Billy Walters

Billy Walters is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and retired professional gambler who is widely known as one of the most successful in Vegas. His winning streak as a sports bettor lasted over 30 years. He retired from gambling in 1987 and entered the business realm, operating eight car dealerships, commercial property, a rental car franchise, and a Las Vegas golf course. To date, he is considered the most talented gambler in history.

A Career In Vegas

Walters began gambling at the age of 6, when his grandmother used to take him to his uncle’s pool hall. For a penny, he would play a game of nine-ball. In 1981, he would leave his auto dealership in Kentucky to pursue betting in Las Vegas full time, where betting on sports was legal.

This is where Walters would become regarded as arguably the most successful sports gambler of all time. He would be one of the first to use computer analytics to make predictions. While he is perhaps most famously known for his sports betting, he was also a winning poker player, taking the title at the No Limit Hold ‘Em tourney in the Superbowl of Poker in 1986. He retired from the world of gambling to pursue other interests in business.

Business Holdings

Walters and his wife started a company, The Walters Group, which would grow to employ over 2,000 people. Their holdings include commercial and residential real estate, country clubs, and golf courses. In the year 2000, they opened their own golf course, the Bali Hai Golf Club, situated on the Las Vegas Strip. Today, the business empire of Billy Walters includes many luxury facilities, a portion of the proceeds from which he now diverts to philanthropic causes. He is well-known for his devotion to charity and giving back to his local community.