Houston’s great promoter is back once again with another big hedge. It might appear that Jim McIngvale, better known by his nickname “Mattress Mack,” is a reckless gambler that takes massive chances. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Mack” is a true businessman who loves a good wager, and has found an effective means to parlay that into the marketing behind Gallery Furniture. He takes a sporting event, like this year’s World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the local Houston Astros, and offers anyone that spends $3,000 or more on mattresses to get them for free, if the “home team wins it all.”

Knowing full well that local fans will flock to the store, it is an effective means to move stock quickly out of the warehouse and into people’s homes on the same day. Simultaneously, he hedges that risk by placing a large bet on the ‘Stros, which if it comes in, nets him a hefty return.

As the event unfolds it generates “buzz” and helps him generate income that can be returned to the community in the form of charitable causes. Everybody wins!

Here is a rundown of some of “Mack’s” biggest bets and how they turned out …

Event: 2017 World Series

Bet: $1 million on the Houston Astros

Result: Won

Taking an idea from the 2014 Broncos-Seahawks Super Bowl, in 2017 “Mack” not only flung open the doors of his Gallery Furniture locations for those that were flooded in Hurricane Harvey, but he offered his deal of “$3,000 or more spent on mattresses,” if the Astros beat the Dodgers. It went the distance, and the home team declared victory, costing the Gallery Furniture guru over $10 million in sales.

The Astros’ Alex Bregman. (Larry Syverson/Wikimedia)

Event: 2019 World Series

Bet: $11.6 million on the Houston Astros

Result: Loss

The Astros faced the untested Washington Nationals in the Series. Sales went through the roof, as the Gallery Furniture owner pulled out all the stops in an advertising blitz. It was a road battle throughout, as the home team lost each time. In the end, “Mack” was defeated … 4 games to 3.

Event: 2021 Kentucky Derby

Bet: $2.4 million on Essential Quality

Result: Loss

“Mack’s” first massive Derby bet was on the Godolphin homebred trained by Brad Cox, Essential Quality. With a wide trip most of the way, the favorite ended up finishing fourth, although he was moved up to third months later after a DQ. His big bet impacted the odds.

Event: 2022 Super Bowl

Bet: $9.5 million on the Cincinnati Bengals

Result: Loss

One of many losses that McIngvale suffered in 2022. This particular one was the largest Super Bowl wager in history. In the end, it was Dallas’ Mathew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams who spoiled “Mack’s” ticket cashing. The final score was 23-20.

McIngvale and Runhappy. (Courtesy of Gallery Furniture)

Event: 2022 NCAA March Madness

Bet: $5.5 million on the Kansas Jayhawks

Result: Win

“Mack” bucked his trend of backing underdogs and went with Bill Self’s favored Kansas Jayhawks to win the NCAA Tournament. North Carolina almost put a crimp in cashing, but the promoter ended up with the win as Self’s Jayhawks upended the Tar Heels, 72-69. It was a close one though.

Event: 2022 Kentucky Derby

Bet: $2.6 million on Epicenter

Result: Loss

Steve Asmussen’s Epicenter was the favorite going into the Derby, but he became an even shorter price after “Mack” dropped a combined $2.6 million on the colt. Of course, it was 80.80-1 long shot Rich Strike that few saw coming late.

Next …

Event: 2022 World Series

Bet: $10 million on the Houston Astros

Potential Payout: $75 million

Jim McIngvale knows how to hedge. Regardless how the 2022 World Series turns out, he is sure to garner attention!