Millionaires in Pennsylvania – How To Become the Next One?
Pennsylvania is home to plenty of millionaires. If you dig a little bit around the web, you will notice that the state has produced quite the number of millionaires, from various fields as well. Singers, actors, magnates, athletes, and gambling gurus. These people have mostly spent their lives building businesses, perfecting skills, and improving their strengths. It’s a lot of work, no denying. Then there are the lucky ones who manage to join the elite six-figure club with nothing but a single lottery ticket.
Gambling has always been a possible and preferred method of becoming rich for many people, not just in PA but all over the world. Here, this state has one trump card that puts it ahead of almost all American states. The ban on online gambling has been recently lifted, which blew the doors open for so many opportunities for the craving punters. The online gambling in Pennsylvania is the new and hottest sector for gamblers willing to test their skills and luck.
We have yet to see what implications it will have on the number of Pennsylvania millionaires. While it’s not an easy feat to build a successful acting career, what we will mostly focus on, are the people that have managed to elevate their personal fortune with the help of their – professional – gambling experience.
List of Millionaires in Pennsylvania – Who Made the Cut?
There are so many possible ways to become successful and wealthy these days should you have the necessary skills, will, and luck. Each of the biggest Pennsylvania millionaires has made the news one way or another thanks to their substantial bank accounts. But how did they manage to amass so much money? Let’s take a look at what each individual pioneers at and get an even better picture.
| Bill Benter | Horse Racing and Blackjack; Net Worth – nearly $1 billion |
| Matt McKenzie | Pennsylvania Lottery; Net Worth – $1 million |
| Jack Schindler | Poker Tournaments; Net Worth – $23 million |
| George Derr | Pennsylvania Lottery; Net Worth – $1 million |
| Joe McKeehen | No-Limit Hold’em Poker; Net Worth – $14.5 million |
| Kobe Bryant | Professional Basketball Player; Net Worth – $600 million |
| Matt Berkey | No-Limit Hold’em Poker; Net Worth – $4 million |
| Mike Smith | Pennsylvania Lottery; Net Worth – $1.5 million |
| Matt Glanzt | World Series of Poker; Net Worth – $6 million |
| Victoria Mars | Heir to Mars Inc.; Net Worth – $7.2 billion |
Naturally, most of the Pennsylvania millionaires that made the cut have somehow managed to achieve it via their common hobby in the face of the gambling industry. One way or another, they have found that their strength is hidden behind a deck of cards on the poker table or conventional lottery tickets.
How Did The Pennsylvania Millionaires Obtain Their Riches?
Throughout the list of the top ten millionaires in Pennsylvania, we will highlight individuals that have exemplified tremendous skills and endurance on their way to becoming filthy rich. At the same time, we have chosen a few lucky individuals that had nothing but a few bucks to spare for a lottery ticket and managed to hit a coveted jackpot — a testament to how it’s possible to become a millionaire for anyone in Pennsylvania that truly believes in it. Let’s have a detailed look at each of the top ten millionaires in Pennsylvania and get to know them a little bit better.
Bill Benter – The Horse Racing Mogul
William “Bill” Banter has made headlines more than once throughout his career. His lifetime earnings are steadily approaching a billion dollars thanks to his mathematical genius and love for horse racing. He invented the most successful program for computer analysis of horse races and prediction of possible winners, which still brings him a fortune to this day. Aside from this, the Pittsburgh-native is an avid blackjack fan and philanthropist that donates millions to various charitable causes in the US and Hong Kong, where his wife is from. A well-deserved spot on the list of millionaires in Pennsylvania, if you ask us.
Matt McKenzie – A Humbled Pennsylvania Millionaire
The next entry in our list of millionaires in Pennsylvania success stories is the one of your average man that followed his guts and ended up being on the right place at the right time. While he didn’t count on any of the best PA online casino sites to reach the six-figure club, it was the state lottery that changed Matt McKenzie’s life forever.
Ever since he moved to York, it was a tradition to buy a ticket for the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle. Well, 2020 may have been a nasty year overall, but for Matt, it started with a million-dollar check and a new and better vision for the future of his family. They weren’t quite sure what to do with the money, but one thing they are certain of: they will take it slow and not spend it away on unnecessary materialistic stuff.
