The dawn of the new year brought with it familiar outcomes for renowned furniture magnate turned sports bettor, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, as his latest high-stakes wager took a tumble.
Last week, Mattress Mack confidently placed a staggering $1 million bet on the Texas Longhorns to win the national title, declaring his undying passion for Texas football.
He revealed: “On Friday night, I drove to Louisiana to bet on my phone,” according to FOX Sports.
The million-dollar bet, made at +270 odds at Caesars Sportsbook, promised a potential $2.7 million payday had Texas beat Washington (and then Michigan next Monday).
Mattress Mack will cash $2.7 million if Texas wins the National Championship 😳
(@MattressMack @CaesarsSports) pic.twitter.com/CXjzNKiu43
— br_betting (@br_betting) December 30, 2023
However, the Huskies thwarted Mattress Mack’s hopes, clinching a 37-31 victory and standing strong in the final moments to deny Texas a would-be game winning touchdown.
In total, McIngvale has lost $10.2 million on the College Football Playoffs in his sports betting career.
This includes a $6.15 million loss (!!!) on Alabama against Georgia in 2022 and another $3.1 million on TCU against Georgia in last year’s national title game.
Mattress Mack has lost $10.25M on CFP bets over the last 3 years 😳
❌ $6.15M on Alabama ML vs. Georgia (2022)
❌ $3.1M on TCU ML & +13 vs. Georgia (2023)
❌ $1M on Texas to win the CFP (2024) pic.twitter.com/KPMkN8iJBw
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 2, 2024
Despite being solid favorites against Washington, the Longhorns couldn’t contain quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns, propelling the Huskies to the national title game against Michigan.
Mattress Mush strikes again
— 🦓 (@HyenasAreCool) January 2, 2024
After amassing a record $75 million from the Houston Astros winning the World Series in 2022, his luck took a turn for the worse in 2023.
Losing $7.9 million on the Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS and various bets on the Houston Cougars to win the NCAA Tournament, Mattress Mack’s fortunes dwindled.
As the top-seeded Cougars stumbled against Miami in the Sweet 16, Mack’s struggles became evident, marking a stark contrast to his previous successes.
The first day of 2024 wasn’t a total loss for big-time gamblers, however.
Barstool Sports founder, and diehard Michigan supporter, Dave Portnoy won $1 million thanks to his beloved Wolverines defeating Alabama at the Rose Bowl.
MICHIGAN WINS THE ROSE BOWL! I WIN A MILLION DOLLARS! WE’RE PLAYING FOR A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! LET’S FUCKING GO! pic.twitter.com/v83CIHXyTN
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) January 2, 2024
What’s the most you’ve ever lost on a bet?
(Hopefully not as much as our buddy Mattress Mack!)
As for next Monday’s national championship game, who do you think will win – Michigan or Washington???