Discover the Biggest Wins and Mind-Blowing Fortunes of History's Top Gamblers Today

Casual Players, Excitement Seekers… And Then the Fame Sets In

For many people, gambling is a casual pastime — a few hours at the casino, a sports bet placed for excitement or a small wager shared between friends. If they're lucky, perhaps they'll leave with some extra money and a good story to tell. But for a few, gambling is not a game or amusement; it's also their profession, their identity and sometimes even the road to impossible riches. These are the masters of their craft who have proven that with discipline, skill and a little bit of luck, gambling can become your profession.

Throughout the years, history has celebrated the most famous gamblers — figures whose daring bets, brilliant minds and calculated risk-taking have earned them their place among the legends of gaming. They are the exception rather than the rule: visionary risk-takers who turned chance into strategy and transformed chips into empires.

Below are some of the famous gamblers in history who built vast fortunes, changed industries and cemented their reputations as the biggest gamblers in the world.

Kerry Packer

Few names are spoken with as much awe in casino circles as Kerry Packer. Widely regarded as one of the most famous gamblers and often called the richest gambler of his era, Packer was notorious for his staggering wagers. In May 1995, in a now-legendary session that lasted just 40 minutes, he placed multiple $250,000 blackjack bets simultaneously — and walked away with $20 million.

But like every gambler, he also knew devastating loss. Between 1999 and 2000, Packer endured a brutal streak totaling nearly $40 million in losses. Yet even in defeat, his reputation grew. Beyond the tables, Packer was a billionaire media magnate whose estimated $6.5 billion net worth made him one of Australia's most influential figures. His impact reached far beyond casinos: He revolutionized cricket broadcasting, shaped political campaigns and even donated medical equipment after surviving a heart attack, ensuring every New South Wales ambulance carried a defibrillator.

People still tell stories about the tips he handed out — some rumored to exceed six-figure sums. Love him or hate him, Packer defined what it means to gamble without fear.

Tony Bloom

Tony Bloom — nicknamed "The Lizard" for his cold-blooded composure — is a legend in the sports betting world. After graduating with a mathematics degree from Manchester University, Bloom's early career at Ernst & Young and in trading lasted only briefly before he pivoted to full-time gambling.

Bloom became one of the biggest gamblers in the world through sharp analytical strategy rather than explosive, theatrical bets. He was hired by Victor Chandler to develop international gambling operations, later founded the online betting company Premierbet, and eventually sold it for £1 million — more than $1.3M. His ventures, Tribeca Tables and St. Minver also sold for major profits, while his poker career added another $2.5 million in winnings.

Outside betting, Bloom is best known as the majority owner of Brighton & Hove Albion, transforming the club into a Premier League mainstay. His estimated $1.5 billion net worth is proof that cool calculation can be as powerful as bold risk.

Bill Benter

When mathematician Bill Benter realized his card-counting skills had peaked in Las Vegas, he turned his attention to Hong Kong horse racing — and history changed. He invented an algorithm that could predict results with mathematical precision.

The best moment of Benter arrived when he successfully predicted the famous Triple Trio bet, which resulted in an astonishing win. He amassed a fortune of roughly $1.55 billion and secured his position among the richest gamblers.

Edward Thorp

If blackjack has a godfather, it's Edward Thorp. A professor, mathematician and innovator, Thorp pioneered card counting — the blueprint for every professional blackjack strategy that exists today. In his first major test, he won $11,000 in a single weekend, proving his method worked.

Thorp didn't stop there. He engineered one of the first wearable computers to study roulette patterns and later used his knowledge to dominate financial markets. His book Beat the Dealer sold more than a million copies, inspiring generations of risk-takers. With an estimated net worth of $800 million, Thorp turned probability into profit.

Who Is the Luckiest Gambler in History?

Logic and strategy can take gamblers far, but sometimes nothing beats raw luck. No story captures this more than Archie Karas, whose legendary Las Vegas streak began in 1992. Starting with only $50, Karas rolled his winnings from $10,000 to $1.2 million and then an astonishing $40 million. In terms of sheer momentum, few tales rival his.

