There’s no doubt that gambling is a more popular pastime for celebrities than it is for the ordinary person, who mostly gambles for quick money. Their gambling habits are often exaggerated or, in many cases, turn out to be rumors. Meanwhile, some are generally recognized truths.
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Stars and Gambling
Here are the five stars famous in the gambling industry for their thrill for action or fun.
- Ben Affleck
- Michael Jordan
- Charles Barkley
- Drake
- Tobey Maguire
Ben Affleck
The American actor and filmmaker, known for his role as DC’s Batman and for producing and directing films like “Argo,” happens to be a very skilled poker player. His prowess showed at the 2004 California State Poker Tourney, where he won a staggering $356,000. It doesn’t end there.
He was reportedly banned from Hard Rock Casino for “counting cards,” a technique used by professionals highly skilled at Blackjack. We guess Hard Rock Casino was scared of how good he might have been at the game.
While he has had some significant losses, we wouldn’t say he loves gambling to a fault, but he most definitely has his head in the game. Ben Affleck is the type of player who gambles socially, looks for fun, and walks away with his money.
If you think you may fall in the same gambler type Afleck does, one recommendation may be to stick with gambling sites that reward regular play. A good example, in this regard, is Casino Lucky Ones. They’ve got a loyalty program with 8 tiers — each promises daily, weekly, and monthly perks. That is, the more you play, the more they’ll be rewarding you.
Michael Jordan
He is a legend etched in the annals of sports history, known for his unparalleled basketball skills, unfathomable dunks, and lay-ups. A six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP, Jordan is a scorer of remarkable brilliance and a defender of unmatched tenacity.
Despite his iconic game-winning plays, accolades, and unforgettable endorsement deals, he was also an avid risk-taker.
In an interview, he was asked if he had a gambling problem. His response was,
“No, I enjoy it. It’s a hobby. If I had a problem, I’d be starving. I’d be hawking this watch, my championship rings. I would sell my house and my children. No, I don’t have a problem.”
He termed his gambling habits a “competition problem,” a very humorous remark. MJ was the type of player who did not gamble for riches but for the love of the game variety that casinos offered.
Charles Barkley
Another former American basketball forward and a close friend of Jordan, which suggests some influence might have been passed on. However, unlike Jordan, Charles Barkley was a gambler who suffered many losses. In a 2006 interview with ESPN, he stated that he lost $2.5 million in two hours.
The Round Mound of Rebound was even sued by a Las Vegas casino, Wynn, for failing to pay a $400,000 debt.
In an interview with Club Shay Shay, he openly admitted to loving gambling, winning a million dollars from $25,000 deposits, and losing several times (about 25 times). One could tell gambling was a significant expense for him until he changed his mindset.
A player like Charles Barkley is often characterized as a compulsive gambler. Who chases the thrill of a win all the time regardless and who somehow gets affected by their losses. Sure, not all games offer this level of drama. If your style is similar to that of Barkley, why not try these slotspeak.com/playtech/ — the list entails some of the best titles, which will guarantee you heightened anticipation and immense winning potential.
Drake
We tag him as the King of Roulette, Blackjack, and other such games. He would win $1 million in a roulette game and remain only slightly motivated. He also set a world record for the maximum win on roulette, winning a whole $11,952,000.
We’re talking about amounts that match the net worth of some self-made or successful people. He’s a high-stakes gambler who sometimes gambles for the fun of it. Despite being wrongly tagged a gambling addict, the saying goes, “Idle hands and full wallets often lead to hobby halls.”
Drake is a player who plays for the fun of it. He is the casual social type of gambler who wants to relax and win on any bet they go in. He has the kind of pockets to be casual with some of his large wagers.
Tobey Maguire
Spiderman (Tobey Maguire) in Spiderman 2 is not just a Hollywood star but also a highly skilled poker player. His high-stakes poker games became known after a 2011 lawsuit. It was for winning over $300,000 from hedge fund manager Bradley Ruderman, a convicted Ponzi scheme operator.
Maguire reportedly participated in exclusive, underground poker games frequented by other A-listers and wealthy business people.
Despite his success in these games, his gambling habits have also brought him legal troubles and unwanted media attention. Yet, his poker skills and competitive spirit are well-recognized in the celebrity gambling world.
Our fav Spiderman frequently exhibited playing styles of antisocial personality gamblers with his preference for underground games.
Conclusion
You know, it’s pretty wild when you think about it. These celebs we see on the big screen or cheer for on the court? They’re out there hitting the casinos just like regular folks—only with way bigger stakes!
However, some of these stars cannot totally rule out their fair share of losses and drama. In other words, whether it is the Hollywood star or the Joe in the street, gambling has that allure—the gamble, the game, and the win
