This article looks at the legendary players who have made the biggest wins in blackjack. Some of them were famous for their card-counting skills, while others were total beginners – the most exceptional of them even made it into the Blackjack Hall of Fame. If you are interested in nj casino don’t hesitate to get to know more about the game of blackjack.
Kerry Packer – $40 million
The man who made an impressive $40 million in a single night is Kerry Packer, one of Australia’s most powerful media moguls of the past. Mr Packer was already a millionaire when he started his first big blackjack winning streak in 1991.
By 1995, he had already won dozens of games, but the biggest one was at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas. Needless to say, he had large bankrolls and placed higher stakes than usual. That night, Kerry Packer played eight hands simultaneously and walked away with a $40 million payout!
MIT Blackjack Team – 50 $ + milioane de dolari
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology student group, better known as the MIT Blackjack Team, was founded in 1979 and existed until the early 2000s. Team members used the card counting technique and caused a stir in American gaming society. Its heyday was in the 1990s, when membership grew to nearly 80.
The goal of the MIT blackjack team was to beat casinos around the world and it enjoyed huge success. It is known that, in addition to card counting, the team also used facial surveillance and advanced shuffling techniques. The total amount of their blackjack winnings is estimated at over $50 million.
Don Johnson – $15.1 million
Don Johnson was a professional blackjack player who managed to make a $15 million fortune in just six months in 2011. The best casinos in Atlantic City where Johnson played were Tropicana, Borgata and Ceasars. He claims he didn’t profit from card counting, but took advantage of lucrative opportunities while playing. Mr. Johnson is one of the most successful contemporary players who have become famous for their big blackjack wins.
Ken Uston – $4.5 million
Ken Uston was one of the brilliant minds who popularized card counting and other blackjack strategies. Uston got his start as part of the blackjack team founded by professional player Al Francesco. When gambling became legal in New Jersey (1978), he moved to Atlantic City and created his own group of professional players.
Interesting fact:
Ken Uston was able to perfect the art of card counting and was banned from casinos around the world because of it. To get in, he used to wear different costumes and hide his identity. As a measure to prevent card-counting experts, many casinos have increased the number of decks used in blackjack.
Over the years, he amassed more than $4.5 million and achieved blackjack genius status. Ken Uston has written The Big Player, Million Dollar Blackjack and several other books on the classic game of blackjack. He also had a passion for video games and dedicated himself to publishing various guides about them.
Dana White – $2 million
You may know Dana White as president of the UFC, but did you know he has a passion for blackjack? In 2014, the gambler won over $2 million at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, which accused him of counting cards. White denies the accusation and claims he used simple mathematical strategies while playing. Many casinos have already banned him because of his exceptional skills.
Ben Affleck – $800,000
Oscar winner Ben Affleck is known for playing the high stakes game. His proudest gambling moment was when he won $800,000 in a single night at the Hard Rock Casino. The year was 2001, and rumour has it that the actor was so generous that he tipped $145,000 to staff. Later in the years, Ben was busted for counting cards and was barred from entering numerous gambling halls.
Some of the best blackjack wins on our list belong to Ben Affleck, but in the gambling world, he’s famous for another reason too. In 2004, the actor won a poker championship, prompting casinos to ban him from other tournaments in Las Vegas. Sadly, the streak of success is over. After a risky move during a poker game, Ben lost $400,000 in one hand.
Michael Geismar – 470.000 de dolari
Michael Geismar was having breakfast at the Bellagio restaurant when he decided to make his day a little more interesting. The iconic hotel guest headed to the famous casino and started with a $300 bet. Geismar didn’t double any of his bets. With each successful move, he kept upping the stakes, and by lunchtime, he had won $470,000!
Shane Smith – 100.000$
Vice Media CEO Shane Smith wasn’t in Las Vegas for the casinos, but eventually decided to try his luck. After joining MGM Casino, Smith had a string of successes and walked away with blackjack winnings of $100,000. The craziest part is that to celebrate, the gambler decided to treat his company to a $300,000 dinner.
Goksel Selay – 90.000 de dolari
Unlike most of the players on this list, Goksel Selay is not a celebrity. The man who won $90,000 in 2015 was a taxi driver and not your typical 21-game master. Goksel prefers roulette, but on the night he won the jackpot, he didn’t have much luck on his side. Because of this, he switched to the blackjack table and had an unforgettable triumph.
