Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is an instantly recognizable face in the Greater Houston area because of his energetic, rapid-fire sales pitches.

Fifth Annual UNICEF Gala Houston 2018
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In recent years he’s become even more well-known for opening his Gallery Furniture stores to people affected by disasters. After Hurricane Harvey flooded the city, Mattress Mack opened his stores for people who had been forced from their homes. He did the same in 2019 when Tropical Storm Imelda hit. Again, during the 2021 Texas power, when people were freezing to death in their homes, Mack opened his stores for people to shelter in.

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So, “Mattress Mack” is known for his charity and civic-mindedness. He’s also known for making HUGE sports wagers.  Sometimes it pays off, like when he won 3.5 mils for picking Tom and the Buccaneers to beat Kansas City in the 2021 Super Bowl.

148th Kentucky Derby
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He wasn’t so lucky on Saturday when he lost $2.6 million at the Kentucky Derby, According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Mattress Mack put a hefty amount (reportedly 1.5 million) on the favorite Epicenter before the big race. Epicenter lost to 80-1 underdog Rich Strike, the biggest upset in over a hundred years. So, kind of a bad beat for Mack.

148th Kentucky Derby
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Here’s Mack BEFORE the race…

And, here he is shortly AFTER the race…

On the bright side, Mack got a phone number from a sexy younger lady in a silly hat…

Also, he still has the love and admiration of all Houstonians. Better luck next time, Mattress Mack!

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