Phil Mickelson (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Professional gambler Billy Walters claims in his upcoming book that Phil Mickelson, a famous golfer, has placed more than $1 billion in sports bets over 30 years. Unfortunately, he has lost nearly $100 million from these bets.
Allegations and Denials: Mickelson’s Bet on Ryder Cup
Walters also claims that in 2012, when Mickelson was participating in the Ryder Cup golf tournament, he tried to bet $400,000 on his own team’s victory. Mickelson denied this and stated on twitter that he has never bet on the Ryder Cup and wouldn’t want to compromise the game’s fairness.
A Gambler’s Friendship: Walters and Mickelson
These claims are part of a book called Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk, written by Billy Walters, who is known for his success in gambling. The book describes how Walters and Mickelson became friends and started making bets together around 2006. They had an agreement where Mickelson placed their bets with offshore sportsbooks, and they split the profits.
Thousands in Bets, Millions in Losses
Walters alleges that between 2010 and 2012, Mickelson made over 7,000 bets on various sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. His losses amounted to almost $100 million.
Legal Troubles and Insider Trading
In 2012, Mickelson supposedly asked Walters to bet $400,000 on the Ryder Cup, but Walters refused, and the American team ended up losing that year. Walters ended his gambling partnership with Mickelson in 2014.
Silence During Trial: Mickelson’s Role
Walter later encountered legal issues and received a conviction for insider trading in 2017. Allegations stated that he had given Mickelson stock tips, ultimately causing Mickelson to earn money. While Mickelson didn’t face charges, he had to return the profits he made.
Walters’ Autobiography: Unveiling a Gambler’s Life
In his book, Walters expresses disappointment that Mickelson didn’t speak up in his defense during the trial, which he believes could have helped him avoid prison. Walters’ daughter also tragically committed suicide while he was in prison.
Walters’ autobiography is set to be published soon, shedding light on his life as a gambler and his experiences with Mickelson.
