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From MC to FOX Sports: How Sam Panayotovich Bet on Himself
Panayotovich's journey from Mount Carmel High School to national sports media was built on grinding, timing, and one major leap of faith.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Sam Panayotovich '07 packed his car and drove from Chicago to Las Vegas in 2018, betting on himself to pursue a career in sports media. Today, he is a betting analyst for FOX Sports, appearing weekly on the network's show 'Bear Bets' and writing weekly betting analysis. Panayotovich's path from Mount Carmel High School to national sports media was not carefully mapped out, but built on repetition, timing, and a willingness to take risks before sports betting became mainstream.
Why it matters
Panayotovich's story proves that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from taking a chance, even when the outcome is uncertain. His journey from a small-time radio host to a national sports media personality highlights the value of persistence, adaptability, and believing in oneself, even when traditional paths to success are blocked.
The details
After attending the University of Illinois and Columbia College Chicago, Panayotovich covered various Chicago sports teams for WGU Radio and called UIC basketball and baseball games. His long-term goal was to host his own show on a major outlet, but he was told he needed more experience to stay in Chicago. When the PASPA law was overturned, opening up the sports betting market, Panayotovich seized the opportunity and moved to Las Vegas to host a full-time sports betting radio show. From there, he transitioned to television roles in Boston and eventually joined FOX Sports as a betting analyst.
- In 2018, Panayotovich packed his car and drove from Chicago to Las Vegas.
- In his first year in Las Vegas, the sports betting market rapidly expanded from one state to ten states.
- Today, sports betting is legal in 40 states across the United States.
The players
Sam Panayotovich
A Mount Carmel High School alumnus who is currently a betting analyst for FOX Sports, appearing weekly on the network's show 'Bear Bets' and writing weekly betting analysis for a national audience.
University of Illinois
The university where Panayotovich initially enrolled as an undeclared business major before transferring to Columbia College Chicago to pursue a career in broadcasting.
Columbia College Chicago
The college where Panayotovich transferred to pursue a career in broadcasting after initially enrolling at the University of Illinois.
WGN Radio
The radio station where Panayotovich covered the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks before joining FOX Sports.
FOX Sports
The national sports media network where Panayotovich currently works as a betting analyst, appearing weekly on the show 'Bear Bets' and writing weekly betting analysis.
What they’re saying
“I decided to, I guess, gamble. No pun intended.”
— Sam Panayotovich (mccaravan.org)
“I wasn't getting that opportunity in Chicago because I was too young.”
— Sam Panayotovich (mccaravan.org)
“We went from one state to ten states in my first year.”
— Sam Panayotovich (mccaravan.org)
“I kind of went from a degenerate to an expert overnight.”
— Sam Panayotovich (mccaravan.org)
“You only got a minute.”
— Sam Panayotovich (mccaravan.org)
What’s next
Panayotovich's continued success and growth at FOX Sports will likely lead to expanded roles and responsibilities within the network, as he continues to establish himself as a leading voice in the rapidly evolving world of sports betting analysis.
The takeaway
Panayotovich's journey from Mount Carmel High School to national sports media stardom serves as an inspiring example of the power of persistence, adaptability, and self-belief. His willingness to take risks and bet on himself, even in the face of uncertainty, has paid off in the form of a thriving career as a respected sports betting analyst on one of the biggest stages in the industry.
