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Fancy taking a break from the world of sports betting? Well, why not spend some time watching a gritty documentary on the world of sports betting?
Here are some of the very best sports betting documentaries that can entertain you… whilst giving you a look into the thrilling and interesting world of betting on live sports.
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports to bet on around the world and there’s always something there for punters to wager on. Whether it’s today’s horse racing cards in the UK or trotting, somewhere in Scandinavia – there is lots to choose from.
1. Fantasy Sports Gambling – Frontline
This is an investigative series by Frontline, working alongside the NY Times – and it delves into the underground world of online sportsbooks. This series is specifically focused on the growing popularity of fantasy sports betting.
The 1-hour long episode, which was first shown in February 2016 and looks at how a loophole in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 has allowed fantasy sports betting to turn into a multi-billion dollar industry. It focuses on the darker side of fantasy sports betting.
2. 30 for 30: The Legend of Jimmy the Greek
If you are a fan of sports betting, then you may well have heard of the legendary sports commentator and Las Vegas bookie, Jimmy the Greek – James George Snyder Sr. This documentary, released in 2009, focuses on his time in the industry.
Jimmy spent 12 years on the NFL Today program where he would predict NFL game results. However, he was equally as famous for his gambling activities – when gambling was a little less acceptable.
3. Life on the Line
This documentary was first released back in 2013 and it features some of the biggest names in the world of sports betting. Those contributing to the documentary include professional Vegas gamblers Erin Rynning and Teddy Covers. There are also some appearances from the Las Vegas oddsmaker Jay Kornegay and Brian Blessing and Ken Thompson, famous sports radio talk show hosts.
This documentary gives us an up close and personal look at the world of the Las Vegas Hotels’ ‘SuperBook’ in the weeks running up to the biggest gambling event of the year – the Super Bowl.
4. Now Place our Bets: The History of Sports Betting in America
This is a 2017 documentary that looks at the rise of legalised sports betting in Vegas – and how it became a multi-billion dollar industry. Through a series of personal accounts and in-depth interviews, it gives you a look at the past, present and future of sports betting in Sin City.
The documentary features commentary from professionals and sports betting experts from all areas of the industry. You can enjoy a wealth of interesting interviews from bookies, oddsmakers, sports journalists and professional gamblers.
5. The Best of It
This documentary delves into the lives of professional gamblers such as Lem Banker, Ken Weitzner, Alan Dvorkis and Alan Denkenson. It was first released in 2015 and looks mainly at the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament – and it follows the highs and lows of the four professional gamblers as they navigate their way through March Madness.
It gives an open and honest insight into the lives of these professional bettors – and shows us how even the most seasoned gamblers can struggle. In fact, not long after being interviewed for the documentary, Ken Weitzner and his wife both committed suicide after serious losses during March Madness.
6. 60 Minutes Sports Betting: Billy Walters
Bill Walters is widely considered to be the most successful Vegas gambler of all time and he is described by many as being ‘The Godfather’ of sports betting in Vegas. The interview, which took place in 2011, gives us a rare insight into the very private world of the legend.
Stories suggest that, when betting on sports, he never had one losing year. Apparently, he once made a million in a round of golf – and won another $3.5 million on the Super Bowl… he certainly has some stories to tell and some lessons to teach.
These are just some of the great sports documentaries out there – but there are plenty more. They are great to give us a real and rare glimpse into the world of professional sports bettors and experts.
