Whale Hunt in the Desert: Secrets of a Vegas Superhost

by Deke Castleman

Whale Hunt in the Desert divulges the unbridled lengths to which casinos go to bag the world's biggest gamblers, the whales. This definitive expose reveals the shrouded world of ultra-high rollers and the Faustian pacts they forge with their hosts, the casino representatives whose job it is to part them from their fortunes. Private jets, penthouses, personal chefs, show-up money, rebates on losses, and the most beautiful women on Earth, nothing is too excessive. Whale Hunt in the Desert is the only book ever to examine the lifestyles and motivations of this rarest of breeds, as well as the highly guarded inner workings of the most money-oriented culture known to man.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2004

Reviews

[Amar Pai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but I'm biased because my family moved to Las Vegas right when the Mirage first opened (1989) and the era of next-gen Las Vegas hotel/casinos-- MGM, Venetian, New York New York, the Wynn, Luxor, etc etc-- was just beginning. The hotel-building boom that took place in Vegas in the 90's was the biggest in history-- not just in Vegas, but anywhere in the world. It's interesting to read a semi-academic take on this. Also, as usual I'm fascinated by lifestyles of the rich and infamous.

I hadn't realized that the Mirage pioneered ultra lavish "high roller suites" that get comped to whales. In modern terms, a whale is someone who will drop $250k in a weekend. A lot of whales these days are Asian and the casinos prefer to call them "esteemed guests" or "VIP guests." It's interesting to read about the arsenal of perks and comps that get doled out to these ultra-rare gambling addicts. The MGM has an entire MANSION with 150 full time employees on support staff. This routinely will be held unoccupied for weeks because there's a chance that some Asian whale *might* fly in for that weekend.

Feng shui and geomancy experts were consulted to ensure optimal siting, positioning, and flow in, of and around the building and suites.

The mansion features Ming Vases, butlers, an army of chefs and of course, only the finest of tablecloths.

Whale Hunt in the Desert is weird because on the one hand it's a hagiography of Steve Cyr, this "whale hunting" casino host who comes off as a bit of a sleaze ball. A lot of fawning over his ability to Always Be Closing and lure high-spending gamblers to the tables. But, he does seeem like a consummate salesman, and the ideas about hunting high rollers really changed the game.

I wouldn't say the book is completely uncritical. It does touch on the fundamental ethical issues involved with enabling "high roller gambling" for addicts who can and do end up bankrupt or worse. Also there are these odd moments in the book where Castleman says something unexpectedly profound or apt, e.g.

All the attention to the luxurious surfaces-- the exquisite detail, the total immersion of the senses, the perfect control of the environment, the immediate gratification of every caprice- built into hotel suites can be considered the climactic conclusion of the casino's agenda: the stimulation of the primal appetites.

Maybe I just enjoy Castleman's vocabulary. Another one:

At the uppermost echelons of the casino-management hierarchy, you won't hear the word "whale." It's too crude, too cetaceous. You probably won't even hear "high roller." Too gambling-associated, too atavistic. Today's euphemistic monikers of choice are "preferred guest," "special guest," "esteemed guest," or "VIP." These terms have an Asian connotation. They imply, by understatement, the colossal éclat and cynosure of the few hundred richest men and women who like to play casino games-- a critical distinction separate from just being rich-- in the world.

"colossal éclat and cynosure" ? I don't know what that means, but I like it!

In conclusion, the Chinese are degenerate gamblers

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's no question that this is a quick and entertaining read. However, I saw someone with much closer ties to the gaming industry vulgarly describe the book as "bathroom fiction while dropping a deuce," and I don't think I can really disagree.

The author was obviously enamored with Steve Cyr, and his writing was far from objective. Maybe Cyr did him a couple of favors? A tee time at Shadow Creek? A "date" with Miss July? Who knows. I highly doubt Cyr was quite as innovative on his own as the book makes him out to be. I find it hard to believe that before Cyr came along, the guy staying in the Rain Man Suite had to check in at the front desk like everyone else.

I found statements like "His average bet was $65,000, or about the cost of a new Mercedes" or "He now had enough money on the table to cover a college tuition -- at Harvard" to be extremely condescending. The author did this several times throughout the book.

I also strongly suspect more than a few of the anecdotes were embellished. Taking a high roller's word for what chips he had on the table when the power goes out? Not likely.

There are plenty of books about Las Vegas and its symbiotic relationship with the gaming industry, and many of them are well-written with detailed research and compelling stories. I would not count this book among them.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

An entertaining read, though not sparing on the misogyny.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read Well written by Deke Castleman. It’s the story Steve Cyr and his career as a casino host. Steve would be 61 right now. It’s a story of Steve being Captain Ahab of the Las Vegas desert hunting whales. It talks about the evolution of the comp system from the days of when the mob ran the casino and you could get room and food till the 90s when suddenly you can get suites, chefs, valets, private jets, and limo rides and anything else that you want. Some of the stories may have been embellished, but I think it’s Bruce Willis that said I can’t afford to be comped. I am with him on that.
He spent some time pointing out the casinos greed. I mean now they have 000 roulette, 6 to 5 blackjack. GameKing video blackjack pays 2 for 1. Which made his point that the casinos would just rather have you mail in a check to them so they wouldn’t have spend money on electricity for the slot machines and lights for you to come in and grind it out. This is because the casinos are no longer the big money maker. It’s the entertainment, restaurants and dayclubs / nightclubs, which by the way have no downside risk.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-Opening Journey into the Heart of Las Vegas Casinos

Great biographical detail of what goes down in the high roller world of Vegas.

