The phrase always bet on black is well-known among roulette enthusiasts, symbolizing the strategy of wagering on the black color of the wheel. Defying this popular adage, a gambler from the UK, Ashley Revell, made history with a daring move. He sold all his possessions and emptied his life savings to gamble on a single roulette spin in Las Vegas. In an extraordinary twist of fate, Revell doubled his money in that momentous gamble. Although this remarkable event took place in 2004, videos of Ashley Revell's roulette experience have consistently gone viral on social media, captivating millions of viewers worldwide.
Who is Ashley Revell and how much did he win?
Ashley Revell's daring decision to gamble everything he owned on a roulette game is one of the most iconic moments in gambling history captured on film. Born September 18, 1971, in Maidstone, Kent, UK, Revell made headlines over two decades ago for his audacious, and some might say reckless, decision. In an interview for Discovery UK, 20 years post his bold bet, Revell shared detailed insights about his experience. He admitted to often gambling with friends and occasionally losing money. It was during one of these times that he and a friend conceived the idea of selling all their belongings and betting it all on a double-or-nothing gamble. When it came time to act on their plan, Revell's friend withdrew. Unlike his friend, Ashley was resolute in pursuing his ambition. After selling off his assets—including a Rolex, a BMW, his clothes, and emptying his savings—he had £76,840 (approximately $136,000) to gamble. Revell's determination caught the eye of a TV company through one of his friends. Intrigued by the idea, they proposed a TV mini-series called Double or Nothing. This three-part series would showcase Ashley selling his possessions, betting everything in a Las Vegas casino, and exploring how his life transformed afterward. Reflecting on that period, Revell said in an interview, I thought I really can't back out now. Not that I would have because I was genuinely going to do the bet anyway. But suddenly, it's become a TV program. When the moment came, Ashley Revell bet everything on red at a single roulette spin at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and doubled his money, winning $270,600. While some see Ashley Revell's roulette bet as reckless, others consider it legendary. His bold move is frequently referenced in documentaries about gambling and its associated risks. Fortune favored Revell, allowing him to double his assets, including approximately $30,000 in life savings, resulting in a total win of $270,600 from a single spin.
Ashley Revell roulette bet: red or black?
Ashley Revell initially planned to place his bold bet at the Hard Rock Cafe Casino in Las Vegas. Although he had an agreement with a TV production to film there, the casino withdrew from the arrangement the day before. According to Revell, a group of scammers targeting roulette tables was active in Las Vegas at that time, possibly prompting the Hard Rock Cafe Casino's decision to back out. Ultimately, Revell made his famous roulette bet at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. The moment was captured on video as Revell risked it all, depositing $135,300—essentially his entire net worth, including his life savings—and receiving his casino chips. He faced a critical choice: bet on red or black. As the roulette ball spun, Revell went with red. Before placing the bet, Revell's family, friends, and onlookers cheered him on. However, silence fell over the crowd once the wager was made. In a matter of seconds, Revell's gamble paid off when the ball landed on red 7, doubling his money to $270,600. Contrary to popular belief, the odds of betting on red or black aren't exactly 50/50 due to the presence of a green 0 in standard roulette and an additional 00 in American roulette. By landing on red 7, Ashley Revell's daring gamble proved successful, earning him $270,600.
Ashley Revell net worth and where is he now
Following Ashley Revell's daring roulette stunt, many online users are curious about his current net worth. As reported, his successful spin effectively doubled his wealth from almost $136,000 to $270,600. After his impressive gamble, Revell invested some of his winnings in an online poker company called Poker UTD. Unfortunately, the business closed in 2012. However, Revell also used part of his roulette winnings to travel across Europe on a motorbike, during which he unexpectedly met his future wife. Beyond Revell's net worth, fans are keen to know what he's up to now. Following the media buzz surrounding his famous roulette gamble, Ashley Revell leads a quiet life, maintaining a low profile. As a result, his exact net worth remains undisclosed. Nevertheless, in 2019, 15 years after his legendary bet that doubled his life savings, Ashley Revell returned to the Plaza Hotel & Casino. He was invited to celebrate the venue's newly renovated Party Pit and played Double Zero Roulette.
The bold red roulette bet that changed one gambler's life
Over two decades ago, Ashley Revell placed an all-or-nothing bet in Las Vegas that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His legendary roulette gamble not only earned him momentary fame but also transformed his life. While Revell's story has a happy ending, it's important to acknowledge the potential risks of such high-stakes decisions. Fortunately for him, wagering his life savings and selling everything he owned, even his clothes, paid off when the roulette ball landed on red 7. In 2019, Revell returned to the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for another bet. Although the exact amount he wagered is unknown, the legendary roulette player once again bet everything on red and won.
