Legendary Las Vegas Oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro Retires After 50 Years

Jimmy Vaccaro, a prominent figure in the Las Vegas sportsbook scene, has retired after a notable 50-year career. Vaccaro, who recently turned 80, left his position as an oddsmaker at South Point Casino in July and returned to his hometown of Trafford, Pennsylvania. Reflecting on his career, Vaccaro expressed contentment with his accomplishments and a desire to enjoy a slower pace of life, though he didn't rule out future involvement in the industry.

Vaccaro's career in Las Vegas began in 1975 as a blackjack dealer at the Royal Inn. He later partnered with Michael Gaughan to open a sportsbook there, despite having no prior experience in the role. This venture laid the groundwork for his significant contributions to the Las Vegas betting scene, including the opening of the Barbary Coast sportsbook in 1979 and later roles at the original MGM Grand and Golden Nugget. In 1989, he opened the sportsbook at The Mirage for Steve Wynn, which became a pivotal moment in his career.

Vaccaro gained national recognition at The Mirage when he offered odds on the infamous Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas fight, which led to one of the most significant upsets in sports history. The fight, where Tyson was a 42-1 favorite, became the subject of an ESPN "30 for 30" documentary titled "42 to 1."

His influence extended beyond the sportsbook. Vaccaro appeared in the 1995 TV special "Springfield's Most Wanted," related to "The Simpsons," where he humorously broke down betting odds on fictional scenarios. His role in entertainment was complemented by connections to his family, notably his brother Sonny Vaccaro, who was instrumental in signing Michael Jordan to Nike, a story depicted in the film "Air."

Vaccaro also pioneered the concept of season win totals in sports betting, which began with a wager on the Dallas Cowboys' performance in 1989. This concept has since become a staple in sports gambling. Over the years, he worked with various casinos, including Leroy's and William Hill, before returning to South Point Casino.

Throughout his career, Vaccaro attributed his success to opportunities given by figures like Michael Gaughan, Kirk Kerkorian, and Steve Wynn, acknowledging the transformative impact they had on his professional journey.