Las Vegas
Following on from our recent blog about casino urban legends, we wondered what could be classed as some of the most outrageous bets in the history of gambling. In an industry that thrives on off-the-wall characters (just look at Calvin Ayre), it’s no surprise that the betting world has seen its fair amount of downright loony wagers.
Today, we’ll be looking at some of the largest, craziest and, in some case, fortunate bets ever placed. As you’re reading our post though, do bear in mind that some of these stories are so steeped in casino folklore that they really have become tales of fiction. Whilst we don’t doubt the accuracy of the original seeds of the story, it seems that over time these seeds have germinated, ripened and gone off to create tales of their own. Anyway, enough plant references...Onto the gambles!
William Lee Bergstrom
William Bergstrom’s tale offers the archetypal story of outrageous bets in an equally outrageous city. Rumour has it that in the 1980’s William Bergstrom headed to Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel and asked whether the casino would match his bet. Former casino owner, Benny Binion agreed and Bergstrom placed $777,000 down on a nearby craps table.
Bergstrom’s bet paid off, and he soon began wagering more and more, until he reached the $1 million mark. Rather than walking away with his winnings, Bergstrom asked Binion if he could wager the $1 million on craps. Binion, $600,000 down thanks to Bergstrom’s wagers, of course agreed and fortunately for the casino boss, Bergstrom lost it all on a single craps wager.
A quick Google of Bergstrom’s name shows just how many articles have been written about the unfortunate gambler. However, little is really known about him and no one really knows how he died either, with some saying he shot himself, whereas others suggesting he plummeted to his death after leaping from the top floor of the Tropicana. It’s impossible to say whether Bergstrom even existed, but one thing is for certain; his story has now become synonymous with crazy bets in Las Vegas.
The Ultimate Novelty Bet
Novelty bets are, as they sound, wagers which no punter really takes seriously. Whether you’re wagering on the outcome of Strictly Come Dancing, or the next London Mayor, novelty bets are usually forgotten about and put to one side, (just like novelty records).
However, one lucky Welshman placed a series of bets in 1989 which would change his life forever. The gentlemen, whose identity has never been revealed, placed an accumulating bet on the following events occurring before the millennium:
- 4:1 odds on Cliff Richards being knighted.
- 3:1 odds on U2 remaining as a group.
- 5:1 odds on Eastenders still being aired on the BBC.
- 5:1 odds on Neighbours still being shown on British TV.
- 8:1 odds on Home and Away still being an active TV show.
Fortunately for the unnamed gambler, these accumulative novelty bets all paid off and he bagged a very tidy fortune of £194,400! It goes to show you that whilst novelty bets might seem like a bit of fun, make sure to hold on to your bet stub.
The Reoccurring Tale of Shoeless Joe
Much like the William Bergstrom tale, the story of Shoeless Joe epitomises everything that’s outrageous about Las Vegas. According to Snopes.com, the tale of Shoeless Joe is a simple one; man enters a casino, plays blackjack badly, abuses clientele and staff but manages to net a cool $1 million. The player (who usually smells bad as well) then proceeds to lose everything he’s won to the house.
If you’ve heard something similar to this tale when taking a cab down the Las Vegas Strip, or perhaps whilst chatting to a cocktail waitress at a casino, it’s because Shoeless Joe reflects the two opposing natures of Las Vegas. On the one hand, you have a tale about how anyone can become someone in Las Vegas and, on the other, how the house will always bring you down. Whether there was ever a Shoeless Joe is, much like Bergstrom, a mystery to you and I, but if it wasn’t for characters like these two, Las Vegas wouldn’t be what it is today...And that’s a fact!
