The Houston Astros are in the World Series for the fourth time in six seasons, and one bettor has a serious rooting interest in their success.
Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale has $10 million worth of futures wagers on the Astros to win the Fall Classic, which would win an estimated $75 million if Houston is victorious over the Philadelphia Phillies. The largest of these is a $3 million bet on the Astros at 10-1 odds at Caesars Sportsbook, which was placed in Louisiana back in May. He also has a $1 million wager on the Astros at WynnBet at 12-1 odds.
If he wins, the estimated $75 million would represent the largest payout ever in legal U.S. sports betting history.
Like most of his big wagers, this one is tied to a mattress promotion for his Gallery Furniture store in Houston. He said on his Thursday appearance on VSiN that business was booming.
"We had the biggest day in store history on Sunday, and then did 25% better on Monday," Mack said on VSiN. "We busted through the $75 million in liability, so we’re done taking bets on the mattresses right now. The customers are excited and they’re saying 'Go Astros.'"
Despite the large wager, Ken Fuchs, Head of Sports at Caesars Sportsbook, told VSiN that the sportsbook isn't concerned with the pending liability if Houston wins.
"We take in a tremendous amount of volume across all markets, and the World Series is one of the premier markets," Fuchs said. "We’re actually seeing lot of public dollars on the Phillies, and we have the best market price right now on Philadelphia, but we're used to taking those risks. We're in the business of taking sides. This is one that happens to have a big side to it."
Mack said on VSiN that he will attend both the home games of the World Series in Houston, along with the road games in Philadelphia.
"I’m looking forward to going up there, wear my Astros gear and enjoy the City of Brotherly Love. If they get on me, I’ll say I have a big futures bet on the Eagles."
The Astros are currently a -185 favorite to win the World Series at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the Phillies a + 160 underdog.