I present to you
The BEST Gamblers
Bill Benter
As of 2024, Bill Benter is around 67 years old, having been born in 1956. While he is best known for amassing a fortune through horse betting in Hong Kong using a complex mathematical model, Benter has largely stepped away from active gambling. His horse betting system was revolutionary, earning him close to $1 billion. However, in recent years, he has shifted his focus towards philanthropic efforts.
Background: Bill Benter is a professional gambler and philanthropist who made his fortune through horse racing betting. He is known for developing one of the most successful betting algorithms for horse racing in Hong Kong.
Philanthropy: Benter has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including educational institutions, medical research, and political advocacy groups. He has supported the University of Pittsburgh, established a fund for the promotion of civil discourse, and contributed to the development of peace initiatives in the Middle East.
Edward Thorp
As of 2024, Edward Thorp is 92 years old, having been born on August 14, 1932. While he made his name as a renowned gambler, pioneering the card counting system in blackjack, Thorp has largely moved away from gambling in favor of focusing on finance and investment. He became a successful hedge fund manager and applied his mathematical expertise to financial markets, revolutionizing quantitative finance techniques. In recent years, Thorp has also been interested in health and longevity, sharing insights on how to manage risk in various aspects of life, including aging
Background: Edward Thorp is a mathematician, hedge fund manager, and former professional blackjack player. He is often credited with inventing card counting in blackjack, which he used to gain an edge in casinos.
Philanthropy: Thorp has used his wealth to support scientific research and educational causes. He has funded scholarships and research grants, particularly in the fields of mathematics and physics. His contributions have helped advance the study of probability and game theory.
Doyle Brunson
Doyle Brunson, the legendary poker player known as the “Godfather of Poker,” passed away on May 14, 2023, at the age of 89. He had an incredibly long and successful career, playing poker professionally for over 60 years. Despite his age, Brunson remained active in the poker community almost until his passing, participating in high-stakes games and maintaining his influence in the poker world .
Background: Doyle Brunson, known as the “Godfather of Poker,” is a legendary figure in the world of professional poker. Over his long career, he won millions of dollars and authored several influential books on poker strategy.
Philanthropy: Brunson has been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting cancer research and education. He has also used his influence in the poker community to promote charitable poker tournaments, raising funds for numerous causes.
Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey, born on February 1, 1977, is currently 47 years old. He remains an active figure in the poker world, competing at a high level in various prestigious tournaments. As of 2024, he has continued his gambling career, securing his 11th World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet and is still in the running for the 2024 Player of the Year title. He has consistently performed well in live tournaments, showing no signs of slowing down
Background: Phil Ivey is widely regarded as one of the greatest poker players of all time, having won ten World Series of Poker bracelets and millions in tournament earnings.
Philanthropy: Ivey has supported various charitable causes, including establishing the “Ivey League,” a poker training site that also donates a portion of its proceeds to charitable organizations. He has been involved in raising funds for underprivileged communities and disaster relief efforts.