Allan Erlick, a Canadian businessman affectionately dubbed “The Mattress King,” gained a peculiar kind of fame as a high-roller gambler in Louis Theroux’s 2007 documentary Gambling in Las Vegas. The hour-long program, which aired on BBC Two, offered viewers a surreal glimpse into the lives of those consumed by the allure of Sin City’s neon lights and high-stakes tables. Among the eclectic mix of gamblers featured, Erlick stood out as both fascinating and tragic—a man whose seemingly limitless wealth was matched only by his appetite for risk.
The Rise of the Mattress King:
Before his foray into the gambling world, Allan Erlick was best known for his success in the mattress business. His entrepreneurial acumen earned him the nickname “The Mattress Man,” a title that Theroux’s documentary immortalized. Erlick’s reputation as a “whale”—casino jargon for gamblers who wager enormous sums—meant he was treated like royalty whenever he visited Las Vegas. Casinos vied for his patronage, showering him with lavish perks, including complimentary stays in opulent penthouses, gourmet meals, and chauffeured limousines.
However, these extravagant offerings came with a catch: casinos expected Erlick to gamble, and gamble big. And he did not disappoint.
Gambling Like There’s No Tomorrow:
In Gambling in Las Vegas, Erlick’s gambling habits were jaw-dropping. At one point, he was shown playing two high-limit slot machines simultaneously, with some spins costing an eye-watering $5,000 each. Despite his relentless efforts, luck seemed to elude him. Later in the documentary, he tried his hand at blackjack, only to lose staggering amounts of money in rapid succession. Meanwhile, Louis Theroux, ever the awkward observer, was seated nearby, cautiously betting small stakes and consistently winning. The contrast between Theroux’s modest approach and Erlick’s reckless abandon was stark.
Erlick famously declared that he didn’t mind losing $250,000 in a single day, a statement that left viewers incredulous. Yet, by the end of his gambling spree, his demeanor told a different story. As he departed the casino in the same free limousine that had brought him there, he appeared visibly deflated, his confidence seemingly drained along with his bankroll. The man who had once seemed larger than life now looked as though he had been, quite literally, deflated—much like a well-worn mattress.
A Fall from Grace?
What became of Allan Erlick after his appearance in Gambling in Las Vegas remains shrouded in mystery. Reports suggest that he sold his mattress business, a move some speculate was driven by mounting gambling losses. Rumors also surfaced online claiming he had been spotted working as an Uber driver—a striking contrast to the high-roller lifestyle he once enjoyed. While these claims remain unverified, they add a layer of intrigue to his story.
What is clear, however, is that Erlick’s tale mirrors the overarching theme of Theroux’s documentary: loss. Nearly every gambler featured in the program walked away worse off than they arrived, financially and emotionally. And yet, most of them seemed oddly unbothered by their misfortunes. Perhaps, like Erlick, they had grown desensitized to the sting of losing, their compulsion to chase elusive wins overriding any rational concern for the consequences.
There He Is – Allan Erlick Mattress King & His ‘Best Mate’ The Whale Hunter
A Cautionary Tale:
Allan Erlick’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive power of gambling and the often-devastating toll it can take. For a brief moment, he was the Mattress King, living large in the glittering heart of Las Vegas. But as with so many who gamble big, the house always had the upper hand. Today, whether he’s driving an Uber or enjoying a quieter life away from the spotlight, Erlick’s rise and fall stand as a poignant reminder of the fine line between success and self-destruction.
Photo: Freepik (doesn’t depict Allan Erlick)
