Phil Mickelson has been spoiled with fortune! All thanks to his professional wins, sponsors, and other ventures. This has allowed him to fuel his ‘habit‘ of gambling. Mickelson has been in the news for gambling so often that his fans and associates believe that it’s a norm for him.

Just to get a better picture of his addiction, fans might be aware that he was alleged to wager over $1 billion on sports.

In 2023, Billy Walters, America’s most successful bettor, and Mickelson’s former friend, mentioned in his book, Gambler: Secrets from a Life of Risk, that Mickelson wagered $400,000 on Team USA to win the Ryder Cup 2012. Mickelson was a part of the team back then, and they lost to Europe. However, the pro golfer did go on to refute the claims when they went viral.

Phil Mickelson is known for speaking about his addiction openly.  “I never bet on the Ryder Cup,” as he shared his side of the story. He continued, “While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game.” In an honest reflection about his habits, Mickelson also added, “I have also been very open about my gambling addiction.”

He further stated, “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.”

Lefty has also mentioned how his loving wife Amy helped him get better. Last year itself, he wrote a heartfelt message for her wife and said that he truly could not have gotten over his addiction if it were not for her: She has loved me and supported me through my darkest and most difficult times. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her. I’m so grateful for her strength in helping us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us. Because of her love, support, and commitment, I’m back on track to being the person I want to be.”

Walters shed a lot more light on Mickelson’s gambling as the two shared a close relationship when they did.

Detailed information about Phil Mickelson’s gambling

Walters and Lefty met at the 2006 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for the first time, but their relationship unraveled in 2014 when federal authorities began looking into a series of stock trades they had made. The 6x major winner refused to testify in an ensuing insider trading case against Walters. In April 2017, Walters was convicted on charges of conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud and was sent to federal prison for half a decade.

“Phil liked to gamble as much as anyone I’ve ever met. Frankly, given Phil’s annual income and net worth at the time, I had no problems with his betting. And still don’t. He’s a big-time gambler, and big-time gamblers make big bets. It’s his money to spend how he wants,” Walter wrote.

The Last Vegas businessman stated that Mickelson had wagered 858 bets of $220,000 and 1,115 bets of $110,000. And this was only between 2010 and 2014. Lefty’s former friend estimated that the golfer lost about $100 million in the three decades he had bet actively.

What are your thoughts on Mickelson’s journey from being addicted to gambling to being not? Let us know in the comments below.