From: officialflagrant
Dana White, a known enthusiast for combat sports and entrepreneurship, also has a prominent and aggressive approach to high-stakes gambling, particularly in Las Vegas casinos. He views his gambling endeavors as a personal “war” against the largest casino companies, thriving on the challenge and the thrill of going “toe-to-toe” with them [01:48:47].
Approach to Gambling
White primarily plays Baccarat, describing it as “50/50” and the “closest statistical game” in a casino, allowing for higher stakes than games like Blackjack [01:55:10]. He aims to “clip” casinos for a set amount per night, usually around 1 million, and if he wins that amount, he leaves [01:53:37]. His strategy involves playing “three hands and you’re out” if he hits his winning target [01:55:50]. However, when he is losing, he is prepared to “go guns of blazing” and use his entire credit line, which is $6 million [01:53:51].
Specific Experiences and Runs
White boasts about his recent performance against Caesars Palace, stating he beat them for $16.5 million since January 1st of the current year, only losing twice in that period [01:49:02]. Despite the potential for large losses, he manages the emotional highs and lows of gambling, viewing each session as a “battle” within a larger “war” for the year [01:52:41]. He has shared videos showing him walking out with over a million dollars in cash after winning sessions [01:57:29].
He attributes his consistent play to diligence, although he admits there have been a “couple times” he’s gone “on tilt” and lost [01:39:36]. He once lost $300,000 at a casino in Niagara Falls that denied him further credit, which he described as a “shitty, dirty business” compared to Vegas casinos [01:58:57]. In contrast, Las Vegas casinos, particularly Caesars, are praised for their customer service for high rollers, even building a custom room for him to play Baccarat, complete with a TV and gaming chair [01:46:11]. These casinos also offer perks like annual shopping events using accumulated points, which White uses to buy gifts for his employees [01:48:22].
White previously beat The Palms casino for $1.6 million over 23 consecutive trips playing Blackjack, leading them to reduce his betting limits [02:01:43]. He emphasizes that casinos don’t “ban” big players for winning, but rather adjust limits to make it harder to win consistently [02:02:37].
Superstitions and Vibes
White’s gambling is also influenced by personal superstitions and “vibes.” He prefers to play in casinos where he feels a good energy and where dealers want him to win, as he takes care of them with tips [02:06:55]. He finds Chinese Baccarat players to have “good gambling vibes” due to their energetic and superstitious nature [01:47:40]. Conversely, he avoids “shitty” dealers with bad attitudes, or “Eddie Mushes,” whom he perceives as having bad luck [02:06:15].
He also notes that celebrities like Charles Barkley and Aiden Ross are serious high-stakes gamblers, with Barkley once winning $650,000 during a Power Slap weekend gambling party [02:03:46].