Jake Schindler – An All-Time Poker Mastermind
Jake Schindler’s place among the top te millionaires in Pennsylvania is well-deserved as he is the most successful poker player the state has ever produced. Barely in his thirties, he has won $23 million from playing porker professionally both online and live. He is a frequent visitor at the World Series of Poker tournament, and his preferred game variation is the No Limit Hold’Em.
Born in Bryn Mawr, he started playing on PokerStars once he turned 20. From there on, it was a quick ascent to his 1st major victory a few years later that granted him a whopping $150,000 in monetary rewards. Fast forward to 2020 and with more than $20 million in lifetime earnings, and at his prime age, we have yet to see Jake conquer even more heights.
George Derr – A Lucky Lotto Millionaire
George Derr is yet another example of how it doesn’t take excessive card-playing capabilities or a high-profile career in order to become the latest of millionaires in Pennsylvania. George Derr, similarly to a few of the other additions in this article, has decided that his luck lies in the state lottery. In his case, he opted for an instant-win scratch-off ticket that made him the latest million-dollar addition to Mercer County.
Just imagine spending a mere $20 on a ticket, only to realize that you have won your amount back times 50,000. With a million dollars in the bank account, maybe Mr. Derr could give one of the USA online casinos that actually pay out a shot and maintain the winning streak of his luck.
Joe McKeehen – The No-Limit Hold-em King
There must be something in the water in the Keystone State because Joe McKeehen is the latest example of how the combination of poker and quick thinking can quickly rank you among the millionaires in Pennsylvania. This No Limit Hold’Em aficionado has raked in more than $14 million for various tournaments and poker competitions.
Just at 29 years of age, the North Wales-born made all sorts of headlines with his Main Event win of the mind-boggling $7 million. Just how impressive is it that from a single tournament, he managed to snag a single amount that accounts for half of his lifetime earnings? It’s exciting to see what other poker heights he will conquer next.
Kobe Bryant – The Pennsylvania Sports Superstar
Kobe Bryant may not have been a gambling enthusiast, but this basketball legend is fully deserving of a spot not just on the list of the biggest Pennsylvania millionaires but any list of successful individuals. He was a sporting icon without a match that has won the hearts of millions of people because of his phenomenal skills, humble personality, and charitable work.
His net worth is estimated to be $600 million, and it would have grown even more if it wasn’t for his abrupt and unfortunate passing in a helicopter accident at the beginning of 2020. The entire world mourned with his family as it bid its farewell. The important thing is that his legacy will be forever remembered, and Philadelphia can be nothing short of proud that it gave this magnificent athlete and human being to the world, albeit short-lived.
Matt Berkey – Award-Winning Millionaire Poker Poker
Matt Berkey is not only among the Pennsylvania millionaires thanks to his brilliant poker skills, but he is also the recipient of the prestigious America Poker Award. Even though he has been residing in Las Vegas for ages, he was born in Leechburg, and just at the age of 38, he has already collected more than $4 million from various high-profile poker tournaments.
Matt’s preferred poker game is the No Limit Hold’Em – no surprises here – and is a frequent visitor at WSOP tournament. In his spare time, he is part of an esteemed coaching team at the Solve for Why Academy, which is an Advanced Poker Training Academy.
Mike Smith – Millionaire By Chance
When Mike Smith and his wife from New Oxford when out to have dinner at a local Adams County restaurant, hardly did they imagine that this will change their lives forever. He bought one ticket for the Pennsylvania lottery, which to his surprise, ended up increasing his bank account with $1.5 million and turning him in the latest addition to the list of millionaires in Pennsylvania.
Imagine the celebratory dinner these two had that night. Interesting to note is that Mike is not the first customer to become rich with a ticket bought at Rosie’s Restaurant. Apparently, quite the number of jackpots have fallen right at this place.
Matt Glanzt – A “World Series of Poker” Veteran
Matt Glanzt is a veteran to the gambling scene, and as he is approaching his fifties, he has already amassed more than $6 million. What makes him a particular threat is that he does not specialize in one single type of game, but rather plays them all, and is good at them, too. This makes him a fierce opponent for any tournament, and people should be wary when they see his name pop up.
