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In the modern world, technological advancements have helped multiple sports to reach their peak. Widening the viewership and following has brought passionate fans closer to the game. However, when enthusiasm transforms into predictions, it brings a noteworthy shift in dynamics for all parties concerned. The rise in betting is a prime example. Even outstanding athletes, including Golf legend Phil Mickelson, are not immune to it. The most recent memoir of a professional gambler highlighted Phil’s $100 million loss, directly pointing toward the 43 MLB bets.

In the last decade, there has been a rise in the betting industry. In 2023, the projected size of the sports betting market is approximately $91,940.9 million. Given this immense size, everyone wanted to fish in the waters. And Mickelson participated rigorously in it, even before its significant rise. But all did not go well for the golfer, who almost lost millions in the failed adventures. Despite knowing the high betting risks, 3x Masters champ’s fans unsurprisingly backed him in the open.

Professional Gambler, Billy Walters’ Memoir, Opens Up the Chapter of Troubles of Phil Mickelson

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The world knows Phil Mickelson as a dedicated golfer. It has made him one of the most successful golfers, with an estimated worth of an estimated $875 million. But there is another side to his life: his troubles while betting. 

Front Office Sports shared a tweet related to it. A part of it read, “According to a new memoir by Billy Walters, Phil Mickelson wagered $1 billion on sports in the last three decades….Made 43 MLB Bets in a day.” 

According to the frontofficesports.com, “Mickelson is said to have lost nearly $100 million on gambling, and he allegedly asked Walters to place a $400,000 for him in 2012 on Team USA to win the Ryder Cup, but Walters refused to place the bet for Mickelson since he played in the tournament.”

Per the excerpt by Fire Pit Collective and Golf Digest, Walters brought his gambling partnership with Mickelson into light, which dates back to 2009.

While delving into his own betting records, the professional gambler Billy alleged that from 2010 through 2014, Mickelson “made a staggering 7,065 wagers on football, basketball, and baseball.” “In 2011 alone, he made 3,154 bets—an average of nearly nine per day,” perhaps including 43 bets on MLB, the excerpt read further.

While in a year-old interview with Sports Illustrated, the 53-Year-Old knowingly accepted his uncontrollable urge to gamble upfront, “Gambling has been part of my life ever since I can remember. But about a decade ago is when I would say it became reckless. It’s embarrassing. I don’t like that people know,” 

The habit has affected Mickelson badly, leading him to undergo multiple therapies to overcome his betting problem. While the treatments have helped him tremendously, the player wants to add to his golfing journey with the LIV series.

Watch this storyRanking the top 5 best lineups in baseball. 

Mickelson has received well wishes from supporters, whose sentiment was evident when they responded to news about his gambling losses.

The Sporting World Calls Mickelson Their Own

The sporting world knows the challenges betting possesses. And because of it, they have accepted Mickelson’s failure to get the best of it. While calling him one of them, they added support in the following tweets.

Few fans pointed out the positives amidst all the negative news.

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Fans have varied reasons to support Mickelson. What do you all think about this case? Will these revelations have an enormous impact on his future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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