Jimmy Vaccaro, a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, has officially retired after a remarkable 50-year career as a bookmaker in Las Vegas. The 79-year-old industry veteran exited his role as oddsmaker at South Point in July and has returned to his hometown of Trafford, Pennsylvania. Reflecting on his extensive career, Vaccaro stated, “It’s been a great ride, but we all get old. It was time. Fifty years is enough. I want to spend some time just doing nothing.”
Despite his retirement, Vaccaro hinted at the possibility of a future return to Las Vegas, noting, “Everything can change in a minute. 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.” He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to a more conventional lifestyle, admitting, “Buying a house and getting a car, that’s way over my head when I have to do it on my own.”
From Blackjack Dealer to Sportsbook Pioneer
Vaccaro’s journey in the gaming industry began in 1975 when he started as a blackjack dealer at the Royal Inn. The casino owner, Michael Gaughan, supported his ambition by allowing him to attend dealer school under a payback agreement. This mentorship led to Vaccaro’s involvement in opening a sportsbook at the Royal Inn, marking the beginning of his influential career in sports gambling.
In 1979, he partnered with Gaughan to open the Barbary Coast sportsbook on the Strip, a significant milestone that set the stage for his future endeavors. Throughout the 1980s, Vaccaro managed sportsbooks at iconic locations including the original MGM Grand and the Golden Nugget, before making a name for himself at The Mirage, which opened in 1989.
Vaccaro gained national recognition at The Mirage for offering odds on the historic fight between Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990. At that time, Tyson was the undefeated heavyweight champion, closing as a 42-1 favorite. Vaccaro recounted, “When The Mirage opened, it was a new era. We got a new type of person coming to The Mirage and sportsbooks in general.” Douglas’s shocking victory is still considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history, and Vaccaro’s role in it was later featured in ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary titled “42 to 1.”
A Diverse Legacy
Beyond his contributions to sports betting, Vaccaro’s career also had a flair for the dramatic. He made a guest appearance on the TV special “Springfield’s Most Wanted,” a 1995 spin-off of the animated series “The Simpsons.” In this unique role, he provided betting odds on the fictional question, “Who shot Mr. Burns?” Vaccaro humorously recalled the experience, stating, “I was the first human on that show. The best part about that was the royalty checks.”
His family background is equally notable, with his brother Sonny Vaccaro being portrayed by Matt Damon in the film “Air,” which chronicles Sonny’s efforts to secure a shoe deal with NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Vaccaro’s innovative spirit extended into creating season win totals for NFL teams. In 1989, he devised a betting line for the Dallas Cowboys when high-stakes gambler Jack Keller inquired about the team’s expected performance under new coach Jimmy Johnson. This initiative not only showcased Vaccaro’s creativity but also transformed how sportsbooks engage with betting markets.
Throughout his career, Vaccaro worked with various sportsbooks, including Leroy’s and William Hill, before reuniting with Gaughan at South Point in 2013. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received, stating, “I was very fortunate to have Michael Gaughan give me a chance to do this. Then I was hired by Kirk Kerkorian and Steve Wynn. It was a great ride.”
As he steps away from the industry, Vaccaro leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the landscape of sports betting in Las Vegas. His contributions and memorable moments will surely resonate with sports enthusiasts and professionals alike for years to come.