More than half of his live earnings, he has won from participation at the World Series of Poker, and he is an avid supporter and vocal advocate of the average poker players. He really elevates the sportsmanship factor and exemplifies what a real player’s behaviour should be all about.
Victoria Mars – The Heiress Worth Billions
The last addition in the top ten millionaires in Pennsylvania belongs to a personality that is taking the richness factor to whole new levels. Victoria Mars deserves a spot here simply because she is the wealthiest person in the state. Her net worth is estimated to be a whopping $7.2 billion. Even though she is a successful businesswoman, the most significant chunk of her huge piles of cash comes from inheriting a stake of Mars Inc.
That’s right! It’s the company that made your favourite chocolate bar also made her a billionaire. What’s the connection? She is the great-granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, the founder of Mars Inc. Even though she has enough money to secure generations to come, she doesn’t forget to be human and is actively involved in numerous charity works and organizations. A lucky family to be born in, indeed!
Why Are There so Many Millionaires in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a rich state. It isn’t the wealthiest in the country but is far from being the poorest. According to the annual Phoenix Wealth and Affluent Monitor, The state ranks as the 20th richest in the United States. There are more than 309,000 millionaires in Pennsylvania, which makes up for a total of 6.07% out of the state’s population. In the last years, their numbers have only grown. For comparison’s sake, in 2010, after one of the worst recessions in the country’s history, the number of millionaire households was slightly more than 227,000.
Even though the state ranks 20th overall, the problem isn’t that there aren’t enough millionaires to begin with. The numbers are clearly indicating steady increases. It’s just that some of the other states are catching up faster. Such an example is the District of Columbia, which has seen a drastic increase. In the table below, we have highlighted the most significant percentage increases in terms of millionaires with their respective counties.
| Pennsylvania County | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|
| 1. Columbia County | 60.7% |
| 2. Armstrong County | 47.8% |
| 3. Monroe County | 46.7% |
| 4. Carbon County | 43.5% |
| 5. Union County | 41.5% |
| 6. Northumerland County | 38.1% |
| 7. York County | 36.4% |
| 8. Northampton County | 35.1% |
| 9. Lackawanna County | 33.3% |
| 10. Lehigh County | 32.6% |
Now that the state has made history with making online gambling legal, the free access to digital casino venues would certainly provide the locals with more chances to become millionaires, should their luck prevail. Hopefully, the rest of the country would follow suit and open a whole new chapter for the online gambling in the USA.
Stay Within Boundaries – Gamble Responsibly
No one would complain and deny a fortune. It provides financial stability, security, and could resolve many pressing matters one might have in their lives. However, people should distinguish between the different methods of how one might become rich. Being an athlete or a successful business person does have its hazards. However, when one is striving to become a millionaire with the help of gambling, it poses an even greater risk, namely an impending addiction.
It’s important for the people that play the lottery or engage in other various casino games to know how to control their gambling appetite. Do you feel that it is worth climbing up to the top ranks of the Pennsylvania millionaires for the sake of your entire life? Know that numerous organizations can help you fight back and regain control. Here are some of the more notable ones:
- Gambling Therapy – A website that provides 24/7 support to gambling addicts and their families and friends. You can contact them via e-mail, join groups, and have access to recourses.
- GamCare – GamCare provides gamblers with addiction problems all the necessary tools and knowledge to fight back and regain control, including a 24/7 helpline.
- BeGambleAware – Top-tier confidential help and support website that is at your services around the clock via phone, e-mail, and live chat.
- SMART Recovery – SMART Recovery is a self-management and recovery training website that will provide you with the necessary tools to cure your gambling addiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that the Keystone state definitely has a knack for wealthy individuals and is producing a lot of them. You can find Pennsylvania millionaires in all sorts of fields, from gambling to sports, movie making, and the world of politics and business. In particular, the field of gambling is knocking it out of the park with a number of high-profile gamblers that have already amassed millions.
As we mentioned earlier, Pennsylvania has made the historic step to legalize online gambling. Therefore, we are certain that these numbers will only rise further as more and more online casinos open their digital doors to the 13 million Pennsylvanians that currently live there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we sign out, we have added a brief section of the most frequently asked questions with their respective answers, we are certain people interested in this topic are dying to know. Check them out below and see if you have caught all the details.