Phil Mickelson responds to allegation he bet $1B on sports

Phil Mickelson. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Mickelson responds to allegation he bet more than $1 billion on sports

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Aug 11, 2023 7:35 AM ET

Phil Mickelson is facing serious allegations that he not only wagered more than $1 billion on sports but attempted to place a hefty bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup. However, the LIV Golf defector who cried poor doesn't seem too bothered by the unflattering attention, denying any wrongdoing in a statement Thursday.

"I never bet on the Ryder Cup," Mickelson said, via Evin Priest of Golf Digest. "While it is well-known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game."

Earlier on Thursday, sections from an upcoming book by well-known gambler Billy Walters surfaced, including several tidbits about Mickelson and his propensity to let it ride, even on the golf course. According to Walters, Mickelson attempted to place a $400K bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which he participated in. Furthermore, Walters contends that Mickelson has lost roughly $100 million on bets over the last 30 years.

Phil Mickelson attempted to bet $400,000 on the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2012, according to Billy Walters.
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) August 10, 2023

Despite being among the highest-paid athletes in all sports over the previous decade, making an estimated $480 million, Mickelson was an unlikely backer of LIV Golf during its battle with the PGA Tour. Mickelson heavily criticized the regime leading the once-rival league but joined anyway for what it meant for himself and fellow golfers — mainly more money.

Mickelson's issues aren't new, and the 53-year-old says he no longer gambles. However, no matter how you slice it, the latest revelations about his betting habits must be alarming to the golf and sports world.

"I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now," Mickelson said.

Since the U.S. lifted restrictions several years ago, there's been a boom in sports betting, which is only continuing to grow. The NFL has already handed out several suspensions to players for gambling, and Mickelson's alleged actions aren't likely to be the last we hear on the topic, whether in golf or any other sport.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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