Who are some of the biggest casino winners of our time? Which games did they play to boost their bankrolls?
Let’s get into the minds – and lifestyles – of some of the biggest high-stakes gamblers. See how they approach risk, check out how they enjoy their money and see if it can inspire you.
And if you take away any bright insights from this list of real-life online champions, you’ll learn that many of them live by a few key quotes, including:
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”.
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Bill Benter
This American high roller is one of the more private members of this exclusive list, preferring to let his money do the talking. Bill Benter started out with a most modest job, working at 7-Eleven and dabbling in a little gambling.
But his brains outgrew his convenience store job, and he eventually developed a mathematical system for betting on horse races in Hong Kong, of all places.
That system eventually turned into a rumored one billion dollars. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and investments in tech, rather than flashy displays of wealth.
Edward Thor
Like Benter, Ed Thorp is a mastermind who developed a mathematical approach to gambling, with a card counting system that he tuned into a reported $800 million net worth, though that’s not entirely from playing the casinos. He is also a hedge fund manager and real estate investor, with a math professor background on top of it all.
But about that betting lifestyle. Thorp would beat casinos at their own blackjack games, counting cards and applying probability strategies at the same time. He used this system to make millions.
It’s fitting that he’s known as the man who beat both Vegas and Wall Street.
Thorp is the oldest member of this prestigious list, and also like Benter, keeps his massive wealth mostly private.
Tony Bloom
Tony Bloom is a British sports and casino gambler who has re-invested some of his gambling winnings into real assets, including the Bright and Hove Albion soccer team in the UK and stakes in clubs in Belgium and Australia.
Bloom’s big gains initial came at the poker table, a common place for many successful gamblers to learn to optimize their risk-reward strategies. “To win big you have to risk losing,” he says.
“The Lizard”, as he’s known in betting circles, has also made big moves in sports betting and has his own consultancy.
Some people may just be born for the gambling life. Bloom is also involved in horse racing, including ownership of Champions Chase winner Energumene.
Even though he’s got a net worth rumored to be in the billions. Bloom keeps a low profile. Except when he’s taking the train to away games with fans of his beloved Seagulls (the Brighton club).
Sorel Mizzi
His game might be Texas Hold ‘Em, but Sorel Mizzi is all Canadian.
From playing games like chess, Scrabble and watching Wheel of Fortune as a kid, he learned strategic thinking (and no doubt saw Vanna and Pat rewarding people with prizes). Then he learned discipline, joining the Canadian armed forces as a teenager.
Fast forward to today, and Mizzi is a millionaire many times over. With over $14 million in live online poker tournament winnings, he’s leading the jet-set life. He travels to tournaments at casinos all over the world in Europe, North America and Asia.
Mizzi’s winnings have not come without controversy, however. Some rules violations in certain online poker tournaments have tarnished his rep.
His personal philosophy involves continuous self-improvement and learning. Mizzi says that as soon as something begins to feel like a job than a challenge, he looks for new frontiers.
Billy Walters
Considered by many as one of the best – if not the best – sports bettor ever, American Bill Walters has plenty of wisdom to share for all gamblers, including online casino game players.
With a net worth north of $200 million, Walters is another gambler who likes to diversity and re-invest in real-world assets. He owns car dealerships, a golf course (in Las Vegas, naturally), and commercial properties.
He takes a disciplined, analytic approach to business as he does to gambling. Walters has been quoted as saying “For me, the key was balancing patience against greed, gaining control over my emotions”. Wise words for any betting fan to follow.
Especially if you’re looking to emulate Walters’s spending habits, which include a $20 million private jet, homes in multiple locations, and a generous amount of philanthropy.
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