According to excerpts from a Billy Walters book, legendary golfer and six-time major winner Phil Mickelson bet more than $1 billion over a 30-year span with losses allegedly nearing $100 million.

One of the best golfers in the history of the sport has spent millions on legal sports betting.

According to excerpts from Billy Walters’ book, “Gambler: Secrets from a Life of Risk,” legendary golfer Phil Mickelson wagered more than $1 billion over a 30-year period.

Between 2010 and 2014, the six-time major champion placed $110,000 wagers more than 1,100 times. Mickelson also bet $220,000 858 times. The wagers included football, basketball, and baseball. In total, Mickelson allegedly lost nearly $100 million, up from a previous estimate of $40 million.

Walters, who is a professional gambler and former betting partner of Mickelson, also alleges that the golf pro wagered on his own sport.

He claimed in September 2012 that Mickelson requested to place a $400,000 bet on Team USA to win the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. The U.S. team included Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Mickelson, and others.

The PGA, which sanctions the Ryder Cup, prohibits players and caddies from wagering on its competitions. It’s unclear whether Mickelson will face any repercussions for his alleged wagering. His alleged betting was made using offshore sportsbooks and not online betting sites. 

Integrity issues

Mickelson joins a growing list of athletes being shrouded in controversy related to gambling.

In June, the NFL suspended Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor indefinitely for wagering on NFL games during the 2022 season.

That same month, the league suspended Tennessee Titan Nicholas Petit-Frere for betting at a team facility — a violation of the NFL’s gambling policy. In July, the NFL indefinitely suspended Eyioma Uwazurike of the Denver Broncos for also betting on NFL games in 2022.

College sports have also had their fair share of gambling issues. 

Earlier this month, Iowa State University quarterback Hunter Dekkers was reportedly charged with tampering with records following an investigation into alleged sports betting by college athletes. Dekkers has been accused of placing wagers on Iowa State games, including a matchup against Oklahoma State in 2021.

Iowa State sophomore wrestler Paniro Johnson is also accused of tampering with records after placing bets, while Iowa kicker Aaron Blom has been accused of underage sports wagering, according to a report from The Gazette.

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