The global gambling industry generates over $500 billion annually, creating opportunities for a few bright and bold individuals to build substantial fortunes.
Famous names like Kerry Packer, Tony Bloom, and Bill Benter stand out. They have earned hundreds of millions through intelligent betting and well-thought-out decisions.
Their success shows that gambling isn’t just about luck but also knowledge and control. This article explores the Top 10 gamblers, how they got rich, and the clever strategies that built their gambling empires.
Richest Gamblers In The World: In a Nutshell
Regarding high-stakes bets and million-dollar wins, these 10 richest gamblers have turned luck, skill, and strategy into massive fortunes.
| Rank | Name | Net Worth [est.] | Main Game/Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerry Packer | $5 to over 6.5 billion | Baccarat, Blackjack |
| 2 | Tony Bloom | $1.3 to over 1.7 billion | Sports Betting |
| 3 | Bill Benter | $900 million to over 1 billion | Horse Racing |
| 4 | Edward Thorp | $800 million to over 1 billion | Blackjack, Stock Market |
| 5 | Alan Woods | $600 to over 700 million | Blackjack and Horse Racing |
| 6 | Zeljko Ranogajec | $400 to over 500 million | Horse Betting, Black Jack |
| 7 | Billy Walters | $150 to over 250 million | Sports Betting |
| 8 | Dan Bilzerian | $90 to over 200 million | Poker |
| 9 | David Walsh | $90 to over 150 million | Blackjack |
| 10 | Phil Ivey | $90 to over 120 million | Poker |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates based on available research and subject to change.
The rankings reflect my research and remain subjective given the private nature of gambling fortunes.
Who Are the Richest Gamblers in the World?
The richest gamblers in the world have made millions through poker, casinos, and high-stakes betting.
Here are the Top 10 Richest Gamblers in the world:
1. Kerry Packer
Kerry Packer holds the top spot on our list, thanks to his record-setting casino wins and unmatched gambling legacy.
With an estimated net worth of $5–6.5 billion, the Australian tycoon was known for fearless high-stakes sessions in baccarat and blackjack.
He famously won $33 million in one week at the MGM Grand and once tipped a dealer $1 million.
Though his fortune stemmed from a media empire, his larger-than-life presence in casinos, including the richest casinos worldwide, made him a gambling icon whose stories still echo through gaming halls.
2. Tony Bloom
Tony Bloom comes in second spot due to his groundbreaking approach to sports betting as a scientific enterprise.
British entrepreneur Tony Bloom, worth between $1.3 and $1.7 billion, founded the analytics firm Starlizard.
He revolutionized betting markets by applying mathematical modeling.
Also serving as chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, Bloom has consistently profited by treating gambling as a data-driven investment rather than luck.
His ability to turn cold statistics into warm profits places him firmly near the top.
3. Bill Benter
Earning the third spot, Bill Benter redefined horse racing betting by developing one of the most successful predictive software systems in gambling history.
The American mathematician, with a net worth of $900 million to $1 billion, transitioned from blackjack to horse racing in Hong Kong.
He used algorithms to rake in millions annually. His story perfectly shows how a deep understanding of mathematics can consistently outperform chance.
4. Edward Thorp
Ranked fourth, Edward Thorp is the original advantage player who turned theory into fortune.
With an estimated net worth of $800 million to $1 billion, the American mathematician invented modern card counting in blackjack.
He also authored “Beat the Dealer,” which forever changed the way people approach casino gambling.
Later, he applied the same probabilistic thinking to hedge fund management, multiplying his wealth on Wall Street.
His influence spans both gambling tables and financial trading floors.
5. Alan Woods
Alan Woods, the Australian genius who used computer modeling to beat horse racing markets, takes the fifth spot.
Worth approximately $600–700 million at the time of his death, Woods teamed up with Bill Benter to exploit betting inefficiencies in Hong Kong.
Originally a mathematics teacher, he turned gambling into a systematic, scalable business, and later reinvested his profits in real estate.
6. Zeljko Ranogajec
Zeljko Ranogajec earns sixth place for operating one of the world’s largest and most secretive gambling syndicates.
With an estimated $400–500 million fortune, the Australian made his mark in horse racing, Keno, and blackjack, processing billions in bets yearly. Nicknamed “The Joker”.
