The Texas Rangers’ Game 7 victory in MLB’s American League Championship on Monday not solely left Houston Astros followers disillusioned, but additionally proved pricey for town’s well-known sports activities bettor and furnishings salesman, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale.
The proprietor of the Gallery Furniture chain is understood for recurrently making huge wagers, usually involving a Houston group, to assist promote his enterprise. That didn’t repay on the Astros this yr, and McIngvale misplaced wagers totaling a minimum of $7.9 million when the Rangers secured the 11-4 win.
Missed Opportunity At Mega Payout
Not solely did McIngvale strike out on the Astros wager, however he missed out on a colossal return. The enterprise proprietor had wagers with a number of books that may have rewarded him with nearly $51 million had the group gone on to win the World Series.
That included a late-season wager when it seemed just like the group may not even make the playoffs. Here is a look at all his bets, in accordance with CBS Sports:
- Spring coaching – $1.9 million at +600 to win $11.4 million (Caesars)
- Sept. 15 – $2 million at +600 to win $12 million (DraftKings)
- Sept. 27 – $1 million at +1100 to win $11 million (Caesars)
- Before AL Divisional Series – $2 million at +450 to win $9 million (bookmaker unknown)
Betting For Business
When wagering the hefty sums, McIngvale often hedges the betting with some main furnishings promotions. Those buying a mattress usually have an opportunity to recoup their money if the wagers come by.
The additional purchases as a part of the promotion assist offset the price of the wager. If the wager pans out, the winnings assist fund these free mattresses – therefore the “Mattress Mack” nickname. Those buying this yr, nevertheless, won’t be getting the rebate.
“Sometimes you get rained out, and you don’t look back,” McIngvale informed a reporter with Vegas Insider.
Despite the losses, McIngvale continues to be doing fairly effectively during the last two years. After the Astros gained the World Series final season, Mattress Mack collected a document $75 million.
