Calvin Ayre
Childhood
Calvin Ayre was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, and raised on a grain and pig farm. His parents instilled a strong work ethic in him early on, assigning him tasks like raising livestock and selling them for profit.
Despite financial struggles, Ayre funded his own education, earning a Bachelor of Science in General Sciences from the University of Waterloo (1984) and later an MBA in Management Finance from the City University of Seattle (1989).
Career
Early Ventures
1992: Inspired by a newspaper article on telephone betting, Ayre saw the potential of online gambling and pivoted his Vancouver-based internet incubator into a gambling software company.
1996: Established his first gambling business in Costa Rica.
2000: Launched Bodog, an online gambling brand that became a global phenomenon. Ayre’s marketing genius—including the "Bodog Girls" and celebrity-filled parties—cemented its reputation.
Expansion & Diversification
2003-2007: Expanded into music (Bodog Music), MMA (Bodog Fight), and televised poker (WildCard Poker).
2006: Featured on the cover of Forbes' Billionaires issue, solidifying his status as an industry titan.
2010s: Shifted focus to blockchain, investing in Bitcoin and launching CoinGeek.com, a cryptocurrency news platform.
Personal life
Known for his extravagant lifestyle, Ayre hosted lavish parties with celebrities, bodyguards, and models.
An avid sports enthusiast, he sponsored football clubs like Ayr United and West Bromwich Albion.
Holds dual citizenship (Canada & Antigua) and serves as Special Economic Envoy for Antigua and Barbuda.
Revenue
Net Worth: $1 billion (per Forbes, 2006) .
Later, wealth was derived from Bitcoin investments and real estate developments.
Interesting facts
Bodog’s Name: Chosen for being short, memorable, and unique (under six letters).
Forbes Cover: The 2006 issue dubbed him "Catch Me If You Can" due to his legal battles.
Bitcoin Pioneer: Funded a $100M resort using Bitcoin profits.
Philanthropy: Donated $200K for Typhoon Haiyan relief and supports education in Antigua.
TV Appearances: Featured on MTV’s Cribs and VH1’s Fabulous Life Of….
Legacy
Ayre’s impact on online gambling, blockchain, and digital entertainment is undeniable. Despite legal troubles, he remains a visionary entrepreneur who reshaped industries through innovation and bold branding.
Frequently asked Questions
Ayre built his wealth through Bodog, one of the first major online gambling brands, later expanding into blockchain investments.
No. He received probation and a fine but avoided prison.
He was an early Bitcoin investor, funded BSV Blockchain, and launched CoinGeek.
His $200K donation for Typhoon Haiyan relief and ongoing support for education in Antigua.