Ranogajec relies on a team-based strategy using statistical models, treating gambling as a high-volume business rather than an individual pursuit.
7. Billy Walters
In seventh place, Billy Walters is the most consistent sports bettor in American history.
With a net worth between $150–250 million, he dominated betting markets for over three decades, using computer analytics and insider networks to stay ahead.
Despite legal challenges, Walters’ disciplined, data-centric approach made him a legend whose techniques are still studied by professionals.
8. Dan Bilzerian
In the eighth, Dan Bilzerian represents the modern fusion of poker, fame, and social media.
With an estimated net worth of $90–200 million, the American celebrity claims to have made his fortune through high-stakes poker and family trust funds.
While his actual earnings remain disputed, Bilzerian’s lavish lifestyle and ability to monetize his gambling image have made him one of the most recognized faces in the world of gambling.
9. David Walsh
At number nine, we have David Walsh, whose gambling success helped fund Australia’s most unconventional art museum.
With an estimated fortune of $90–150 million, Walsh used his mathematics and computer science background to dominate horse racing bets.
His most significant single win came in 2003 with an $11 million wager on the Melbourne Cup.
He later founded MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), proving that gambling profits can fund cultural revolutions.
10. Phil Ivey
Closing the top ten, Phil Ivey earns his place as one of the greatest poker players ever.
With a net worth of $90–120 million, the American pro has won numerous World Series of Poker bracelets and millions in tournament and cash game winnings.
Though he has been involved in legal disputes over edge sorting, Ivey’s skill, longevity, and global recognition make him a fitting end to this elite list of gambling giants.
Top 7 Tips to Learn from the Richest Gamblers
Success at the gambling table isn’t just about luck; the richest gamblers follow key strategies that set them apart.
Here are the top 7 tips you can learn from them:
1. Develop Mathematical Skills
Successful gamblers use statistics and probability to analyze odds and make strategic decisions. They view gambling as a numbers game, not based on luck.
2. Practice Bankroll Management
They never wager more than they can afford to lose and manage money with discipline. A defined budget protects their core wealth from gambling losses.
On average, individuals in the UK lose £2,000 yearly to online gambling.
3. Specialize in Specific Games
Instead of playing everything, they master one game or market to gain an edge. Focused expertise enables them to identify and capitalize on subtle advantages.
4. Treat Gambling as a Business
Wealthy gamblers track performance, manage risk, and avoid emotional decisions. They focus on long-term profits rather than chasing short-term wins.
5. Understand That Success is Rare
Most gamblers lose money, and only a few succeed at this level. Their success is the exception, not the rule, and shouldn’t inspire unrealistic hopes.
6. Invest Winnings Wisely
Profits are often reinvested in real estate, businesses, or safe assets, turning gambling income into stable, long-term financial security.
7. Recognize Gambling Addiction Risks
Even top gamblers maintain boundaries to avoid addiction. They promote responsible play and acknowledge the dangers for casual players.
Did you know? The United Kingdom is one of the top 10 legal Gambling Countries in the world.
Conclusion: Kerry Packer is the Richest Gambler in the World
The world’s richest gamblers represent extraordinary exceptions in an industry where most participants lose money. Their financial position and success come from math skills, innovative money management, and a professional approach to gambling.
While their stories inspire fascination, these individuals possess rare skill, capital, and opportunity combinations that enabled their unprecedented wealth accumulation.
Understanding their methods provides valuable insights into professional gambling, but their exceptional results shouldn’t encourage unrealistic expectations.
Responsible gambling remains crucial for anyone interested in gaming activities, recognizing that these success stories represent statistical outliers rather than typical outcomes.
FAQs
Kerry Packer is often called the “king of gambling” for his massive high-stakes bets and legendary casino wins.
Archie Karas is known for losing the most money, blowing through over $40 million in Las Vegas during his infamous streak of both winning and losing.
With an optimal strategy, Blackjack offers some of the highest odds of winning, giving players a low house edge.
Progressive jackpot slots can offer the highest payouts, with prizes reaching millions in rare cases.
The U.S. has the richest gamblers, with over 225,000 ultra-wealthy individuals driving high gambling revenues.
