Invite Only Casinos - Is It Really a Thing?

Most people who play games in casinos can do so with ease. Physical casinos see you walk in through the front doors and online casinos see you sign up for an account. It's not a difficult process either way. It's probable that most players haven't considered anything else as being an alternative. Yet some may have heard of invite-only casinos. It may be the case that you have heard of these yourself.

It would be normal for someone to question if these casinos actually exist. After all, why would you need the invitation to go into a casino or join one? It is even possible to join a high-roller casino without needing an invite beforehand. This way, even players who like to bet higher amounts can enjoy their favourite games with ease. So, let's take a look at whether invite-only casinos do exist and why.

Land-Based Invite-Only Casinos 

As it happens, there are some invite-only land-based casinos in operation. These venues are where you will find the A-listers. Most of them exist in the gambling hub which is Las Vegas, of course. Some of the options include: 

Ghostbar at the Palms Casino Resort 

This casino provides a wonderful view of the Vegas Strip. The Ghostbar is on the 55th floor of the Palms Ivory Tower. According to some reports, it has played host to Britney Spears, amongst others. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow anyone inside to see the spectacular views. Table service is available for VIPs from $550, with signature cocktails on hand. 

STK at the Cosmopolitan 

Operating in a primary way as an exclusive restaurant, the STK also offers casino options. It bases itself out of the high-end Cosmopolitan hotel, serving as a celebrity hotspot. A DJ is often present inside, with dancing on tables being a common activity at night. There is a waiting list of over eight weeks for a table in STK. The Kardashians are regular diners inside. Maybe they use the $41,500 diamond or sapphire-encrusted steak knives at dinner! 

Yellowtail at the Bellagio 

The Bellagio is one of the best online casinos for US players. Yet it also provides a land-based casino in Vegas for players. Within the building is the Yellowtail. This has hosted celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kelly Osbourne, and others. It's the peak for every VIP dining and casino experience. You would only get into this area if you're on the guest list. After dinner, you can enjoy a few casino games at your leisure, too. 

Online Invite-Only Casinos 

The online world isn't quite as restrictive when it comes to casino sites. Yet that hasn't stopped one or two invite-only casinos from opening up. At the beginning of 2022, the Posh Casino platform began operating. If you visit the website of casino, you will see that you need to enter an invitation code. It brands itself as being available by invitation only from the get-go. Yet, there is a bit of a flaw to this casino. 

Because of the invite-only status, it leaves players open to a big risk factor. It does not hold any official gambling licence, and you can see this on the homepage. Thus, it could very well be running a scam operation. Without being able to see what it provides; anything could be happening. If you do get an invite and choose to join Posh Casino, you aren't protected. 

There are some non-UK-licensed casinos in operation, for sure. Yet, they tend to have licences from elsewhere. Posh Casino doesn't own anything that provides regulations for it to adhere to. It is also the case that a sister site to the platform opened known as Sunshine Slots. Yet this one is no longer operating online, as far as we can tell. The risk is very high with invitation-only casinos, as noted. Thus, you join one of them at your own risk. 

To Conclude

When it comes to a land-based venue offering invite-only status, the operation is different. Generally, venues will have a guest list, and if you're not on it, you're not getting in. This allows celebrities and other VIPs to spend their private time with people they like. They can have dinner, enjoy some casino games and so on without fans mobbing them. Of course, these areas cost a lot of money to lease out and maintain the privacy factor. Celebrities of such status can afford it, though. 

The online world is a different kettle of chips, though. You can't see what is happening at a casino site that only allows registration via invite. The operator could be doing anything behind the façade of its supposed "high class" invite site. The truth is that people who have signed up at Posh Casino, for example, haven't had the best time. Various stories are viewable about non-receipt of withdrawals, scam operations, and so on. That's why it is always better to join one of the safe online casinos that we recommend. This way, you know your money and personal data will be secure.

Kevin Flynn Contributor

Kevin Flynn

Contributor & US Market Expert

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Kevin has gained an industry-leading level of financial knowledge, with insightful market expertise within the Gaming Industry. As a contributor, he brings all the insider tips US players need to make the right choices when starting their iGaming experience.
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