In the past, you needed to travel to Monaco or Las Vegas to feel this kind of adrenaline. Today, modern casinos offer immersive environments where anyone can feel the buzz of real gameplay. The advanced live dealer platform at BetUs Casino brings you the same thrill without leaving home, with professional tables, human dealers and high-stakes action directly to your home with real-time interaction.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Gamble or play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you're in the U.K. and need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all U.K.-regulated gambling websites. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented. 

Audiences are loving Meghan Markle's holiday special.

After the Duchess of Sussex struggled to gain viewership for the second season of With Love, Meghan, the special episode of her Netflix show scored a big ratings win following its debut.

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Meghan makes the top 10

In the days after the seasonal edition of Meghan's show launched, the program ranked in the top 10 series on the streaming service.

The episode clinched the No. 8 spot in the United States.

With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration shows the Suits star making crafts, decorating the house and whipping up holiday treats with celebrity guests including her husband, Prince Harry.

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'With Love, Meghan' Season 2 struggled

The ratings for With Love, Meghan Season 2 weren't as strong. In the week following its August debut, Meghan's series failed to crack Netflix's top 10 in the U.K.

In the United States, the program failed to earn a spot on Luminate's Top 50 Streaming Charts for the period between August 22 and 28, meaning fewer than 1.11 million people tuned in.

Luckily, the first installment of the lifestyle show hit the U.S. top 10 in last place with 2.6 million views in March.

Was Meghan's Netflix show going to be canceled?

Before the holiday special's victory, a source claimed Meghan's show might not return for a third installment.

"People who worked on the show don't think it will be picked up for another season," an insider told Parade.

"It's not doing well, or what the network would have hoped it would do. It's not the success they wanted it to be," the source added.

Good news amid family drama

The positive update comes as Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle, recovers from emergency surgery to amputate part of his leg.

Although the two have not spoken since 2018 when Thomas allegedly sold stories about his daughter to the press, the 44-year-old's representative claimed she made contact with her dad in the wake of his health scare.

"I can confirm she has reached out to her father," a spokesperson said in a statement to People.

Thomas refutes the claim

Despite Meghan insisting she reached out to Thomas, the former lighting designer said otherwise.

"Of course, I want to speak to [Meghan], but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances," the 81-year-old told Caroline Graham for the Mail on Sunday.

"I've always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her. I don't want to die estranged from Meghan," Thomas added. "I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband, too."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor isn't rushing out of Royal Lodge.

"You're not going to see the removal vans outside Royal Lodge anytime soon," a source told The Times.

Mountbatten-Windsor currently lives on the property with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who is now looking for a new home.

"She wants to stay in the U.K., ideally in the Windsor area, and she wants to have her own base so that she can live independently and continue to pursue many things as Sarah Ferguson," the source noted.

Despite Mountbatten-Windsor being publicly kicked out of Royal Lodge, royal author Robert Jobson doesn't think the ex-duke will move out until February of next year.

"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor seems to be kicking his heels," Jobson told Hello!. "The disgraced royal has made it clear to the King and courtiers who sent him packing that he is going nowhere fast."

"Despite formal notice being served in October to surrender his Royal Lodge lease, he won't budge until February at the earliest, suggesting he will spend Christmas at Royal Lodge while the King invites the rest of his close family to Sandringham," he continued.

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In her memoir, Virginia Giuffre alleges that she had sex with Prince Andrew on three separate occasions. In 2019, Prince Andrew said on BBC Newsnight that he had no recollection of ever meeting Ms Giuffre, and has always denied wrongdoing. #PrinceAndrew #VirginiaGiuffre #BBCNews

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Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his home and title after Virginia Giuffre's assault allegations against him resurfaced due to her posthumous memoir. However, Mountbatten-Windsor can't make a quick transition out of his royal estate.

