Introducing the Media Tycoon and Gambler
Kerry Francis Bullmore Packer, an Australian media tycoon, born was born on 17 December 1937 in Sydney. He became one of the world’s greatest gamblers, and his legacy was gambling away up to $200 million during his gambling career. He was well-known for his generosity and humbleness because, unlike many high rollers, he did not expect casino bosses to be at his beck and call. Furthermore, his requests were minimal, which were nice rooms for himself and his entourage and an empty table.
Packers Gambling career
Packer not only gambled in casinos but with his marriage. He had several extramarital affairs, including one with Carol Lopes, who reportedly committed suicide after being shunned by him.
Packer was known as a Whale as he gambled for stakes that kick-started the adrenal glands of even the most jaded casino executives. Gambling was Packer’s passion, and he wagered very high stakes. Terry Packer once lost 28.2 million in Blackjack losses to a London Casino, the most significant reported gambling loss in British History. He also had some huge wins like the $33 million he won at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas and often won as much as $7 million a year during his annual holidays in the UK.
His Generosity
Amidst his losses and wins, Terry Packer was known for his generosity and would often give his entourage $100 000 bankrolls before turning free-spending night on the casino employees doling out six-figure gratuities. On another occasion, he paid off a waitress’s mortgage highlighting his generosity amidst his sometimes volcanic temper and perennial contempt for journalists.
Terry Packer passed away on the 26 December 2005 from kidney failure nine days after his 68th birthday. His memorial was attended by big names like Russell Crowe, Prime Minister John Howard, Richie Benaud, Tom Cruise, and the Australian Cricket Team. Terry Packer lived a short life, but he certainly made it count.