Primarily set in the 80’s and 90’s, we are taken under the majestic wing of VIP Host Steve Cyr, and it is quite an adventure indeed.

Powerful men make powerful wagers in Sin City. This book tells us how it all goes down, and pontificates on the “why” as well. I learned a lot about Vegas as an industry. I would love to own a stake in a casino one day!

[Kainan Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating piece on the economics, tactics and the hidden forces behind casino gambling.

Best described as "The Wolf of Wallstreet: Las Vegas Edition".

This book will blow your mind when you read about the highs and lows of losses, wins, perks and gimmicks that characterize the gambling industry at ever increasing stakes.

You may already know that The House always wins, but this book will teach you all the ways The House does it.

[JW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but at times the tale drags. Mainly a bio of Steve Cyr, whom the author portrays as setting the template for modern casino hosts. I did learn that in the casino business you don’t get fired, but you do get “termed”.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the gambling turn off that I needed. Yucky people and yucky money!

As for the book, the organization was weird but some of the chapters had cool information. And the epilogue comparing gambling to religion was fun. If you read this, feel free to skim boring sections.

[Steven Sokulski · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lifelong Vegas native, this book still provides some pretty fascinating insights into a world that I had proximity to but no knowledge of.

[Rae Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whale Hunt in the Desert tells the crazy tale of Las Vegas super host Steve Cyr. Cyr's job is to make sure the largest of the high rollers is taken care of. From money just to show up, to being flown around the world in private jets, the book blows the lid on just what someone who's betting thousands of dollars a hand can expect. It tracks Cyr's career from him just leaving high school, to battling with casino bosses, to setting up his own business. There's not a lot in here which hasn't been seen in the movies. What makes it an interesting read is just how far he had to go to please people, the moments when he said no, and how he protected his job (prostitution is illegal in parts of Nevada, including the county which houses Vegas. So how do you deal with a high roller who wants to pay for sex? The author of this intriguing book tells you). Definitely an interesting read for anyone who has the slightest interest in Vegas. It's also a revealing read for anyone who's planning a trip there because, yes, some of what's written about in this book is also available to those of us not blessed with billions of dollars! Great book, fast paced read, definitely recommended.

[louisa]

Rover shifts are always dangerous to my efforts to have less than 50 checkouts at a time. This Monday I came away with this book, a hula dancing documentary, a coffee table book on the weather, The Invention of Clouds, and Prom Night in Kansas City. The stories were fun if the tone forced (but fitted to the genre and publishing house). Good for readers who like to read about gambling or tall tales of the rich and famous.

Also, the LIS classification is not an accident. Reminds me of certain marketing pushes and dealing with entitled patrons.

[Mromigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as a gift from a friend who knows I like Vegas for its non-gambling scene. This book focuses on the cultivation of gambling "whales", aka big-time rollers who are systematically wined and dined as they anonymously bankroll the Strip's big cash cages. The author is dead on with his literary ebb and flow--smart, sexy, sarcastic, sensual, and a sense of humor to top it off. Good perspective on what goes on behind those gilded closed doors at the nicest casinos. Highly recommended reading if you've ever been to Vegas and ever plan to go back. Quick, fun read.

[Jessica Foust · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most fascinating books I've read in a long time.
It tells the stort of casino hosts and how they entertain and snag the casino whales.
The book is primarily the story of one if Vegss's most successful hosts, Steve Cyr.

Highly recommended read about the gaming industry and wining and dining "the big fish".

[Jason Glynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to have grown up in Vegas, 1995 to 2015, my teens and 20s and I'll read anything about my former home... This book was a truly facinating look at a Casino Host, the person who can make magic happen. It goes into the history and what led to Steve Cyr becoming a legend in the business... Never boring and with facinating stories, it's a worthy addition to any collection

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had some entertaining chapters. It started by highlighting the creative, innovative thinking of the casino superhost Steve Cyr. Towards the end I found it difficult to get through a couple chapters , but finished with a bang with Cyr's afterword. Must read for any gambler, although I am not sure how many re-reads will be necessary.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's fun to see how much whales are willing to spend AND the crazy requests they have fulfilled. One whale had a fleet of limosines filled with family members swarm the In-N-Out burger for lunch before dropping a few mill at the tables..

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for any Vegas junky. It goes behind the scenes with a high roller host. Good book that shows you how to self market and not take no for an answer. Also has great cold calling tricks to make the person think they know you.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of this book is very interesting, but every once in a while the language gets a little annoying. It seemed like the author was trying too hard to have spunky Vegas attitude...but I suppose that's to be expected.

[Brent Dyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, but sometimes a little short on the details, especially on the "downward slide" of the Whales in Vegas. It's fascinating to see how they are lured in with fancy comps and perks, but would have loved to get a better look at what happens when they "bust out" and lose it all.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must for anyone interested in casino life. It revolves around a Las Vegas 'super host' , Steve Cyr, and his day to day duties, and a bit of history. It also has generic info that does not directly deal with Cyr. I found this a very interesting and entertaining book.

[Charles Reimler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Star Entertaining True Stories Of Lifestyles Will NEVER EXPERIENCE Myself! VP Host "INSIDE" Perception Of "WHALE CUSTOMERS" Is Worthy
Of Reading To UNDERSTAND The Casino Business! Interesting Read!

[L.R. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good and in depth read for people who want to learn the history and behind the scene operations of Las Vegas casinos. It also displays what could happen when gambling goes too far whether you're a big fish or little fish.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for Vegas audience.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very eye opening look at the business of gambling, Vegas, high rollers and the industry that caters to them.