by Bob Acton of
Sportingbet USA - now SuperBook.com -
With a credit line of $1 million in Las Vegas why would the Gretzky’sbother to place wagers with an illegal operation run by one ofGretzky’s assistants Rick Tocchet? According to published reportsin the Las Vegas Review Journal, former basketball great MichaelJordan has a $2 million dollar credit line, while the hockey coachand former superstar player Gretzky has a $1 million dollar line.
Gretzky's wife normally plays at the $1,000-a-hand level, asource said. Both usually play blackjack. The couple often playsin the MGM Grand Mansion, where guests must risk $250,000 overtwo or three days to stay in the high-roller suites.
She is under investigation, published reports say, for bettingmore than $500,000, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl. Gretzky'sassociate coach, former NHL player Rick Tocchet, now on a league-orderedleave of absence, is accused of operating the ring with a NewJersey state police trooper.
Here in Canada where Gretzky is widely considered the greatestathlete of all time, people refuse to believe that the ultra conservativeGreat One is capable of this type of extravagance. With the Olympicson the agenda in the coming weeks, Gretzky will be front and centeras he leads the Canadian Hockey delegation.
He had an opportunity to speak with the press last week andconflicting reports suggest that he admitted to betting on theoccasional horse race. While wagering in Las Vegas is legal thereare rumblings that his wife has a serious addiction.
In Jordan’s case everyone was well aware of these guys’ tripsto Atlantic City during the NBA Playoffs several years ago andhe has been known to play golf for some serious coin.
