Man Bets Life Savings on Roulette - And Wins
Monday, April 12, 2004
LAS VEGAS — A man who put his life savings on the line Sunday took home $270,600 in a double-or-nothing roulette wheel gamble at the Plaza Hotel and Casino (search).
Ashley Revell, 32, a London man who said he liquidated all his possessions to fund his leap of faith, put $135,300 on red at the roulette table as a film crew videotaped his wager.
Wearing a rented tuxedo, he brought cash to the casino, said Rich Rose, the Plaza's president of sports and special events.
After trading the cash for chips and engaging in some low stakes gambling as a warm-up, Revell placed it all on red.
A crowd, including his mother and father, watched as the roulette wheel was spun. The ball bobbled into various slots before landing on Red 7.
His winnings were paid at the table, Rose said. The cash is now nestled in a safety deposit box at the hotel.
Messages left for Revell by The Associated Press were not immediately returned.
Rose said Revell claimed he came to the hotel "with nothing but the clothes on his back."
The idea for the bet was hatched earlier this year during a casual conversation between Revell and a friend, Rose said.
The two explored their options and enlisted a film crew to record the event for possible future release.
Revell received a bottle of champagne and a suite from the hotel. The hotel had him sign the roulette felt and will put it on display in the lobby, Rose said.
Monday, April 12, 2004
LAS VEGAS — A man who put his life savings on the line Sunday took home $270,600 in a double-or-nothing roulette wheel gamble at the Plaza Hotel and Casino (search).
Ashley Revell, 32, a London man who said he liquidated all his possessions to fund his leap of faith, put $135,300 on red at the roulette table as a film crew videotaped his wager.
Wearing a rented tuxedo, he brought cash to the casino, said Rich Rose, the Plaza's president of sports and special events.
After trading the cash for chips and engaging in some low stakes gambling as a warm-up, Revell placed it all on red.
A crowd, including his mother and father, watched as the roulette wheel was spun. The ball bobbled into various slots before landing on Red 7.
His winnings were paid at the table, Rose said. The cash is now nestled in a safety deposit box at the hotel.
Messages left for Revell by The Associated Press were not immediately returned.
Rose said Revell claimed he came to the hotel "with nothing but the clothes on his back."
The idea for the bet was hatched earlier this year during a casual conversation between Revell and a friend, Rose said.
The two explored their options and enlisted a film crew to record the event for possible future release.
Revell received a bottle of champagne and a suite from the hotel. The hotel had him sign the roulette felt and will put it on display in the lobby, Rose said.
