Top Gamblers in the US

For many players, casino gaming is just a pleasurable way to spend their free time. However, for others, winning big is where the real entertainment lies. The list of the most famous US gamblers who have won incredibly large sums is long. Narrowing it down to just ten names was a tough task. Here, we look at the ups and downs of professional gambling, the techniques and strategies they’ve used, and the millions of dollars in profits some of these high rollers have made.

Edward Thorp

Edward Thorp, an American mathematics professor, changed the game of Blackjack forever. He wrote the groundbreaking book, Beat the Dealer, where he introduced a scientifically-backed method for counting cards, proving to the masses that card counting in Blackjack was not only possible but effective. Thorp’s approach combined mathematical theory with practical application, bringing card counting into mainstream gambling strategies. Teaming up with Claude Shannon, another genius mathematician, they made numerous trips to Las Vegas with their secret weapon—an early version of a wearable computer that helped them track cards. In Thorp’s first weekend in Las Vegas, he began with a $10,000 bankroll and raked in an additional $11,000 in just two days. His net profit over his career was a staggering $800 million, making him a legend not just in Blackjack but in the world of gambling.

The MIT Blackjack Team

Inspired by Thorp’s work, the MIT Blackjack Team took card counting to another level. Led by Bill Kaplan, a Harvard graduate, the team used advanced card counting techniques, including tracking aces and monitoring shuffle patterns, to gain a consistent 2-4% edge over casinos. They recruited other MIT students, forming an ever-growing group of elite gamblers. By using a team-based strategy, the MIT Blackjack Team flew under the radar while amassing small fortunes. The team would regularly descend on Las Vegas, where they’d collectively rake in between $100,000 and over $1 million on a single trip. Their exploits became so legendary that they were immortalized in the book Bringing Down the House and later the Hollywood film 21. Net profit: $58 million.

Billy Walters

Billy Walters is often regarded as the greatest sports bettor of all time. Growing up in a poor household in Kentucky without running water, Walters learned the art of gambling early, placing his first bet at the age of six. By the 1980s, he was making millions through a combination of smart sports betting and poker. Walters was a founding member of the famed Computer Group, a syndicate that used computer analytics to predict sports outcomes more accurately than the bookmakers. His legendary wins didn’t stop at the racetrack or sports arenas; he also transitioned to the stock market. Unfortunately, it was his stock market activities that got him convicted for insider trading, landing him a five-year prison sentence. Despite the fall from grace, Walters still left an indelible mark on the world of sports gambling, with an estimated net profit of $200 million.

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey, often called the "Tiger Woods of Poker," is revered for his unmatched poker skills. Known for his composure and ability to read opponents, Ivey has won 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, the highest accolade in the poker world, and he achieved it at a younger age than anyone before him. Ivey’s love for poker started when he was just eight years old, taught by his grandfather. He soon found himself using fake IDs to access Atlantic City casinos, where he began crafting his reputation as a poker prodigy. Beyond his tournament wins, Ivey became involved in "edge sorting," a technique that helped him win millions at Baccarat tables, although it later resulted in controversial lawsuits. He now offers poker training programs for aspiring professionals, passing on his wealth of knowledge to the next generation. Net profit: $110 million.

Phil Hellmuth

Phil Hellmuth is another name synonymous with poker, and he is equally famous for his fiery personality as he is for his skill at the table. Hellmuth holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets, with 15 titles under his belt. His competitive spirit is legendary; he admits that even as a child, he despised losing—whether it was in poker or a simple game of Scrabble. Known as the "Poker Brat," Hellmuth’s combative attitude has earned him both fans and critics, but it’s his poker prowess that truly stands out. He has won more than $18 million in tournament earnings, and his estimated net profit sits at $75 million.

Doyle Brunson

Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson is a true pioneer of professional poker. Growing up in Texas, Brunson was drawn into the world of illegal high-stakes games run by criminal syndicates. His skill was so extraordinary that he often faced accusations of cheating, and his life was frequently at risk. Brunson’s talent eventually led him to the bright lights of Las Vegas, where he became one of the game’s earliest professional players. He was a dominant force in poker, winning 10 WSOP bracelets and authoring Super/System, one of the most influential poker strategy books ever written. Today, his legacy in poker is unparalleled, and he is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest. Net profit: $75 million.

Stanford Wong

Stanford Wong, born John Ferguson, adopted his pseudonym to keep a low profile while counting cards. Wong’s reputation as one of the greatest Blackjack experts stems not only from his playing but also from his writing. His book Professional Blackjack became a must-read for anyone serious about beating the game. Wong even developed a software program that analyzed different Blackjack scenarios, helping players optimize their strategies. Over the years, he made millions through his card-counting techniques, securing his place in the annals of gambling history. Net profit: $17 million.

Chris Moneymaker

Chris Moneymaker’s name is almost too perfect for a man who turned a meager online poker buy-in into a multi-million-dollar payday. In 2003, Moneymaker, an accountant by profession, won a satellite tournament for just $86, earning him a spot in the WSOP Main Event. In a field dominated by professionals, Moneymaker defied all odds and won the prestigious event, taking home $2.5 million. His victory ignited what became known as the "Moneymaker Effect," inspiring countless amateur poker players to believe they too could win big. His success helped fuel the online poker boom of the 2000s. Net profit: $16 million.

Richard Nixon

While Richard Nixon is best known for his presidency and the Watergate scandal, he also dabbled in gambling—specifically poker. During World War II, Nixon was stationed in the Pacific, where he became an adept poker player. Using his poker winnings, Nixon funded his first political campaign, which launched his career in politics. While he never reached the multi-million-dollar earnings of some of the other names on this list, Nixon’s gambling legacy is notable for its impact on his political ascent. Net profit: $15 million.

Don Johnson

Don Johnson made headlines when he won $15 million from several Atlantic City casinos playing Blackjack. But Johnson didn’t rely on card counting; instead, he used his keen negotiation skills to secure favorable rules and rebates from the casinos. These terms reduced the house edge significantly and allowed him to walk away with millions over the course of a few months. His success shook the Atlantic City gambling industry, as casinos quickly changed their rules to avoid similar future losses. Net profit: $5 million.