Olusegun Taiye James
The world of sports betting has long been dominated by people who have made substantial fortunes through their analytical prowess, risk-taking prowess, and in-depth knowledge of sports. As of 2025, the scene is still changing, with both established professionals and up-and-coming personalities leaving their mark. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 most profitable sports bettors worldwide as of 2025:
List Of Top 10 Most Successful Sports Bettors In The World 2025
1. Benjamin Patz
In the world of sports betting, Benjamin Tucker Patz, commonly known as “Parlay Patz,” became famous not only for his enormous gambling achievements but also for a sequence of incidents that led to severe legal implications. He achieved recognition for both of these things. Patz, who was born in 1996 and is from Napa, California, went on to become a renowned name in the world of sports betting at a young age. A cautionary tale about the possible hazards of high-stakes gambling, his journey from being a celebrated bettor to being convicted of a felony shows how he went from being there. NBC Sports Plus Seven
2. Billy Walters
The legendary William T. “Billy” Walters was born in Munfordville, Kentucky, on July 15, 1946. He is widely recognized as one of the most successful and influential sports bettors in the history of the industry. His journey from low origins to dominating the sports betting market and negotiating substantial legal difficulties presents a captivating narrative of endurance, ingenuity, and ambition. His journey began with him coming from humble beginnings. During his formative years, Walters was brought up by his grandmother in a home that lacked both indoor plumbing and running water. This created a difficult financial situation for him. For the purpose of providing for his family, he began by mowing lawns when he was only six years old. Later on, he went on to deliver newspapers and work at a gas station. He displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. It was from these experiences that he developed a strong work ethic and a will to succeed.
3. Tony Bloom
A famous figure noted for his outstanding skills in sports betting and poker, as well as his enormous contributions to football through his ownership of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Anthony Grant “Tony” Bloom was born on March 20, 1970 in Brighton, England. Today, he is recognized for his contributions to the sport of football. Bloom was exposed to gambling by his grandpa, who had a fondness for wagering on horse and greyhound races. Bloom spent his childhood in Brighton, where his grandfather was a gambler. Bloom’s early penchant for gambling was demonstrated by the fact that he was already placing bets using phony identification by the time he was 15 years old. It was during his time at Lancing College, a prominent private institution, that he continued to develop his fascination in gambling.
4. Bill Benter
William “Bill” Benter, who was born in 1957 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is widely recognized as one of the most successful gamblers in the history of the world. He has earned about one billion dollars with his unique approach to horse racing throughout his extensive career. Benter’s early experience with mathematics led him to pursue a degree in physics at Case Western Reserve University, which he eventually finished in 1977. Benter’s ability for numbers was evident from an early age. After completing his education, he went to Las Vegas, where he had the opportunity to improve his talents in card counting and eventually became an expert blackjack player. Because of his high level of proficiency in this field, he was finally barred from entering casinos located all along the Las Vegas Strip.
5. Steve Fezzik
Steve Fezzik is a well-known character in the world of sports betting. He is noted for his analytical abilities as well as his success in tournaments. The path that Fezzik took from being a chess aficionado to becoming a two-time NFL SuperContest champion is illustrative of the relationship between intellect and passion. Fezzik was born in Dayton, Ohio. Fezzik, who was born and raised in Dayton, demonstrated a remarkable talent for strategic thinking, which led to him being awarded the title of Chess Candidate Master. He went on to earn a degree in actuarial science from Northwestern University, where he finished his studies and received his diploma in the year 1986. His analytical approach to sports betting was built on the basis that was created by his rigorous academic background.
6. Zeljko Ranogajec
Zeljko Ranogajec is a well-known businessman and professional gambler. He was born on May 22, 1961 in Hobart, which is located in the state of Tasmania with Australia. He prefers to keep his personal life and plans private, which is why he has a low public profile despite the fact that he is quite wealthy and has a substantial amount of influence in the gaming sector. Ranogajec, who was born to Croatian immigrants, shown an early knack for mathematics that he used to exhibit. In order to further his education, he decided to enroll in the University of Tasmania and study banking, law, taxation, and commerce. He went to the Wrest Point Casino quite frequently while he was there, and it was there that he met Shelley Wilson, who would later become his wife. Shelley Wilson was a croupier at the club. Because of his enthusiasm for gambling, he decided to quit college before he could finish his degree so that he could devote his full time to pursuing this interest.
7. Marco D’Angelo
His career as a professional sports handicapper and bettor has spanned over four decades, and Marco D’Angelo is a seasoned professional in both of these areas. D’Angelo has had a significant impact on the sports betting industry, and he is well-known for his analytical approach and disciplined betting strategies. Over the course of the 1980s, D’Angelo began his journey in the world of betting. He initially concentrated on horse racing before shifting his attention to sports betting. His meticulous research and understanding of the dynamics of betting led to remarkable successes, such as a winning streak of 25 games during the 2010 baseball season, during which he never laid odds that were greater than -120.
8. Edward Thorp
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 14, 1932, Edward O. Thorp is a renowned American mathematician, author, hedge fund manager, and blackjack player. Thorp is known for his innovative applications of probability theory, and his work has had a significant impact on the gambling and financial industries. Thorp’s interest in mathematics began when he was a young boy, as his father, an army officer, exposed him to sophisticated mathematical ideas at a young age. Thorp showed remarkable talent, beginning first grade at the age of five. Thorp received his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1958.
9. Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on July 4, 1975, Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris is well-known for his contributions to professional basketball analytics and his extraordinary abilities in sports betting, especially in the NBA. Voulgaris was brought up in Winnipeg by parents who were Greek immigrants. His father was a prosperous businessman who controlled a commercial real estate company and a Greek eatery. Voulgaris visited his parents’ hometowns of Argos and Tripoli in Greece when he was eighteen in an attempt to reconnect with his roots. After that, he traveled with his father to Las Vegas for two months, staying at Caesars Palace. Voulgaris spent his time watching NBA games in the sportsbook, examining betting trends and game techniques, despite being prohibited from the casino floor due to his age.
10. Phil Ivey
Many people consider Phil Ivey, who was born in Riverside, California, on February 1, 1977, to be among the best professional poker players in history. He has received several honors and made a significant contribution to the poker community thanks to his extraordinary abilities and accomplishments. Ivey, who grew up in New Jersey, started practicing poker as a teenager and played against coworkers at a telemarketing company in the late 1990s. In the poker world, he quickly became well-known for his strategic style and quick thinking.