"Why the delay? Logistics. Moving two decades of accumulated life from 30 rooms into a modest cottage takes time, close sources say," Jobson explained. "It is understood Andrew's Sandringham property isn't ready. Downsizing is complex, the Palace says."

"But understanding doesn't mean sympathy," he added. "Sources say Andrew is 'leaning on every technical step available' to slow the process. Delay as strategy. Why rush to your own diminishment?"

Buckingham Palace announced its decision shortly after Giuffre's book was published.

"His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honors of Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor," the palace said.

"His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence," they continued. "Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him."

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LAST PART OF PRINCE ANDREWS INTERVIEW #princeandrew #epstein #fyp #tiktokdoc

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla shared their support for assault survivors at the end of their announcement.

"Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse," the statement concluded.

Sarah Ferguson might not be as down on her luck as people think.

As the former Duchess of York tries to find a sustainable income after being banished from the royal family, one expert believes she's in better financial standing than most people.

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Ferguson's downfall

After friendly emails between Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein surfaced, the mother of two was stripped of her titles, evicted from Royal Lodge and dropped by numerous charities. The publication of Ferguson's children's book was also canceled.

The 66-year-old is no stranger to scandal. In 2010, Ferguson was allegedly caught offering an undercover reporter access to her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, for more than $665K.

Ferguson might not be 'broke'

Although Ferguson is looking for a new home and ways to make money, royal correspondent Jennie Bond doesn't think she's penny-pinching.

"Sarah has proved herself to be an extraordinarily resilient person," the commentator told The Mirror.

"She has rehabilitated herself in the past, even after behaving so badly, I thought it impossible," she continued. "Could she do it again? I doubt it after the disgrace of her email to Jeffrey Epstein."

"However, I have never believed that she was broke, at least not in the way most of us understand being broke," Bond said, adding that Ferguson "must have funds somewhere."

Where does Ferguson go next?

Reports surfaced alleging that Ferguson will be heading to Portugal to live with her daughter Princess Eugenie. However, she might have the funds to remain in England.

"Perhaps she does indeed want to stay in the Windsor area, where she has friends," Bond said.

"I am not, however, sure that the royal family would want to risk running into her, so I'm sure they would prefer her to settle further away," she added.

Is Ferguson moving in with her daughter?

If Ferguson leaves London to move in with Eugenie, the philanthropist will adapt easily to the Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, where her daughter lives.

"The word here is that Fergie will be arriving sometime in January," a neighbor told Daily Express.

"How long she'll stay is anyone's guess, but if it's a long-term move, I can guarantee she'll fit well into the social scene. Scores of celebrities and Hollywood stars have been snapping up properties in the area," the neighbor said.

Ferguson might go to the press for cash

Despite Bond's claims about Ferguson's financial situation, others fear the former duchess will do a bombshell interview about the royal family in exchange for a lucrative payday.

"She needs the cash. It's as simple as that," royal expert Samara Gill told The Sun's YouTube show Royal Exclusive.

"Both her and Andrew have absolutely nothing to lose at this point," she continued. "Who knows whose dirty laundry they will then air out? I don't think it'll be their own."

Prince William and Kate Middleton appeared in sync while greeting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

"In the stills photos we can see two very strong 'tells' from William and Catherine to illustrate the strength of their amusement and good humor," body language expert Judi James told Daily Express. "Catherine's smile entails dimples plus a tongue that has appeared between her teeth to the side of her mouth, which hints at high levels of inner fun."

"William's laugh here includes edge-to-edge teeth, which also signals how the couple are at the same level of playful enjoyment," James continued. "William's intense face-gazing behavior as he looks at his wife shows just how finely-tuned they are to each other's non-verbal signals and how strong his enjoyment is to be prompting what looks like a very carefree smile from her."

William and Kate's bond continues to shine over the years. During the Princess of Wales' cancer battle, William supported his wife through it all. While making an appearance on The Relucatant Traveler, William opened up about caring for Kate and King Charles III, who underwent cancer treatment at the same time.

