Ordinary people have always been fascinated by the lives of the rich and famous. Celebrities are often idolized by their fans to the point that some may even forget that these people are also human beings, who go through some of the same problems as other people.
This is certainly true when it comes to gambling. It is no secret that celebrities have very large pockets, which raises the question, “What do they do with all that money?” Surprisingly, for many celebrities, the one place they usually end up is the casino floor.
Yes, celebrities do gamble. This means finding one of your favorite actors or sports players playing casino games for crypto [valid where legal] is possible. However, while most celebrities manage to keep their gambling habits under wraps, some gamble so much that they inevitably end up making headlines.
Six Famous Celebrity Gamblers
Cities such as Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, and Macau have always been favored destinations for celebrities. However, the following six famous people are known to visit casinos more often than the average celebrity:
- Allen Iverson
After making a fortune as a star basketball player in the NBA, Allen Iverson found himself a millionaire at a very young age. Considering the ridiculously high salaries these players earn, you would be forgiven to think that they will never be broke for the rest of their lives.
However, Iverson somehow managed to gamble away an estimated $200 million. Imagine how many Plinko games [valid where legal] on bet999 it would take for you to lose so much! It is more money than the average American will live to see in their lifetime. Iverson’s gambling habit was so bad that at one time he had to ask for money from his teammates to cover his debts.
The basketball player has a serious gambling addiction that destroyed his marriage and left him so broke that, according to the player himself, he could not even afford a cheeseburger.
- Michael Jordan
Another NBA player who loved the thrill of the casino floor is none other than household name and American sports icon, Michael Jordan. There are unconfirmed rumors that go as far as claiming that the player was forced to retire due to his gambling habits.
Michael Jordan admitted that while he does gamble a lot, it is a habit that he can afford. That is easy to believe considering that the former NBA star has a net worth of over $2 billion! It would take a lot of effort, bad luck, and a series of bad decisions before the legend of the court finds himself borrowing money for a cheeseburger.
- Ben Affleck
Beloved movie star and Hollywood sensation, Ben Affleck may not be as perfect as his adoring fans may want to believe. It seems the superstar is very fond of Blackjack and Poker.
It helps that the actor is also quite good at card games, as he proved in 2004 by being crowned the winner at the California State Poker Championship. While his talents are plain to see, there are rumors that Ben Affleck has a gambling addiction. Unconfirmed reports in 2001 claimed that he had to check into a rehab center to curb his gambling problem.
- Tobey Maguire
What does Spiderman do when he is not spinning webs and saving the day in New York? Well, if you are referring to Tobey Maguire, he likes to spend his time playing Poker. Unlike other celebrities who try to keep their habits a secret, Maguire is very open about his love for gambling.
The star regularly participates in Poker tournaments, where it is said he may have won close to $10 million in the past. However, it is Maguire’s love for underground betting games that once landed him in trouble.
In 2011, the actor found himself in court facing a lawsuit related to underground Poker games. It is said Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Affleck were also part of these games, although the pair somehow managed to avoid any lawsuits.
- Michael Phelps
One of the things that pushed Michael Phelps to be the star athlete he is today is his competitive streak. However, when not used to break world records, this same competitiveness has proved to be a destructive trait in the swimmer’s personal life.
He is renowned for his “never quit” attitude, but what happens when this is applied to gambling? In 2012, fans of the swimmer were shocked to learn that he had spent more than 8 hours gambling continuously in a casino in Baltimore.
To rub salt in the wound, after the gambling marathon, Phelps was arrested for drunk driving on his way home. This must have served as a wake-up call because the 22-time Olympic Gold medalist has since brought his gambling addiction under control.
- Tiger Woods
At one point, Tiger Woods was a man on top of the world. The golfer is regarded by many as the best player to ever play the game. However, his personal life has never been short of controversy.
It is said that the golfer became addicted to gambling after becoming friends with Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. The gambling habits of these two high rollers rubbed off on Woods, and he has been a popular patron of many Las Vegas casinos ever since.
What is fascinating about Tiger Woods’ gambling habits is that the golfer has a personal limit of $1 million in each casino he plays in, which is usually the famous MGM Grand. Betting at least $25,000 for each hand makes Woods the definition of a high roller.
Woods’ gambling and partying contributed to the collapse of his marriage in a highly publicized divorce scandal. It is said his wife walked away with a cool $750 million as part of the settlement.
Getting Help for Gambling Addiction
While some of the celebrities on this list can afford the kind of expensive lifestyle of a high roller, gambling addiction is still a serious concern. If Iverson can lose $200 million on the casino floor, it is clear that anyone struggling with this type of addiction needs to seek help fast.
Luckily, there are many places online that offer help to those struggling with their gambling habits. If you or anyone you know is facing this problem, seek help today.
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