Don Johnson: The Man Who Bankrupted Atlantic City Casinos

Don Johnson, a professional gambler, made headlines in Atlantic City with his unprecedented wins. In a 12-hour session at Tropicana Casino, Johnson won $5.8 million, with bets as high as $100,000 per hand. His strategy and calm demeanor under pressure made him a legend among high rollers.

Johnson's wins didn't stop at Tropicana. In the four months preceding his record-breaking session, he won $5 million at Borgata and $4 million at Caesars. His success at Caesars led to him being banned from the casino, highlighting the impact of his wins on the industry.

Despite his significant wins, Johnson's impact on the overall financial crisis in Atlantic City casinos was minimal. The industry was already struggling due to the 2008 financial crisis and increased competition from neighboring states. However, his wins did lead to the firing of Mark Giannantonio, the CEO of Tropicana, who had approved Johnson's high stakes.