"I'd say 2024 was the hardest year that I've ever had," William told Eugene Levy. "Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father needs a bit of protection, but he's, you know, he's old enough to do that himself as well."

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What overwhelms Prince William? The Royal opened up to actor Eugene Levy in newly released clips by Apple TV+. #itvnews #royals #princewilliam

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"But it's important that my family feels protected and has the space to process a lot of the stuff that's gone on last year, and that was tricky trying to do that and keep doing the job," William continued. "But you know, we all have challenges that come our way, and it's important to keep going. So, you know, I enjoy my job, but sometimes there are aspects of it, such as the media, the speculation, you know, the scrutiny, that make it a little bit harder than other jobs. It's just making sure that doesn't overtake and intrude into areas at times when you just want a bit of space, and a bit of peace and quiet."

Prince Harry could help Meghan Markle repair her relationship with Thomas Markle.

"Harry knows estrangement. He made peace with his dad; now he wants Meghan to have the same chance," a source told Shuter Scoop. "He's been saying, 'Don't wait, do it now.'"

The insider claimed Harry is taking a "soft [and] compassionate" approach, while another source added that "he's showing Meghan what reconciliation looks like. And he hopes she takes it."

The Duchess of Sussex's family pushed for her to contact her father after his leg was amputated.

"I would implore Meghan and Harry to reach out to Dad," Thomas Markle Jr. told Daily Mail about his father, who was "heavily medicated" and "hooked up to all kinds of machines" last week.

Thomas Sr. himself admitted he hopes to see Meghan before he passes.

"Of course I want to speak to her, but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances," Thomas Sr. told the outlet.

"I've always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her," he continued. "I don't want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband, too."

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Meghan details her reaction to finding out her father was working with the U.K. tabloids, on @cbsthismorning. #news #meghanmarkle #royal #oprah

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In her explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan opened up about the paparazzi scandal that ended her relationship with Thomas Sr.

"There was such an obsession about anything in my world, including tracking down my parents. And I did everything I could to protect both of them in that media frenzy," Meghan said. "But for over a year, the U.K. tabloids were trying to find my dad, offering people so much money to try to find his address."

"Once they did, I remember being told there was a huge headline like, 'We found him' or 'We've got him,'" the duchess continued. "You're talking about someone's father. And from that point, the tabloids, they moved into the apartment next door and across from him. Descended on this small town, which is giving him gifts. The whole thing brings us to where we are today."

Meghan was honest about how hurt she was by her father's actions.

"If we were going to use the word betrayal, it's because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this," she said.

Prince William will create his own Christmas traditions once he becomes king.

According to an insider, William will end the royal custom of handing out gag gifts based on seniority.

"While William's mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table, it's well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he's never really taken to," a source told Daily Mail. "You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas."

"William adores Zara, he would hate that the practice of leaving her to the back of a queue," the source continued about the prince's cousin. "It's just not William's way of doing things at home, and he has apparently quipped in the past that he wouldn't continue any of that stuff, though he appreciates his father does it for the nostalgia and as a way to remember the Queen."

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How is Prince William planning to reign when he takes the throne? In a candid chat with Eugene Levy during his programme, the Reluctant Traveler, the future King opens up about how he hopes to shake things up and lead in his own way. You can catch that on ITVX, YouTube, or on your favourite podcast platform. Want to get in touch? Email talkingroyals@itv.com or comment below

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Since becoming the Prince of Wales, William has been open about his vision for the future of the monarchy. In an episode of The Reluctant Traveler, William talked to Eugene Levy about what he wants to do with his role.

"I think it's safe to say that change is on my agenda," William said. "Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change. I don't fear it, that's the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen."

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In newly released clips, Prince William talks about the media being 'insatiable' with his parents when growing up. #itvnews #royals #princewilliam #charles

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"I think if you're not careful, history can be a real weight and an anchor around you, and you can feel suffocated by it, and restricted by it too much," he continued. "There are points when you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?"

Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, is once again begging his daughter for forgiveness.

"Of course I want to speak to her, but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances," Thomas told Daily Mail.

"I've always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her. I don't want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband, too," he continued.

Meghan, who previously called herself a "daddy's girl," cut ties with Thomas when he was caught staging pictures with the paparazzi. Meghan hasn't seen her father since the incident, but it was reported that she "reached out" to her dad after years of not speaking.

According to an insider, Meghan might be stretching the truth.

"Mr. Markle is a VIP patient. Of course, we all know who he is," a source told the outlet. "If Meghan or anyone connected with her had called here we would have known. It is a big hospital by Filipino standards, but we all know each other, and we all talk."

"We were all confused when we saw the story that the duchess had reached out to her dad," the insider continued. "As far as we are aware, it didn't happen. We would love to see the duchess here in the Philippines!"

Daily Express reported Thomas seems to be "doing well" and needed the amputation due to a "massive blood clot" in his thigh, which stopped blood circulation in his leg.

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Meghan details her reaction to finding out her father was working with the U.K. tabloids, on @cbsthismorning. #news #meghanmarkle #royal #oprah

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A spokesperson for Meghan confirmed that she contacted her father, but Thomas was reportedly "confused" by the statement. People shared that the duchess' biggest challenge is finding a working phone number for Thomas. However, the outlet claimed there was no indication that the email had not been received.

Prince Harry stunned Meghan Markle with his opinion about her cooking.

The Duke of Sussex made a stunning comment while appearing on his wife's Netflix special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.

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What did Harry say?

While Meghan whipped up her mother Doria Ragland's Christmas Eve gumbo with Top Chef's Tom Colicchio, Harry dropped by to sample the dish.

After the father of two took a bite, he said, "I'm not so sure it's as good as your mum's, but it's certainly close."

The Suits star's mouth dropped open as she replied, "Oh my gosh. My mom will love you for that. What a good thing to say for your mother-in-law."

@blakfoxx

TopChef's #TomColicchio makes his families tradional Beet Salad and Salt Cod and Meghan cooks up Mama Doria's Christmas Eve Gumbo as #PrinceHarry stops by for a taste and the episodes funniest moments #WithLoveMeghan #HarryandMeghan

♬ original sound – Darryl Washington

Meghan's 'authentic shock'

Body language expert Judi James thinks Meghan was taken off guard by her husband's candid opinion that will be watched by millions.

"It is claimed that there is no such thing as a joke, just a dig or a swipe at someone's expense, and although Meghan's response looks playful and 'mock' on the surface, her instantaneous side-eye as her mouth falls open in shock and her hands freeze in mid-air suggests some authentic shock that he would dare to draw any negative comparisons in front of her cameras when she is vying to be producing perfect levels of Christmas edible fare," she told Daily Express.

"[Harry] adopts a 'naughty child' air of crouching mock fear as he says this, but he seems to mistakenly believe that by complimenting her mother's cooking he will somehow be guaranteed to be pleasing her," James said.

"Harry clearly understands little about the complexities of a mother/daughter relationship, especially when the daughter is trying to pitch herself as some kind of world class food whisperer," she added.

Will Meghan get revenge?

Meghan frequently makes glowing public remarks about Harry and his work, but will the tides change?

"Will the banter battle continue through Harry's next big TV event?" James wondered. "Will Meghan be in front of the cameras at his Invictus Games jokingly telling him that his father [King Charles III]'s contribution to Invictus was better than his?"

"Meghan's support for Harry is always unswerving in the public eye, and it might have been fair for her to expect the same from him here," she said.

Meghan scores better ratings

Unlike the second season of With Love, Meghan, the 44-year-old's holiday special ranked in the top 10 series on Netflix in the United States.

The special scored the No. 8 spot during its first weekend on the streaming platform.

Season 2 of the program was not included in Luminate's Top 50 Streaming Charts after it debuted in August, meaning fewer than 1.11 million people watched.