History’s Most Famous Gamblers

The legendary gamblers who charted paths through risks, carving their legacy in casino lore. Check out their intriguing journeys next.

Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. President, showcased finesse in poker from his military stint on Green Island, funding his early political ambitions with his poker earnings.

Raised in a devout Quaker home, Nixon wasn’t groomed for gambling. Yet, tales from the U.S. Navy highlight his unmatched poker prowess.

While Nixon’s political journey ended with resignation, his poker exploits still paint him in a somewhat adventurous light.

Using his physics and math expertise, Bill Benter mastered card counting at blackjack tables only to be banned across Vegas. He later innovated a horse racing prediction system in Hong Kong alongside Alan Woods.

Benter's revolutionary software-assisted gambling system transformed horse racing wagering, reportedly earning him tens of millions on peak race days.

Beyond gambling, Benter donates to charitable causes and political campaigns, established the Benter Foundation, and occasionally lectures on statistical nuances and probabilities.

Edward Thorp, a math professor and financial wizard, illuminated blackjack strategies in his book 'Beat the Dealer', revolutionizing card counting as a viable advantage against casinos.

Throughout the 60s and 70s, Thorp amassed wealth with his probability strategies, successfully extending his expertise to roulette, backgammon, and baccarat.

His mathematical acumen ventured into profitable investments, achieving an average 20% return rate. Thorp co-developed the pioneering wearable computer with Claude Shannon.

Phil Hellmuth, with fifteen WSOP bracelets and a Hall of Fame induction, dazzles with skill and occasional fiery table antics.

Ranking among top echelons of poker earnings, Hellmuth’s continuing influence extends through instructional videos and books, though his striking public persona often steals the spotlight.

In sports betting, Billy Walters stands out, joining the game young and overcame early losses to command immense betting power wielded through a sophisticated network.

Known for his enduring 30-year sports betting streak, Walters maneuvered around bookies' radars, amassing millions by backing college football and basketball games.

Legendary poker maven Doyle Brunson, famously known as Texas Dolly, turned the tides from mob-run card games to Las Vegas' sanctioned poker ploys.

Recognized as an unrivaled poker titan, Brunson’s legacy boasts two WSOP main titles, a Poker Hall of Fame entry, and iconic poker literature, bowing out in 2018 after five remarkable decades.

Texas' own Amarillo Slim, well-reputed for witty and daring wagers across table tennis and pool, made his mark alongside legends Doyle Brunson and Puggy Pearson.

Slim’s monumental 1972 WSOP win paved the way for his Hall of Fame induction in 1992, leaving an indelible mark on poker history.

In a tale fitting his name, Chris Moneymaker’s unlikely poker journey from accountant to superstar characterized the 'Moneymaker Effect'.

After his WSOP triumph, Moneymaker harnessed his fame into business ventures, and served as an ambassador for leading brands, continually seeking out higher stakes.

Greek-born Archie Karas' whirlwind Vegas affair turned mere dollars into mountainous millions before an untimely downfall in 1995.

Despite monumental wins, Karas’ career skid followed scandalous setbacks, yet his legendary streak remains unparalleled.

Phil Ivey's achievements in poker remain iconic, though a legal dispute over edge sorting challenges darkened his formidable reputation.

Despite controversies, Ivey’s legacy as a poker virtuoso continues to inspire awe and admiration from aficionados worldwide.