Inside the High-Stakes World of Sports Gambling: Art Manteris' Journey
Forty years ago, the New England Patriots faced a dismal defeat in their first Super Bowl, losing 46-10 to the Chicago Bears. This game marked a pivotal moment for Art Manteris, who was running the sportsbook at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. By offering odds on whether Bears’ defensive tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry would score, Manteris risked hefty financial losses when Perry did indeed find the end zone, costing the sportsbook $250,000. Surprisingly, his boss, Henry Gluck, praised him for the extensive publicity garnered by the prop bet. Manteris details these experiences in his new book, The Bookie: How I Bet It All on Sports Gambling and Watched an Industry Explode, co-authored with journalist Matthew Birkbeck. The book chronicles the evolution of sports gambling in the U.S., highlighting its transition from Mob-controlled casinos to today’s corporate environment, especially after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting across the nation. Having spent 43 years in senior roles at Caesars, Hilton Hotels, and Station Casinos, Manteris shares stories from a vibrant world filled with high rollers, gangsters, and celebrity gamblers. He recounts how athletes like Charles Barkley and Phil Mickelson engaged in gambling, with Mickelson facing challenges that led him to create a betting syndicate and later quit gambling after a scandal. Manteris reflects on his ethical dilemmas, including having to cut off Jaromir Jagr from gambling due to excessive behavior. He also faced scrutiny from the Nevada Gaming Control Board but was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. Having secured his legacy in the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame, Manteris now observes the changing landscape of gambling, particularly the rising concern over youth gambling due to increased accessibility through mobile devices. He emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between sports and gambling in today’s environment.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-02-25