Sophisticated software can track shoe patterns, giving players an edge. While banned in casinos, underground games sometimes allow these tools, for a price.
3. Cryptocurrency Payments: To avoid bank scrutiny, many games now use Bitcoin or Monero. These transactions are instant and untraceable, making it easier to move vast sums without detection.