Part V: Regional & Cultural · Casino Slang & Historical Terms

7.21 Junket (General Definition)

Industry — VIP Gaming

A junket is a casino-sponsored trip for high-value players, organized by a junket operator or casino host, that includes travel, accommodation, entertainment, and gaming credit. The term originated in the 1950s when Las Vegas casinos sent private planes to bring high rollers from across the United States. In Macau, junkets evolved into a sophisticated financial intermediation system where operators provided credit, collected debts, and managed VIP rooms. The traditional junket model has been severely restricted following the 2022 Macau gaming law amendments.

In practice

The term “junket” is believed to derive from the Latin “juncus” (reed basket), referring to feasting baskets, and came to mean any pleasure excursion. In modern casino usage, it specifically refers to organized VIP gambling trips.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.