From Vegas Legend to Modern Concerns: A Bookie's Life in the Gambling Explosion
Art Manteris spent decades immersed in the vibrant, high-stakes world of Las Vegas, where his career as a master bookmaker unfolded under the dazzling lights of iconic casinos. In his new memoir, The Bookie: How I Bet It All on Sports Gambling and Watched an Industry Explode, co-authored with investigative journalist Matthew Birkbeck, Manteris offers a front-row seat to the raucous history of sports betting in the United States. From mob-connected eras to today's corporate-dominated landscape, his story captures the seismic shifts in an industry that has exploded beyond Nevada's borders since a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in 2018.
A Career Forged in High-Risk Bets and Publicity Stunts
Forty years ago, a memorable Super Bowl moment threatened to derail Manteris's tenure at Caesars Palace. When William "The Refrigerator" Perry scored a touchdown for the Chicago Bears against the New England Patriots, gamblers who had backed the prop bet offered by Manteris cashed in $250,000 in winnings. Expecting reprimand from his boss, Henry Gluck, Manteris was instead congratulated for generating unprecedented worldwide publicity. This incident underscores a key theme in his book: the delicate balance between financial risk and promotional gain in the gambling world.
Navigating a World of High Rollers and Ethical Challenges
Throughout his 43-year career, which included senior roles at Caesars, Hilton Hotels, and Station Casinos, Manteris interacted with a colorful cast of characters. From billionaires like Kirk Kerkorian collecting winnings in modest cars to athletes such as Charles Barkley and Jaromir Jagr placing six-figure bets, his sportsbooks were hubs of excitement and excess. He recounts cutting off Jagr due to unsophisticated and excessive gambling, highlighting moments of ethical reckoning that punctuated his professional journey.
Manteris also faced personal scrutiny, including a year-long investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board over allegations of illegal bookmaking and underworld ties, from which he was ultimately cleared. His achievements, however, are notable: he created the world's largest sportsbook at the Las Vegas Hilton and advised against ventures like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, though his bosses later profited immensely from it.
The Transformation of Sports Gambling and Its Modern Risks
The memoir delves into the dramatic reversal of professional sports leagues' stances on gambling, from viewing it as an adversary to embracing it as a revenue stream. Manteris expresses concern over the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting across the US, warning that mistakes are being made by some states. He emphasizes the need for a clear separation between gambling on sports and participating in them, pointing to issues like youth gambling and the pervasive advertising that inundates fans today.
Reflecting on personal losses, including the death of his grandson to leukemia and financial struggles within his family, Manteris adds a poignant layer to his narrative. Now retired and inducted into the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame, he spends time with his family while pondering the future of an industry where gambling is no longer confined to casinos but accessible via smartphones anytime, anywhere.
In his view, the coexistence of sports and gambling must be managed carefully to avoid negative impacts. As the US continues to navigate this new era, Manteris's insights serve as a cautionary tale from a veteran who has seen it all.
