[8] Even initially, Stratosphere guests exhibited considerably greater excitement over the Big Shot gravity drop tower than they did over High Roller.

Due to these design limitations, the High Roller was neither a fast nor intense ride experience; the height alone was the primary thrill element.

While it seemed to riders that there was nothing between the track and the Las Vegas Strip below, a platform was present underneath the ride.

[12] Aggregated reviews on themeparkcritic.com gave the ride an average of 2.77 out of 5.0, compared to Stratosphere's other rides—Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity—which all garnered ratings above 4.0 out of 5.0.

[14][15] Notable incidents early in High Roller's operation included a drive cylinder breaking loose and cracking safety glass in an observation level below, and an incident where two wheels came loose—derailing the train and forcing riders to be rescued.