From Mozart and Casanova to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, there’s never been a shortage of celebrities who enjoy recreational gambling. And now even more of today’s celebrities are tuning in to the convenience and enormous variety offered by their favorite online casino real-money gambling platforms.
Read on to discover some of the world’s most iconic celebrities who love playing online casino games and traditional casino games in their free time.
Matt Damon
The first famous high-roller on this list of people on this list is actor extraordinaire Matt Damon. The five-time Oscar nominee and winner of one Academy Award developed an appreciation for gambling when he played law student and gifted poker player Mike McDermott in the hugely popular movie “Rounders” in 1998. Professional poker player Johnny Chan coached Damon to prepare for his role. Long after work on the movie ended, the Hollywood A-lister continued to indulge in casino table game classics such as poker and blackjack. While he’s been quoted saying he doesn’t get to play as often as he’d like, Damon can occasionally be spotted in some of the most famous casinos in the world.
Ben Affleck
Matt Damon’s best bud, Ben Affleck, needs no introduction. And, like Damon, he’s a poker and blackjack man. In 2013, Affleck starred in the crime thriller “Runner Runner,” which had the star pitted against a fictitious empire of online casino websites. While the movie generally received negative reviews, Affleck continued his enjoyment of gambling, with casino staff reporting he always tips generously.
George Clooney
George Clooney has enjoyed visiting casinos and celebrity gambling hotspots around the world to such an extent that he started proceedings in 2005 to buy a casino in Las Vegas. His plans never got off the ground, though, so this famous high-roller has to content himself with outings to other people’s casinos, and acting in casino-themed movies like “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Twelve,” and “Thirteen.”
Brad Pitt
The “Ocean’s” franchise got Brad Pitt interested in the pleasures of the best online casino games like poker and blackjack, as was the case with so many of his colleagues. To prepare for his gambling scenes, Pitt visited a number of casinos to practice his game skills and to get a feel for the atmosphere that’s so unique to these establishments. He’s continued to indulge in a casino table game every now and then when time allows.
Ray Romano
The star of “Everybody Loves Raymond” is a man of many talents. Apart from being an accomplished actor, he’s also pretty good in a stakes room. He’s earned a reputation as a decent poker player, having participated in the World Series of Poker on several occasions.
Jessica Simpson
Actress and musician Jessica Simpson, of “Dukes of Hazzard” and Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” fame, bought a suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Vegas so she wouldn’t have to go far to indulge in a bit of recreational gambling or enjoy all the other forms of entertainment on offer in the Gambling Capital of the World.
Michael Jordan
Sports celebrities know how important it is to keep practicing and developing their skill set. They also understand that no matter how often they practice, there will always be an element of luck in every success. This fickle combination could be what attracts so many sports celebrities to gambling and playing at casinos online.
Of all the celebrities who gamble included on this list, rumor has it that basketball legend Michael Jordan can’t resist a wager. Along with casino gambling, he’s been known to bet on the outcome of games like rock-paper-scissors, and whenever he takes to the golf course (which is often, because it’s his favorite sport after basketball), he bets money on any number of aspects in a round. Fellow sportsman Charles Barkley has mentioned Jordan even placed $300,000 on the outcome of a single putt.
Tiger Woods
Now here’s a man who knows all about playing for high stakes. This enormously talented golfer and controversial celebrity is a fan of blackjack, and with a personal fortune of around $800 million, Tiger Woods’ bankroll is whatever he chooses.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
While many have placed bets on Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s fights, the flashy fighter, worth over $1 billion, has been known to bet enormous sums of money on sports events. It’s even rumored that he was planning to bet $400,000 on himself to beat UFC star Conor McGregor, but decided not to go ahead with the bet when various sportsbooks started to question the legality of this type of wager. One of his most famous bets, which he boasted about on social media in 2012, was when he put $1.1 million on an Oregon vs. Arizona State college football game. That time, the fighter got lucky. He made a $1 million profit off the bet when the Ducks took the game 43-21 to cover the spread.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is no stranger to the gambling delights of the City of Lights. She’s often spotted in various Las Vegas establishments, and will play casino online games and other favorites in between meetings and engagements.
50 Cent
Hip-hop artist and business mogul 50 Cent is another celebrity with a reputation for placing bets on sports events. He once wagered $2 million against boxer Manny Pacquiao, then another bet of the same value on the 49ers against the New York Giants. He was lucky enough to win both bets, but he’s lost a fair amount over the years as well.
Why Do Celebrities Find Gambling So Exciting?
Have you ever wondered why the rich and famous flock to the casino floor, place massive bets on those sports games, or play casino online games like anybody else? While most gamblers who aren’t famous are drawn to the thrill and the potential wins, it definitely isn’t about the money for celebrity high rollers (who are already obviously rolling in plenty of it). For most celeb gamblers, gambling is an exhilarating escape from the pressures of fame and a chance to test their luck against the odds. And who can deny how much fun it is to practice your poker face or win some free spins in an online slot?
Fame and fortune sound like a dream, but that lifestyle comes with a lot of scrutiny and stress. Gambling can also be a wonderful way for celebrities (and regular people) to unwind, just as long as players know how to gamble responsibly and set a reasonable bankroll for themselves. Unfortunately, this can be challenging since most celebrities have plenty of money on hand, making the risk of losing bets not nearly as concerning — and the opportunity to win big even more tempting.
Celebrity Gamblers in the Spotlight
When a celebrity hits the jackpot, is banned from a casino, or suffers a major loss, the world takes notice. Their gambling habits can shape public perception of gambling itself. A star athlete’s well-publicized win at the poker table might spark a surge in interest in the game. A respected actor’s struggle with gambling addiction can raise awareness about the importance of responsible gambling.
Celebrities’ actions can even influence betting trends. For example, if a famous rapper places a massive bet on a particular team, fans and followers will also often jump on the bandwagon, potentially skewing the odds.
Ultimately, the impact of celebrity gambling, both positive and negative, reverberates throughout the industry. It’s vital to remember how wealthy many of these celebrity gamblers are so you don’t use their habits as a model for your own. Have fun and take calculated risks, but never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
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