Renowned golfer Phil Mickelson has always been known for his prowess on the golf course, but a new book by famed gambler Billy Walters sheds light on another side of Mickelson’s life — his staggering gambling ventures. According to Walters, Mickelson’s penchant for wagering has led him to gamble over a billion dollars over the past three decades, an astonishing revelation that has sent shockwaves through the sports world.
Walters, often celebrated as America’s most famous gambler, unveils these astounding numbers in his forthcoming book, “Gambler: Secrets from a Life of Risk.” The book, set to release on August 22, provides detailed insights into Walters’ world of gambling and his association with Mickelson. The Fire Pit Collective, an outlet focused on sports news, obtained an exclusive excerpt from the book that delves into the golfer’s high-stakes gambling habits.
While Phil Mickelson himself acknowledged his fondness for friendly wagers on the golf course, he vehemently denied ever betting on the Ryder Cup or undermining the integrity of the game. His statement emphasized his commitment to upholding the sanctity of golf, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.
The narrative takes a dramatic twist when Billy Walters claims that Mickelson sought to place a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, while he was representing Team USA. Walters, who is no stranger to high-stakes gambling, alleges that Mickelson’s insatiable gambling appetite extended beyond the golf course, with wagers on various sports events, especially college and NFL football games.
Walters also recounts his collaboration with Mickelson in the realm of gambling, asserting that their partnership ended in 2014. Interestingly, the gambler contends that his own legal troubles, including an insider trading case, might have been averted if Mickelson had shared certain truths during the legal proceedings.
Mickelson’s gambling portfolio, as detailed by Walters, is staggering. He reportedly made bets totaling over a billion dollars between 2010 and 2014 alone. These wagers ranged from football to basketball and baseball, with hundreds of thousands of dollars being placed on individual bets.
The story becomes even more intriguing as Walters shares that Mickelson’s gambling losses might have exceeded the previously reported $40 million. The gambler’s detailed records and insights from additional sources suggest that Mickelson’s losses could have neared the $100 million mark.
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The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the complex layers that often exist beyond the public personas of celebrities and athletes. Mickelson, who has openly acknowledged his struggles with reckless gambling behavior, expressed remorse and a commitment to seeking help for his addiction. This revelation adds another layer to the golfer’s journey, reflecting the challenges and consequences of a high-stakes lifestyle.
As the book release approaches, the revelations from Walters’ account are poised to stir conversations about Mickelson’s choices, the impact of gambling on individuals, and the intricate web of relationships in the world of high-stakes sports and entertainment.
