In the illustrious world of fame and wealth, where the stakes rival the towering skyscrapers of Las Vegas, many celebrities and athletic icons get excitement from their professions and the exhilarating domain of gambling.

The appeal of casino games transcends just seasoned players. A multitude of celebrities are captivated by the excitement of casinos and play games such as poker and roulette regularly.
Whether one appreciates the technique of blackjack, the randomness of slot machines, or the excitement of craps, here are other celebrities recognised for their gambling prowess:
Dana White: The UFC President is a Casino High-Roller
Dana White, most known for producing some of the world’s most competitive and popular mixed martial arts events under the UFC banner, also likes to lace up the gloves and go toe-to-toe with the casino.
White has often articulated the dualism of gambling. There are evenings when he has significant victories and others when he incurs substantial losses; there is no between-ground.
In a podcast with the Nelk Boys, the UFC president disclosed a remarkable gaming episode in which he won $26 million.
“Caesar’s Palace, I clipped these guys for a million bucks a night from the first week of January into March. And I beat these guys for like $26-27 million,”
(Dana White on The Nelk Boys podcast.)
$26 million might be a far stretch from the payouts we’re used to seeing at the best payout online casinos UK, but one thing is for certain: White is putting up some of the biggest casino stakes in the celebrity world!
Michael Jordan Is a Long-Time Gambler
Arguably the best player to have ever played in the NBA is Michael Jordan.
A guy who dismantled the aspirations of several adversaries and is notorious for his passion for gaming. He is said to wager on many events, ranging from golf tournament outcomes to casino games, with some accounts indicating he lost millions in a single evening in Atlantic City.
His gambling habits reportedly contributed to speculation that his first departure from the NBA was connected to these activities, but this was never substantiated, despite rumors of facing debt at the time. Is there one definite fact? The millions he has earned with his signature Nike Air Jordan sneakers certainly would’ve wiped the alleged debt.
Ben Affleck: The Blackjack Connoisseur
Actor Ben Affleck, who recently made headlines when Jennifer Lopez revealed that they were divorcing after two years of marriage, is also well-known for his proficiency at live blackjack; in fact, it was said that he was barred from the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas because he was “too good.”
Rumours in Hollywood indicate that Affleck amassed significant amounts using card counting—a tactic that, although not illegal, is generally disapproved of by casinos and may swiftly lead to a ban from these venues.
Matt Damon: Influenced on the Job
Matt Damon, a close friend and poker companion of Ben Affleck, became heavily involved in the poker community after his performance in the film “Rounders.” His preparation for the part acquainted him with high-stakes poker, and he has since been a fixture at celebrity poker events and charity games.
Interestingly, there have been talks regarding a sequel to “Rounders.” And yes, his co-star in the “Oceans” series, George Clooney, is a passionate poker enthusiast, too. Thus, they are even more prepared for Rounders 2, with their own experience of hitting the tables since the first film’s release in 1998.
Spiderman Tries His Hand at Poker
Yes, Spiderman loves the casino too! But were his Spidey senses enough to take all the chips?
We go back to Hollywood, as Toby Maguire, most known for his role in Spider-Man, participated in clandestine, high-stakes poker sessions with other film industry superstars.
These games gained notoriety after being disclosed in the book Molly’s Game, which was then adapted into a film. Their involvement involved millions of dollars and entailed exorbitant risks for the participants.
Maguire allegedly accrued significant financial gains during this series of clandestine card games—some accounts indicate that the Spider-Man actor earned up to $36 million in this high-stakes environment.
Nevertheless, $300,000 of those wins were allegedly acquired from a hedge fund investor now incarcerated for perpetrating a Ponzi scam. Following the lawsuit against Maguire, he declared an out-of-court settlement amounting to $80,000 in 2011.
Celebrities at the WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is a prominent event for several renowned players. It draws a multitude of celebrities keen to participate in one of the globe’s most esteemed competitions.
Famous participants such as Jennifer Tilly and Shannon Elizabeth contributed substantially to this event. Elizabeth even went as far as shifting from acting to a semi-professional poker career, demonstrating her skill on a prominent platform.
The participation of more celebrities at these esteemed poker tables enhances the game’s excitement and prominence. Their involvement enhances the stakes and makes poker more attractive to a broader audience, merging entertainment with competitiveness.
Cult Singer Johnny Cash Loved a Game of Poker or Blackjack
One of the OG casino lovers from the celebrity world was the late, great Johnny Cash.
The cult singer and music extraordinaire often frequented casinos, both singing there and participating at the poker or blackjack tables. It is significant that despite his substantial fortune, he did not engage in maximum stakes; instead, he treated gambling as a pastime and always gambled responsibly.
To comprehend the artists’ love of casinos, we advise that you acquaint yourself with the details of Johnny Cash:
- He selected low-stakes pokies or table games and engaged in gaming for enjoyment.
- The vocalist often referenced casino gambling in their lyrics, such as in “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.”
- The influence of gambling permeated his actual life, evident in both his work and his music.
The Darker Side of Celebrity Gambling
Conversely, gaming may result in substantial financial liabilities. Charles Barkley has candidly acknowledged the loss of around $30 million over the years. Notwithstanding his wealth, he grappled with the repercussions of his gambling addiction.
Allen Iverson also encountered the more sinister aspects of this realm. His gambling problems, together with his lifestyle decisions, almost brought him to financial ruin.
Numerous obsessive gamblers, including some celebrities, get ensnared in debt. Their narratives illustrate the dangers associated with gambling addiction and the possibility of loss amid the temptation of victory.