Man Who Turned $50 Into More Than $40 Million

Every passionate gambler was heard a name of Archie Karas at least one in a lifetime. This man is a truly gambling legend and his story is what every gambler dreams of. He became famous for the largest and longest documented winning streak in casino gambling history, simply known as The Run. He managed to turn $50 into more than $40 million!

Archie Caras was born as Anargyros Nicholas Karabourniotis on Greek island Cephalonia. The early childhood he spent in poverty and because of that, he had to shoot marbles as a teenager to avoid going hungry. He was in a bad relationship with his father and when he had 15 years Archie ran away from home and goes to the US.

He started working in Los Angeles at a small restaurant that was connected to a bowling alley and a pool hall. There he honed his pool skills and eventually made more money playing pool than he did as a waiter. After that, he went to Los Angeles card rooms to play poker. Archie was so naturally talented at the game that he actually was able to earn over $2 million in just a matter of months. At the end of that same year 1992, he lost all but $50 of that money playing high stakes poker.

This extreme lose he took as a sign to move to Las Vegas and take on new challenges. He drove in this city with last $50 and soon his friend loan him $10,000 to gamble with. It didn’t take long for Archie to turn the initial $10,000 into $30,000. Karas gave $20,000 back to his friend, leaving himself with $10,000 to spare.

After that, he easily won fortunes playing pool and even more poker. He beat some of the very best players of the time and turned to the dice tables and won even more. By early 1995 he had built up a fortune on $40 million. Unfortunately, in the space of just a few weeks, he lost it all by playing dice, baccarat, and poker.

Today, Archie Karas lives in Las Vegas and continues to play high stakes poker games and complete in the World Series of Poker where he finds some success.