The difference is, it is likely not a problem for whales to lose big time since they're rich, unlike to some average gamblers (who keep on playing to win) because it can really hurt their financial status.
Nevertheless its really wise to not rely on gambling as a money making activity because its risky.
Whales have their own way of gambling and they can risk big amounts also and they play as leisure activity but we should enjoy our way of gambling playing always in limits because we can't compete with them at any level so it's better to be your own in this game.
Whales are whales they are here to stay in much longer timeframe, unlike with small time gamers gamblers do allocate decent amount
of bankroll enough to satisfied their leisure and also in attempting to win big, they are good in managing their money though since it's gambling
anything can happen and they are not exempt to have a bad sessions and lose big money.