Sports betting can be risky. But it can also be rewarding—very rewarding. There are people out there who have mastered the art and made millions. No, they’re not just lucky. These are smart, strategic minds who cracked the code. Want to know who they are? Let’s dive into the world of the most successful sports bettors ever.
1. Billy Walters – The Godfather of Sports Betting
Billy Walters is often considered the most successful sports bettor in history. Why? Because he consistently won for over 30 years. Yes, decades of beating the bookies!
How did he do it? Walters used a mix of:
- Advanced computer modeling
- Insider information
- Huge betting networks
He didn’t just bet small-time. He placed huge wagers—sometimes up to $1 million on a single game.
Despite a legal setback in 2017 for insider trading (unrelated to betting), his legacy in the gambling world remains untouchable.
2. Haralabos Voulgaris – The NBA Oracle
Haralabos Voulgaris, or “Bob” for short, made a fortune betting on basketball—especially the NBA.
He started in the late ’90s, noticing patterns in how games were played. He realized teams had habits. Coaches had tendencies. And he took full advantage.
Key strategies he used:
- Studying coach behavior
- Analyzing player stats in depth
- Betting heavily on first-half lines
He made so much money that eventually, an actual NBA team—the Dallas Mavericks—hired him to help run their front office!
3. Tony Bloom – The Soccer King
This man is a legend in the world of soccer betting. Tony Bloom is nicknamed “The Lizard” for his calm, cold betting style.
He made hundreds of millions through his betting syndicate called “Starlizard.” It’s a secretive group of data analysts, statisticians, and computer whizzes. They crunch numbers day and night.
Bloom became so rich from betting, he bought a football team—Brighton and Hove Albion. He turned them into a Premier League club.
Fun fact: Tony Bloom also plays poker and has won millions there too!
4. Zeljko Ranogajec – The Math Genius
You may not have heard of him, but Zeljko is quietly one of the richest gamblers on the planet. Based in Australia, he reportedly bets over $1 billion annually.
He started out as a blackjack player. Using card counting and strategy, he dominated casinos. Then, he moved into racing and sports betting using mathematical models.
What makes him special?
- Unbelievable math skills
- Large team of professionals
- Massive volume betting
Zeljko keeps a very low profile. But casinos and sportsbooks around the world know his name well.
5. Bob Voulgaris – The Risk Taking Genius
Yes, we talked about him earlier—but he deserves more credit. Bob took huge risks and backed them up with solid data.
He would often bet hundreds of thousands in a single day. But he usually won. Why? Because he understood the market better than anyone else.
Once, he was said to have made $5 million in one NBA season. That’s not luck. That’s brilliance.
Today, he’s also involved in crypto and tech ventures. But his name will always be connected to smart sports betting.
6. Matthew Benham – The Numbers Nerd
Like Tony Bloom, Matthew Benham came from the UK. He made a fortune through sports models and statistical analysis.
Once a part of Bloom’s organization, Benham branched out to build his own model. His company, Smartodds, helps clients bet smarter.
He also owns a football club—Brentford FC. Under his leadership, they made it to the Premier League, using a “moneyball” approach just like in baseball.
Benham shows that brains beat luck in sports betting.
7. Bill Benter – The Horse Racing Wizard
Bill Benter didn’t focus on football or basketball. His game was horse racing, especially in Hong Kong.
Using a complex mathematical model, he could predict the outcomes of races better than almost anyone. His system considered thousands of variables—from horse weight to weather conditions.
He got so good at it, the Hong Kong Jockey Club actually tried to stop him. But by then, he had reportedly made hundreds of millions.
He now travels around the world, giving talks, doing charity work, and yes—still betting from time to time.
8. Alan Woods – The Partner in Crime
Alan Woods worked with Bill Benter to create that magical horse racing model. He, too, made millions before his death in 2008.
He was bold, fearless and always loved a challenge. His belief: sports betting isn’t gambling—it’s investing. And he treated it like a job.
Woods once said:
“If you’re not betting big, you’re not living big.”
He inspired a whole generation of professional bettors.
Tips for Aspiring Bettors
Do these names inspire you? They should! But remember, their success didn’t come overnight. Here’s what you can learn from them:
- Do Your Research: Don’t rely on luck. Study patterns, stats, and teams.
- Think Long Term: One loss doesn’t mean failure. Think like an investor.
- Bankroll Management: Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Use Models: If you’re good at math or coding, build your own betting models.
- Stay Calm: Emotion kills clear thinking. Be like “The Lizard”—calm and cool.
Can You Be the Next Big Thing?
The world of sports betting is not just about taking chances. It’s about taking smart chances. The most successful sports bettors combine data with guts. They view betting as a science, not a hobby.
You don’t have to bet millions to succeed. Start small. Learn from the best. Stay disciplined. And who knows? One day, someone might be writing about you.
Until then, study the greats, follow the games, and trust your process. But—always—have fun.
Happy betting!