William Lee Bergstrom

Childhood

William Lee Bergstrom was born in Austin, Texas in 1951. According to accounts from his brother Alan, their childhood was troubled. The Bergstrom brothers grew up in a broken home following their parents' divorce. Throughout his youth, William desperately sought the approval and affection of his father, a need that would seemingly influence his later risk-taking behavior.

Career

Bergstrom achieved legendary status in gambling circles on September 24, 1980, when he walked into Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas carrying two suitcases—one filled with $777,000 in cash and the other empty. This bold move earned him the nicknames "The Suitcase Man" and "Phantom Gambler."

Taking advantage of Benny Binion's famous policy of honoring any size bet for a first-time player, Bergstrom placed the entire amount on the Don't Pass line in a game of craps. The shooter established a point of six but then rolled a seven two rolls later, resulting in a win for Bergstrom. Casino owner Benny Binion personally helped Bergstrom fill the empty suitcase with his winnings.

After his remarkable win, Bergstrom disappeared from the gambling scene for several years, reportedly traveling the world. However, he returned to Binion's Horseshoe Casino on March 24, 1984, placing a $538,000 bet on craps. Once again, fortune favored him, and he won. To celebrate, Bergstrom took his mother to a Willie Nelson concert and continued his winning streak with an additional $117,000 from three more craps bets.

His luck changed dramatically on November 16, 1984, when he returned to place what was then the largest single bet in casino gambling history—$1 million. This time, his suitcase contained $550,000 in cash, $140,000 in gold Krugerrands, and $310,000 in cashier's checks. Bergstrom again bet on the Don't Pass line, but the shooter rolled a seven on the come-out roll, resulting in a devastating loss for Bergstrom.

Personal life

Details about Bergstrom's personal life remain limited. According to reports, he experienced a significant relationship with a man ten years his junior, and the end of this relationship may have contributed to his eventual suicide.

Legacy

William Lee Bergstrom never recovered from his million-dollar loss. On February 4, 1985, just months after his record-breaking loss, he took his own life by swallowing pills. Despite assumptions that financial ruin drove him to suicide, friends and family believed he still possessed considerable wealth—approximately $647,000—at the time of his death. A suicide note suggested that his decision was influenced by the breakup with his partner rather than financial difficulties.

Bergstrom's extraordinary gambling story has become legendary in Las Vegas lore. His legacy as "The Suitcase Man" continues to inspire various awards and prize giveaways throughout Las Vegas casinos. The tale of his audacious bets serves as a cautionary yet fascinating chapter in gambling history, demonstrating both the thrilling highs and devastating lows that can come with high-stakes gambling.