Punters around the world have access to various betting opportunities, from small stakes of just a few pence up to high stakes bets involving millions. We take a look at some of the largest wins ever seen here in this article.
Charles Barkley is an NBA icon known for helping sports bettors win big over time, most notably through his bet on New England Patriots to win Super Bowl 50. However, one particular wager caught public imagination.
1. Charles Barkley’s $800,000.
Former NBA basketball player Charles Barkley won an impressive $800,000. He placed a bet on the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XXXVII and placed an incredible $80,000 stake.
His enthusiasm was greatly diminished when the Patriots gave away an enormous lead and lost.
2. Billy Walters’ $3.5 million
Billy Walters made headlines in 2010 by placing a massive $3.5 million bet on the New Orleans Saints, who eventually won Super Bowl XLIV as underdogs.
Walters became one of the best sports bettors in the world due to his remarkable skill as a sports bettor, turning poverty in rural Kentucky into wealth. Today he owns several car dealerships, several high-end golf courses, and even his own private jet.
3. Dave Oncea’s $2.5 million
One of the largest bets ever won was when Dave Oncea won $2.5 million by betting on the Kansas City Royals to reach the World Series. He did this because of his belief in their chances.
At one point in their bet, even though most sports experts predicted defeat for the Royals, he managed to outwit them and win big! His success meant draining his parents’ savings account as well as spending two months in Gamblers Anonymous.
4. Mick Gibbs’ PS500,000
Bets can have the power to transform lives, as evidenced by some lucky bettors’ millions in winnings from large bets.
Mick Gibbs, a roofing contractor by profession, took part in one of the most astounding wagers ever. He won an incredible 15-match accumulator bet at odds of 1,666,666/1 and earned PS500,000 as his reward – not an insignificant sum, but definitely the largest win ever seen for such an event!
5. Adrian Hayward’s PS25,000
Hayward was an immensely talented and popular TVC director known for his great sense of humour and irrepressibly beautiful smile. His work was recognized at Cannes Film Festival, and he founded his production company in 1991. We mourn his passing deeply – we will greatly miss him here at Campaign Brief; please stay tuned for more stories like this! – Campaign Brief
7. Leicester City’s Premier League win in 2015
Leicester City’s Premier League title win in 2015 was one of the greatest sporting surprises ever witnessed. Beating far larger, wealthier clubs to capture their first top division championship was no small feat for Leicester.
Claudio Ranieri and his team rapidly established themselves as long-term fixture in the Premier League, rising from 13th place to title victory within just 149 days.
8. Xabi Alonso’s goal against Luton Town in the FA Cup’s third round in 2006
Xabi Alonso had already scored from 40 yards out to bring Liverpool level at 3-3 against Luton Town goalkeeper Marlon Beresford; but his stunning long-range effort from 70 yards earned the judges’ nod as it was truly breathtaking and inspiring.
Best of all, betting was truly enjoyable for me.
9. Nicholas Newlife’s prediction of Roger Federer’s seventh Wimbledon win in 2003
Nick Newlife from Oxfordshire placed a PS1,520 wager in 2003 on Roger Federer winning seven Wimbledon championships before 2020 – then left it in his will to Oxfam as part of his estate plan.
Should Federer reach his target this year, William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe revealed to Reuters that this bet will result in a six-figure payout to Oxfam. William Hill claims it to be one of their largest wagers ever undertaken.
10. Leicester City’s Premier League win in 2015
Leicester City made history when they beat odds of 5,000-1 to capture their maiden Premier League championship. Claudio Ranieri and his side have won hearts worldwide thanks to this miraculous comeback win that remains one of team sport’s greatest moments of triumph.
Leicester were unbeaten for the majority of their campaign, bar a brief winless spell in December that resulted in one victory from 10 games played – drawing five and losing only three matches including Monday night’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
