William Lee Bergstrom: Difference between revisions
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==Death== |
==Death== |
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Bergstrom never recovered from his million dollar lost and committed suicide on February 4, 1985, by swallowing pills.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1985/Million-Dollar-Gambler-Commits-Suicide-Broke-at-End/id-f99cffc35fc3ee1d57c4cac66f988994|title=Million-Dollar Gambler Commits Suicide, Broke at End|author=Dahlberg, Tim|publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name=LAT/> The reason for his suicide remain unknown. Friends and family believed that he was not broke at the time of his death. |
Bergstrom never recovered from his million dollar lost and committed suicide on February 4, 1985, by swallowing pills.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1985/Million-Dollar-Gambler-Commits-Suicide-Broke-at-End/id-f99cffc35fc3ee1d57c4cac66f988994|title=Million-Dollar Gambler Commits Suicide, Broke at End|author=Dahlberg, Tim|publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name=LAT/> The reason for his suicide remain unknown. Friends and family believed that he was not broke at the time of his death and was still $647,000 in the black.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://pilarski.casinocitytimes.com/article/the-ups-and-downs-of-the-suitcase-man-25379|title=The Ups and Downs of the Suitcase Man|author=Mark Pilarski|date=2006-02-24|publisher=Casino City Times}}</ref> |
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His suicide note |
His suicide note suggested his [[homosexuality|sexual orientation]] as a possible cause of suicide which was triggered by a breakup with a man 10 years his junior.<ref name=phantom/> |
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==Legacy== |
==Legacy== |
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Revision as of 03:15, 4 March 2014
William Lee Bergstrom (1952 - February 4, 1985) commonly known as the Suitcase Man or Phantom gambler, born in Austin, Texas, was a gambler and high roller known for placing the largest bet in gambling history during the time amounting to $777,000 at the Horseshoe Casino, which he won.[1] Bergstrom return to the Horseshoe three years later and placed several additional bets. He eventually placed a $1 million bet which he lost. This bet remains as one of the largest bets ever placed in a casino.[2]
Early life
Bergstrom was born in Austin, Texas and attended Austin High School graduating in 1969. He attend the University of Texas, but dropped out in 1974. His brother Alan Bergstrom described their childhood as marred. Their parents were divorced and Bill constantly desired the respect and affection of his father.[1]
After dropping out Bergstrom made a living selling real estate and owning property in Texas.[3]
Gambling
On September 24, 1980 Bergstrom showed up at Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas with a suitcase containing $777,000 in cash. Benny Binion had a policy of honoring a bet of any size if it is the player's first bet placed at the casino. Bergstrom, who remained anonymous at the time, placed the full amount on one roll of the dice which he won. Benion helped Bergstrom stack his winning into a suitcase, which Bergstrom took and disappeared.[1]
Bergstrom disappeared for three and a half years before returning on March 24, 1984 to place a $538,000 bet again on a single roll of dice. He won again. Then, on November 16 he returned and placed a $1 million bet with a suitcase filled with cash, gold Krugerrands, and cashier's checks. He lost the bet.[1]
According to Ted Binion, Bergstrom had borrowed most of the money for the first bet and intended to commit suicide if he lost. Instead he won and travel the world for several years before returning in 1984.[1]
Death
Bergstrom never recovered from his million dollar lost and committed suicide on February 4, 1985, by swallowing pills.[4][3] The reason for his suicide remain unknown. Friends and family believed that he was not broke at the time of his death and was still $647,000 in the black.[5]
His suicide note suggested his sexual orientation as a possible cause of suicide which was triggered by a breakup with a man 10 years his junior.[1]
Legacy
Bergstrom's story remains in Las Vegas lore and has inspired awards and prize giveaways throughout Las Vegas.[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Montaigne, Fen (1985-04-09). "'Phantom Gambler' chose to die rather than be alone". The Evening Independent. St. Petersburg, Florida: Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
- ^ Jess Bown (2012-09-13). "10 of the biggest bets ever placed". AOL Money. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
- ^ a b "Texan Who Lost $1 Million on Dice Roll Kills Himself". Los Angeles Times. 1985-02-06.
- ^ Dahlberg, Tim. "Million-Dollar Gambler Commits Suicide, Broke at End". Associated Press.
- ^ Mark Pilarski (2006-02-24). "The Ups and Downs of the Suitcase Man". Casino City Times.
- ^ "The Suitcase Man $5,000,000 Giveaway". Harrah's. 2009.