2026 Inductees – Sports Gambling Hall of Fame

Bill Scott

Bill Scott, founder of World Wide Tele-Sports (WWTS), was a pioneering figure in offshore sports betting, shaping the industry with his online betting innovations. WWTS increased the accessibility of sports betting, fostered the growth of P2P betting, and providing a model for modern, digital sports gambling. Renowned for his integrity, customer-first philosophy, and collaborative approach, he openly shared his expertise with competitors and employees alike, fostering a sense of community rather than cutthroat competition. His vision and business acumen not only built a global sportsbook operating in over 100 countries but also helped define the modern online sportsbook as a professional, sustainable enterprise.

Bob "Blackie" Black

1928-2017

Bob “Blackie” Black was widely regarded by peers and bookmakers as one of the sharpest and most respected bettors of his era, with particular strength in baseball but success across virtually every sport. Operating in the pre-computer era, he consistently made money for decades using pencil-and-paper handicapping, earning trust so deep that major bookmakers relied on his numbers and took unusually large wagers based on his opinions. Universally described as exceptionally sharp, classy, and influential, Blackie commanded rare respect from both fellow bettors and industry insiders.

John Trijonis

Dr. John Trijonis is a pioneering figure in data-driven sports handicapping and a world-class environmental scientist, having graduated first in his class at the California Institute of Technology and earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences. A recipient of the prestigious Hertz Foundation Fellowship, he built an acclaimed career in air pollution research, serving as a principal investigator for major U.S. agencies while contributing to national scientific committees. In the mid-1970s, Trijonis applied his deep expertise in statistics and modeling to sports, developing one of the first structural sports betting models and helping pioneer data-driven game prediction. His early NBA model proved highly successful, and his later NFL model, which was used by renowned bettor Billy Walters, has sustained winning performance for over four decades, cementing his legacy as a foundational innovator whose work continues to influence modern sports analytics.

Mort Olshan

1926–2003

Mort Olshan was a pioneering sports-betting figure and founder of The Gold Sheet, the influential handicapping publication he launched at the start of the 1956 football season that provided meticulously researched analysis on professional and college games long before digital analytics became widespread. Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1926, Olshan grew up immersed in sports and, after serving in the Marines in World War II, worked with legendary odds-maker Leo “Wizard of Odds” Hirschfield before creating his own publication that set a new standard for disciplined, data-driven handicapping. Olshan was known for challenging exaggerated claims in the industry and building The Gold Sheet into an essential resource for bettors and bookmakers; his work continues to influence the modern sports-wagering landscape.

Richard Klamian

1948-2007

Richard Klamian is a highly respected professional sports bettor whose career reflects sustained excellence at the highest levels of the industry. He began as a sportsbook manager at the famed Stardust in Las Vegas before moving to the betting side of the counter, where he earned a reputation among peers as “sharp as they come,” particularly in basketball. He worked with Billy Walters for more than 20 years and worked closely Tony Bloom for approximately 15 years, contributing significantly in basketball and college football. Trusted by two of the most successful gamblers of all time, Klamian’s consistency, judgment, and integrity earned him widespread respect and a lasting place in the history of professional sports betting.

Steven "Fats" Diano

Steven “Fats” Diano is a professional sports bettor who began his career betting college basketball in the 1980s, sustaining more than 40 years of success with honor and integrity. He has worked with some of the sharpest betting syndicates, including Billy Walters’ Computer Group and Tiger’s Philly Crew. Building on that foundation, Fats developed his own handicapping systems, growing a modest bankroll to over one million dollars within the first two years. In addition to his betting success, he consulted for Don Best, Sports Options, and SpankOdds. The nickname “Fats” reflects not only his physical stature, but also the size of his heart.

Vinny Magliulo

Magliulo’s duties include overseeing the continued relationship/agreements/operations between Gaughan Gaming/LVDC and the member companies of the Nevada Pari-Mutuel Association and LVDC’s Native American clients including Foxwoods Resort Casino (CT), Cities of Gold and Route 66 (NM). He works in conjunction with the entire Gaughan Gaming/LVDC team to formulate and execute growth strategies beneficial to the company’s portfolio. He also coordinates the company’s operations and technical departments while overseeing the company’s agreements with domestic & international racetracks. Magliulo also serves as Chairman of LVDC’s Compliance Committee.

Magliulo brings 45 years of industry experience to the company, including race & sports operations, table games and marketing.While at Caesars, Vinny met Richie Baccellieri and the two began a strong bond. Along with their team, they created one of the most exciting and versatile sports betting operations in the industry.