Top Trending: Legendary Oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro Retires

Written by :

C Costigan

Published on :

20 August, 2025

A legendary Las Vegas oddsmakers is retiring after a 50-year career.

One-time Trafford pool hall gambler, later a Las Vegas leader, explains sports betting industry | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Toddy Dewey of the Las Vegas Review Journal first broke the news late Tuesday that Jimmy Vacarro is calling it quits.

"It's been a great ride, but we all get old,” he said. “It was time. Fifty years is enough. I want to spend some time just doing nothing.”

Super high limits - 100 percent welcome bonus

“Everything can change in a minute,” he said. “Who the hell knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. I might do something now and then (for a sportsbook). I’m sure I’ll be back in Las Vegas. But it’s going to take me a while.

“This is one thing I’m sure of, I’m not a normal person. Buying a house and getting a car, that’s way over my head when I have to do it on my own. It will take me a while to get the house and car and everything. … I can’t even turn the light on.”

Vacarro started his career as a blackjack dealer in Vegas in 1975. Royal Inn owner Michael Gaughan would later ask Vaccaro to help him open a sportsbook. The rest is history.

“He said, ‘Do you know how to run a sportsbook?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Good. Neither do I,’” Vaccaro said.

Vaccaro became nationally known at The Mirage, where, unlike most books, he offered odds on Mike Tyson’s fight against Buster Douglas on Feb. 11, 1990, Dewey noted.

Another fun fact, Vacarro once appeared on an episode of The Simpsons.

Former sports radio host and 47 year analyst Coach Joe wrote of Vacarro: "True legend and even better person. When Jimmy was at Golden Nugget, and then Mirage would take my staff to Vegas for Super Bowl weekend and opening week of March Madness. Always accommodating, Mr. V was best. Godspeed, sir."

Carrington tweeted out: "Jimmy, you are THE class act in the Vegas sportsbook world. Thanks for the great advice and legendary stories over the years. All the best my friend. C"

Gambling911 Trending Stories Over Last 24 Hours August 20 (76,342 Impressions Last 24 Hours)

(Little League World Series) 2025 Little League World Series Bracket Championship Payout Odds (18503 impressions, down from 24507 impressions)
(Crime) Top Trending: Bet365 Influencer Arrested (5996 impressions)
(UFC) Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho Fight Odds (4572 impressions)
(MLB) Will the Brewers vs. Cubs Game 2 Be Postponed August 18? What Happens to My Bet? (2455 impressions)
(NFL - New) Bet on Male Cheerleaders (2372 impressions)
(College Football) Iowa State vs. Kansas State Scoring Prop Bets, Winning Margin of Victory Payout Odds - 2025 Week 0 (1530 impressions)
(WNBA) New Betting Market: Color of Next Dildo Thrown on Floor at a WNBA Game (1115 impressions)