How much did “Mattress Mack” win on the largest known sports bet ever?
The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series, and that victory lushly lined the pockets of some savvy bettors.
The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series, but they were not the only big winners of the night. Furniture magnate Mattress Mack also had millions of reasons to celebrate, as the Houston victory netted him the biggest known sports betting prize.
Mattress Mack, whose real name is Jim McIngvale, is cashing in tickets worth $75 million thanks to the Astros’ triumph, but he will have to share his winnings.
Mattress Mack’s promo
The 71-year-old owns the Gallery Furniture chain, and he had offered clients who spent at least $3,000 at his store their money back if Houston became champions. Before the team became American League champions, the businessman had even offered buyers double their money back.
His marketing ploy will result in his customers getting free mattresses, or in the best-case scenario, a bonus of a few thousand dollars.
Mattress Mack has a betting history
McIngvale has placed million-dollar bets before, and unlike the size of his wagers, his luck is similar to that of mere mortals- he wins some, and he loses some.
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He lost $4.5 million, the largest mobile wager in the history of sports betting at the time, when he gambled on the Cincinnati Bengals to win last season’s Super Bowl.
He also had mixed results last year, losing $3.5 million on the Astros in the World Series and $2 million on the New England Patriots making it to the Super Bowl, but winning $3.46 million on his Super Bowl pick.