Did Phil Mickelson bet on golf? Book alleges 6-time major champ wagered more than $1 billion in 4 years

A new book penned by a Las Vegas-based professional gambler and convicted felon alleges Phil Mickelson placed more than $1 billion in sports bets and considered wagering on the 2012 Ryder Cup, even though he was a member of the team, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.com.

The book by Billy Waters, titled “Gambler, Secrets of a Life at Risk,” entered into a gambling partnership in 2008, according to the SI report.

Mickelson, who currently plays on the LIV Tour, denied Thursday afternoon that he placed a bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which was won by the European team over the United States in comeback fashion.

“I never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game,” said Mickelson in a report published by the New York Post.

“I have also been very open about my gambling addiction. 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,” Mickelson said.

Walters’ book alleges that Mickelson Walters wagered $100,000 or $200,000 on football, basketball and baseball on a regular basis between 2010 and 2014. He alleges that Mickelson’s total gambling losses were close to $100 million.

The SI report quotes Walters in the book as talking Mickelson out of a $400,000 Ryder Cup bet, invoking former Cincinnati Reds manager Peter Rose, who was banned from Major League Baseball after betting on baseball games.

Walters was convicted of insider stock trading in 2017, according to the SI report. Mickelson was never charged but was required to pay back about $1 million he made in a stock deal with Walters, the report said.

Mickelson is playing in an LIV Golf event this weekend at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, N.J.

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