In Las Vegas’ previous incarnations—from mafia hangout to budget vacation spot to land of the animatronic pirate—there was very little to appeal to the upscale, sophisticated traveler. But these days Vegas is all about over-the-top luxury, rock-star treatment and decadent nightlife.

Virtually all of Las Vegas’ growth these days is in the upscale market, and by upscale, we mean Vegas upscale: Penthouse suites straight out of an episode of MTV’s Cribs; butlers who unpack, press and hang your clothes; dawn-to-dusk, spring-break-for-grown-ups pool parties; Michelin-rated restaurants and Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. The new Vegas caters to the refined tastes (and hedonistic impulses) of work hard, party harder visitors who want to play high roller for a weekend, without having to put their 401Ks on a poker table.

Of course, being a high roller isn’t just about extravagant spending; it’s about perks and comps, insider status and preferred treatment. Here’s how you can get the best of Las Vegas—if you play your cards right.

Where to sleep (if you’re into that)

To be treated like a high roller you have to be recognized as one, and booking a suite at one of the major casino-resorts on the strip is the best way to announce your presence. For an outrageous fantasy suite, try the Penthouse at the Hard Rock: $10,000 for a 5,000 square foot three-bedroom, with bowling alley and six-person hot tub. If you want refined luxury, go for one of the $1,600 Salon Suites at the Wynn, one of only eight hotels in the country (and the only one in Vegas) to receive the Michelin Guide’s highest rating. Then again, $1,000 gets you a modern, stylish one-bedroom Skyloft at the MGM Grand with butler service and airport pickup in a Mercedes Maybach.

Keep in mind that while a $10,000-a-night suite will make you a celebrity—the entire staff will be aware of your presence and at your disposal—suites in the $1,000 to $2,000 range will get you many of the same benefits: personal concierge, VIP treatment at any nightclubs, restaurants or shows in the casino complex and plenty of other high roller perks.

Insider Tip:: Consider not only the amenities in your suite, but those offered by the casino below. Both Shadow Creek, the top-rated golf course in Las Vegas, and Joel Robuchon, the city’s top-rated restaurant, are operated by the MGM. Only MGM guests may tee off at the former, and they will find it much easier to get a table at the latter. So even though the $10,000 penthouse will give you celebrity status at the Hard Rock, if you’re a serious golfer or foodie, one of the more modest lofts at the MGM might be a better choice.

Where to bet it all

The only way to sit at the high roller tables is to be one—true high rollers make five figure bets and have multi-million dollar credit lines—in which case the casinos already know who you are and will extend an invitation. You can, however, reap substantial benefits on what you do gamble. Most importantly, go to your casino’s player’s club and get a player’s card, playing only at your own casino. Every time you sit down at a table or a slot machine, the house will record how much you’re betting and how long you play. Whether you win or lose, if you play enough the casino will give you anything from restaurant credits to show tickets to room comps.

Insider Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re entitled to—a true high roller never misses a chance to get something on the house.