Archi Karas: The Legendary Gambler's Life Story and Views on Gambling

Archi Karas, a legendary figure in the gambling world, has a story that spans from his humble beginnings in Greece to his meteoric rise and eventual fall in the gambling scene. Born in 1950, immediately after World War II, Karas grew up in a poor family in Greece. His father earned very little, and the family struggled to make ends meet. At the age of 16 or 17, Karas moved to the United States, initially working on a ship before settling in the country.

Karas' gambling career began with pool and poker. He eventually became proficient in blackjack and craps, which became his main games. His peak earnings were $18 million, but he eventually lost all his money. Despite his financial losses, Karas believes that gambling is not a dependency for him but a way of life and a source of income.

Karas' life in gambling was not without its challenges. He was diagnosed with an aneurysm of the brain due to constant stress from gambling. He was also arrested and convicted for marking cards, receiving a three-year sentence and a $12,000 fine. Despite these setbacks, Karas' famous winning streak, known as 'The Run,' began with a $50 investment in Las Vegas. He believes that his success in gambling is due to his skill and the constant stress that comes with it.