Ashley Revell biography
Ashley Revell was born in England around 1971 or 1972 and worked in television before his life-defining moment, including a stint as the News Bunny mascot for L!VE TV and later work as a researcher and talent booker; a 2000 Channel 4 documentary had followed his attempts to launch a television presenter talent agency, with critics questioning the venture's prospects.
Revell had also claimed to have earned roughly £25,000 as a professional poker player over the two years prior, a claim the Evening Standard later treated with some skepticism. His life changed permanently on April 11, 2004, when he sold virtually everything he owned, including his clothing, to raise US$135,300, then walked into the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and placed the entire sum on a single spin of the roulette wheel, betting on red.
The ball landed on 7, a red number, and Revell doubled his money to US$270,600 in one of the most audacious and widely covered gambling moments in modern history, filmed by Sky One as the reality miniseries "Double or Nothing." He used a portion of his winnings to enter the World Series of Poker afterward and later founded an online poker company, Poker UTD, which operated for several years before closing in 2012 amid U.S. account freezes affecting the business.
Following his Las Vegas win, Revell took a motorcycle trip through Europe, during which he met his future wife in Holland. His legendary bet went on to inspire Simon Cowell's television game show "Red or Black?," which aired from 2011 to 2012.
Career summary
Famous for selling everything he owned to bet his entire life savings on a single spin of roulette in 2004 and winning, Ashley Revell parlayed the moment into a poker career and the online poker company Poker UTD.
Ashley Revell poker winnings
2004 - Single Roulette Spin (Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas) - Bet $135,300 on Red - Won $270,600 (ball landed on 7, red)
Ashley Revell playing style
N/A - Revell's fame rests primarily on a single legendary casino bet rather than a documented competitive poker playing style.
Business & sponsorships
Founded the online poker company Poker UTD following his famous win, which closed in 2012 after U.S. player account freezes affected the business.
Why Ashley matters
An Englishman who sold virtually everything he owned — including his clothing — to bet his entire life savings on a single spin of roulette in 2004, Ashley Revell became one of gambling's most legendary figures overnight after the ball landed in his favor.
FAQ about Ashley Revell
What is Ashley Revell most famous for?
In 2004, he sold everything he owned to bet his entire life savings, $135,300, on a single spin of roulette, and won, doubling his money to $270,600.
What did Ashley Revell do after his famous win?
He entered the World Series of Poker and later founded the online poker company Poker UTD, which closed in 2012.
How many WSOP bracelets does Ashley Revell have?
Ashley Revell has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.