RICHIE BACCELLIERI
AKA “Stevie the Pencil” , this Bronx-born player friendly bookmaker ran Caesars Palace, MGM and the Palms Sportsbook where he introduced an early version of in-game wagering. Richie has been involved with offshore outlets, television, and the creation of an industry-leading risk management software for bookmakers.
NICK BOGDANOVICH
Las Vegas born and raised, Nick has been a bookmaker in Nevada since the 1980s. Throughout his career, Nick fearlessly booked high action from the world’s sharpest sports bettors at The Las Vegas Sands, Binion’s Horseshoe, Mandalay Bay, Golden Nugget, Club Cal Neva, William Hill, and Circa. He established a special rapport and mutual respect with his customers – a trait rarely seen today.
ED CURD
1904-2002
Based out of Lexington, Kentucky, Ed was a preeminent bookmaker during the 1940s who hobnobbed with basketball coaches, mobsters, and movie stars. Regarded as a math genius, Ed is credited for popularizing the use of charging 11/10 juice – the betting standard used today.
JIMMY EVARTS
Known as “Sneakers” for his lightning ability to find the best numbers, Jimmy was a key component in the famous betting organization known as the Computer Group. As a co-founder of Pinnacle Sports, Jimmy was instrumental in revolutionizing what is known today as “The Pinnacle model” – utilizing automated risk management while booking high limits with low vig (-105). Despite making such a huge mark on the sports gambling industry, Jimmy is most proud of his and his wife’s philanthropic work in both Spain and Guatemala.
MICHAEL KENT
1944-2018
Prior to entering the world of sports betting, Michael Kent was a Westinghouse mathematician who designed nuclear submarines. He later utilized his mathematical prowess in pioneering a statistical model that had the exceptional ability to make accurate college sports predictions based on sophisticated comparative analysis. This model was the driving force behind the famous Computer Group.
HERB "HOOPS" LAMBECK
1932-2015
GENE MADAY
1928-1994
Gene Maday was a Taxi mogul best known for taking million-dollar bets as the owner of Little Caesar’s – the self-proclaimed “Dingiest little joint that books the biggest bets.” Gene mastered the art of line movement based on sharp money and became a very successful bookmaker.
RON SACCO
Ron Sacco is known as the Godfather of bookmaking. A trailblazer in popularizing Caribbean offshore gambling, Ron set the gold standard on treating customers with respect by offering fair odds and lightning fast payouts. His operation was “Where the line originates”- a sports betting line that every bookmaker in the world respected.
VIC SALERNO
A former dentist turned bookmaker, Vic Salerno operated over 130 Leroy’s Sports Books throughout Nevada. He introduced computerized bookmaking systems, kiosks, and sportsbook networks to the industry. Vic’s company, American Wagering Inc., became the first US sports betting company to be listed on the stock market (NASDAQ).
CHUCK SCHAUPP
1938-2022
Known as Chuck “Sharp” as a moniker of respect, Chuck was a master at obtaining actionable information enabling him to become a formidable sports bettor. Chuck is regarded as the best NBA totals bettor of his generation.