Houston’s own Jim McIngvale, famously known as Mattress Mack, is making headlines again with his latest venture into sports betting. This time, the renowned mattress mogul has placed a staggering $1 million bet on the Houston Cougars clinching the men’s NCAA basketball tournament title. Securing odds at +750 with Caesars Sportsbook, a win for Houston would result in a whopping $7.5 million payout for McIngvale.
The Houston Cougars, currently leading the pack in the AP Top 25 and making a strong showing in their debut season in the Big 12, have emerged as the third favorite to win the tournament, trailing just behind defending champions UConn and Purdue. With odds standing firm, the Cougars are amongst the elite contenders with odds better than 10-1, showcasing their formidable presence in what is considered the most challenging conference in college basketball.
Mattress Mack, a figure synonymous with high-stakes sports betting, is no stranger to the limelight with his strategic bets, often intertwined with promotional offers at his furniture stores. In a notable move in 2021, he bet heavily on the Houston Astros to win the World Series, promising refunds to mattress buyers if the Astros emerged victorious. Despite the Astros’ loss to the Atlanta Braves, Mack’s betting spree continued into 2022 with a record $5 million bet on the Bengals for the Super Bowl, which ultimately saw the Los Angeles Rams taking the championship.
This latest bet not only underscores Mack’s confidence in his hometown teams but also his unwavering spirit in the face of previous high-profile betting losses. As the NCAA tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the Houston Cougars and Mattress Mack’s million-dollar wager, with the potential for a significant payout that could once again spotlight Mack’s legendary status in the sports betting world.