Sports betting is an exciting arena where fans can elevate their engagement with the games they love. This form of gambling isn’t just about trying your luck. It combines research and, sometimes, a dash of daring. The thrill lies not only in predicting the outcomes but also in the potential for wins. Throughout history, bettors have risked vast sums, and, on occasion, their daring has been richly rewarded. Here are ten of the biggest sports betting wins, where audacity met fortune in the most spectacular ways.
Tiger Woods Win $85,000
James Adducci’s belief in golf legend is central to a remarkable betting win. Despite Woods’s recent struggles, Adducci took a leap of faith. He placed a substantial bet of $85,000 on Woods’s victory in the 2019 Masters after securing his wife’s approval.
The odds, placed at 14/1, were overcome when the golfer won the game. This led to a significant windfall for Adducci, who won $1.2 million. The win set a new record for the most significant future bet payout. Interestingly, this was reportedly Adducci’s first attempt at sports betting, and it was indeed a grand start. So, even newcomers, after registration in a casino with 1 dollar deposit, have a chance to win big. They can also receive bonuses and promotions to increase their potential, even with limited funds.
- Bettor: James Adducci
- Bet Amount: $85,000
- Winnings: $1.2 million
Kansas City Royals Futures Bet
“Vegas Dave,” or Dave Oancea, is a well-known punter whose claims and betting records are often debated. However, one thing is undeniable: he has won some substantial bets. A particular bet highlighting his success was placed on the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series, despite the odds being 30/1.
Since sportsbooks hesitated to accept his stake, Dave distributed it across 15 casinos. His perseverance paid off. The Royals did clinch the World Series, and he bagged a cool $2.5 million.
- Bettor: “Vegas Dave” (Dave Oancea)
- Bet Amount: Spread across 15 casinos
- Winnings: $2.5 million
Leicester City EPL Futures Bet
The English Premier League’s 2015 season was marked by a surprising upset: Leicester City clinched the title. Before the season began, the team was listed as a 5000/1 underdog, an almost unthinkable longshot.
However, one daring bettor chose to take a gamble. Placing a bet of £100 to win it all, he turned the highly unlikely into reality. The team stunned England and the footballing world by winning the league, and the punter walked away with a handsome £200,000.
- Bettor: Unnamed
- Bet Amount: £100
- Winnings: £200,000
This story is a testament to Leicester City’s unprecedented feat and the bettor’s faith in the underdogs.
15-Leg NFL Parlay
Tayla Polia is the name behind a particularly audacious bet: a 15-leg NFL parlay. Parlays are notorious for their complexity, yet Polia dared to take the plunge on a bet that paid out 20,000/1.
Polia’s parlay comprised nine favorites, five underdogs, and one over/under. Despite only being her second-ever bet, she wagered $5. Her bet won in an astounding turn of events, and she reaped a staggering $105,000 from her modest stake. The success of a 15-leg parlay is considered incredibly rare, making Polia’s triumph all the more remarkable.
- Bettor: Tayla Polia
- Bet Amount: $5
- Winnings: $105,000
Baltimore Ravens Superbowl Futures Bet
Phil Mickelson, best known as one of the world’s top golfers, also has a knack for wagering. A shining example of his betting success came before the 2000/2001 NFL season.
Mickelson set his sights on the Baltimore Ravens, placing a hefty $20,000 bet on them to win the Super Bowl. The odds stood at 22/1. As the Ravens emerged victorious over the New York Giants, Mickelson netted a substantial $560,000.
- Bettor: Phil Mickelson
- Bet Amount: $20,000
- Winnings: $560,000
Mickelson’s earnings from this wager likely fueled further wagers, proving his skill extends beyond the golf course.
“Vegas Dave” Holly Holm vs Ronda Rousey
A major win that brought significant recognition to “Vegas Dave” occurred during a widely-anticipated UFC event. Ronda Rousey was considered a sure winner at the peak of her career. Her opponent, Holly Holm, was a lesser-known contender with 11/1 odds against her.
Yet, Vegas Dave saw potential in Holm. He put a hefty $20,000 on the line, betting on Holm’s victory. The fight was a stunner, with Holm defeating the seemingly unbeatable Rousey, causing a stir in the MMA world.
- Bettor: “Vegas Dave” (Dave Oancea)
- Bet Amount: $20,000
- Winnings: $200,000
Monty’s Pass 2003 Horse Racing Bet
Owning a winning horse is exciting in horse racing, but it’s even more thrilling when you’ve placed a bet on your horse. Mike Futter, the racehorse Monty’s Pass owner, experienced this thrill in 2003. Futter, confident in his horse’s abilities, placed a bet on Monty’s Pass to win. The horse didn’t disappoint; it sprinted past the competition to victory. As the owner, Futter received £348,000 in prize money. This successful bet also netted him an additional £400,000, significantly adding to his windfall.
- Bettor: Mike Futter
- Bet Amount: Not specified
- Winnings: £800,000 (£400,000 from the bet and £348,000 as the owner)
Eight-Fold Horse Racing Acca
Fred Craggs, an ordinary Yorkshireman, became an instant celebrity in the betting world when he turned 50 pence into a staggering £1 million. This extraordinary feat was achieved through an eight-fold accumulator bet on horse racing. Despite the mind-boggling odds of 2,800,000/1, Craggs carefully selected his horses, though he didn’t hold out much hope for the bet.
His predictions were spot-on when the results came in, netting him an incredible £1 million. Interestingly, Craggs was unaware of his windfall until he visited his bookmaker to place another bet. If he had opted for a no-limit bet, his winnings could have reached £1.4 million.
- Bettor: Fred Craggs
- Bet Amount: £0.50
- Winnings: £1 million
- Odds: 2,800,000 to 1
Billy Walters New Orleans Saints $3.5 Million Bet
Billy Walters is a well-known figure in sports betting, respected for his knack for choosing winners. In 2010, Walters made a daring move with the New Orleans Saints set to take on the Indianapolis Colts. He wagered a jaw-dropping $3.5 million on the underdog Saints. Walters ‘ gamble paid off immensely when the Saints emerged victorious with a 31-17 score in Super Bowl XLIV.
- Bettor: Billy Walters
- Bet Amount: $3.5 million
- Winnings: Not specified
Charles Barkley $800,000 Patriots Super Bowl
Charles Barkley, renowned for his basketball prowess, also harbors a passion for sports betting. He proved his betting acumen during the 2002 Super Bowl. Despite the New England Patriots being 14-point underdogs against the Rams, Barkley backed them with a massive $500,000 wager. The Patriots didn’t disappoint, securing the victory and earning Barkley a hefty $800,000.
- Bettor: Charles Barkley
- Bet Amount: $500,000
- Winnings: $800,000
FAQ for Biggest Wins In Sports Betting History
How much money was won in the biggest sports betting win ever recorded?
Given the industry’s secretive nature, the most significant sports betting win ever recorded is challenging to determine. However, among publicly known wins, Billy Walters’ $3.5 million bet on the New Orleans Saints is among the biggest.
Were these big wins the result of luck or skillful betting strategies?
These monumental sports betting wins are often a mix of skill and luck. Knowledgeable betting, understanding odds, and strategic choices play a big part, but the unpredictability of sports also means that luck plays a considerable role.
Are these wins a regular occurrence in the sports betting world?
These enormous sports betting wins are not common in sports betting. They represent a tiny fraction of wagers placed worldwide and require a blend of substantial risk-taking, strategic betting, and a healthy dose of good fortune.
Looking to run a survivor pool for your office or friends? Be sure to try OfficePoolStop’s highly configurable NFL Survivor Pool. It’s free to use with an unlimited number of players!
