Sports Gambling Hall of Fame Inaugural Induction Celebrated at Circa Resort & Casino
Hall of Fames are a popular way of honoring the best and brightest in a field, and particularly in sports. Now, the world of sports betting has its own such institution to celebrate legendary bettors and business leaders.
The Sports Gambling Hall of Fame, situated within the Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, recently celebrated its inaugural induction ceremony. The event honored ten such legends across the history of sports betting, from the golden age of Nevada sportsbooks to the modern era of legalization.
“The new space honors bookmakers and bettors who have notably transformed the sports gambling industry,” Circa said in a press release.
The list notably includes Billy Walters, the legendary gambler sometimes referred to as the “Michael Jordan of sports betting.” Walters hit the headlines again recently after publishing his autobiography, which featured explosive claims on the prodigious betting habits of his long-term friend and three-time Masters winning golfer, Phil Mickelson.
The Sports Betting Hall of Fame ceremony took place in the country’s largest sportsbook at the Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where it will have a permanent exhibit.
A Tribute to the Pioneers
As well as Walters, the Hall of Fame’s first class comprised of nine other iconic figures, including Billy Baxter, Jack Franzi, Jackie Gaughan, Bob Martin, Roxy Roxborough, Scotty Schettler, Jimmy Vaccaro, Charles McNeil, and Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal.
Each of these individuals has played an important role in sports betting history, from behind the betting screen or in front of it.
Billy Baxter, a multifaceted professional in poker, sports betting, and boxing management, was recognized for his role in staking Stu Ungar’s title-winning entry into the 1997 World Series of Poker Main Event.
Michael “Roxy” Roxborough, a trailblazing oddsmaker, was celebrated for introducing mathematical formulas and computer models to bookmaking. His cofounding of “America’s Line,” a betting odds column, further solidified his reputation, reaching an expansive readership across 128 newspapers.
Scotty Schettler’s pivotal role in establishing the Stardust lottery was highlighted, marking a significant step in democratizing sports betting.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Vaccaro’s instrumental roles at various iconic Las Vegas venues, including the Barbary Coast and The Mirage, were acknowledged. His audacity in accepting bets on Mike Tyson’s unforeseen defeat to Buster Douglas, despite Tyson being a 42-1 favorite, was particularly noted.
Billy Walters, often dubbed the “Michael Jordan of sports betting,” was celebrated for his unparalleled 36-year winning streak in sports betting.
Walters was a key member of the Computer Group, a pioneering sports betting syndicate of the 1980s, known for its early adoption of mathematical formulas and computer models.
Related: Fortune Keepers slot, reviewed and rated
Legacy and Future
The Hall of Fame also paid homage to posthumous inductees, including Jack Franzi, an influential oddsmaker, and Jackie Gaughan, the visionary behind the first casino sportsbook.
Bob Martin’s legendary oddsmaking skills during the ’60s and ’70s, Charles McNeil’s invention of the point spread, and the late Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal’s transformative role in Las Vegas’ sports betting history were also recognized.
The induction ceremony, a part of the Bet Bash event, saw each inductee being commemorated with a plaque detailing their name, induction year, and a brief biography. The event was presided over by Circa’s CEO Derek Stevens, Circa’s vice president of operations, Mike Palm, and Gadoon “Spanky” Kyrollos, the founder of the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame.
The Sports Gambling Hall of Fame will now be permanently exhibited within the world’s largest sportsbook at Circa Resort & Casino. This venue, spanning three stories, is equipped with a colossal 78-million-pixel high-definition screen, various luxury seating booths, and a full-service bar.
Most Popular
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Wins USA Today’s ‘Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas’ Award
The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, located in Highland, California, has recently received the prestigious title of “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” (2023) in the USA Today […]
Nevada’s Gaming Distance Laws Have Quietly Changed
Nevada lawmakers recently amended a 26-year-old law that restricts the distance between casinos and schools or places of worship. However, the potentially controversial change was implemented without public discussion or […]
Thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix Ends in Comeback Max Verstappen Win
In an eventful and historic Las Vegas Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen overcame multiple challenges to clinch his record-extending 18th victory of the season. The Formula 1 race in […]
Blackstone Contemplating Selling Half of its Bellagio Real Estate Stake
Blackstone Inc is reportedly considering selling half of its stake in the real estate of the Bellagio hotel and casino resort in Las Vegas. The giant New York-based investment firm […]
Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh Facing Lengthy Future Suspension
When this last weekend began, it looked like the NCAA and Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh had agreed to a resolution of his issues. His problems were regarding his […]
