HOUSTON – If you ever wondered how Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is able to offer free furniture if the Astros win the World Series, this may help you understand.
On Tuesday, he flew to Mississippi to place a $3.5 million bet on the 'Stros to win it all.
“The Scarlet Pearl Casino and DraftKings sportsbook allowed me to bet $3.5 million on the Houston Astros to win $7,700,000 in profit and $11,200,000 total,” McIngvale said.
He put the money down at the DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook in Mississippi. The bet is the largest single bet in Mississippi sportsbook history.
Gallery Furniture's owner put in the wager as in insurance policy of sorts.
“We’re looking forward to -- if the Astros win it all ... to refunding money to lots of customers for their mattresses. This will help our customers get free mattresses,” McIngvale said.
Putting in the bet was not as easy as one might think. No other gaming company sportsbook in the world came forward to take the wager.
McIngvale had to call several casinos around the country before he was able to place his bet.
The Scarlet Pearl Casino’s CEO LuAnn Pappas said they jumped at the opportunity to take the bet.
“We are in the gaming business. We take every bet, all action. It’s called gambling,” Pappas said.
Go 'Stros!