It is no secret that the rich and famous get up to some antics when no one is looking. Some are fun and endearing, while others might come off as unexpected. Even before you get into the list, you just know that with the kind of money celebrities earn, they put down life-changing sums of money for a bet.
For the crème-de-la-crème of the gambling world, discounts, no deposit bonus offers, and betting limits don’t mean much. It comes down to what the gambler is willing to wager. So, let’s dive in!
1. Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson is a golf legend and a notorious gambler. It has been claimed in a book by renowned gambler Billy Walters that Mickelson has wagered over $1 billion in the last thirty years. Being so prolific, Mickelson has been involved in several gambling scandals, including money laundering and insider trading, though he has never faced criminal charges. He is known to make large bets in basketball and football.
2. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck has been a mainstay in Hollywood for a long time and has cemented his legacy as an actor and director. He is also known to be an avid poker and blackjack player with several tournament wins and millions of dollars at the tables. He seems so good at this that he was once banned from a Casino in Las Vegas for card counting. Afflick has admitted to having a gambling addiction and claimed that his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, helped him overcome it.
3. Tobey Maguire
One of the best Spider-Man stars of any generation, Tobey Maguire is another poker enthusiast who has been a part of an exclusive poker ring that boasts names like Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ben Affleck. Maguire was sued by a group of investors who claimed he won millions of dollars from them in illegal poker games. He would eventually settle the lawsuit for $80,000 in 2011.
4. 50 Cent
As a rapper and entrepreneur, 50 Cent has the dough to place massive sports bets during huge events. He has done just that, betting on football games, boxing matches, and even his album sales. He once claimed to have won $500,000 on a bet that Floyd Mayweather would beat Manny Pacquiao in 2015. He also bet $1 million on the New York Giants to win the Super Bowl 2012.
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5. Victoria Coren Mitchell
The British author, television presenter, and journalist is a skilled poker player with an impressive resume as a gambler, unlike many of the stars featured here. She has won two European Poker Tour titles and over $2.4 million in live tournaments. She is famously the only player to have won two ETP Main Events. She is also known for hosting the popular quiz show Only Connect on BBC Two.
6. Charlie Sheen
Admit it; if you know anything about Charlie Sheen, you are not surprised to see his name here. The controversial actor has had more than his share of the wild lifestyle, including gambling. Sheen is known for gambling millions of dollars on sports and casino games. He once admitted to spending $200,000 a week gambling when he married Denise Richard. He reportedly lost $2.5 million on a bet on the 2008 World Series. Classic Charlie!
7. Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson, the former Baywatch star and Playboy model, has an interesting story about slot machines and poker. She has been spotted at various casinos worldwide, confirming her love for the thrill of gambling. She once revealed that she married poker professional Rick Salomon after losing $250,000 to him in a poker game. She later divorced him. Twice!
8. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is a basketball legend and billionaire who has become one of the most celebrity gamblers. He is rumored to have lost millions of dollars on dice, cards, gold, and other games. He admitted to losing $165,000 in Atlantic City during the 1993 NBA playoffs. He also allegedly owed 41.25 million to a golf partner after a series of bets in 1991.
Other Names You Might Recognize
- Shah Rukh Khan– He is a Bollywood superstar and one of the richest actors in the world. He is also a poker and blackjack fan and admitted to losing $200,000 in a single night at a London casino.
- Jennifer Tilly– The American actress and voice artist is a professional poker player who has won a World Series of Poker bracelet and more than $1 million in live tournaments. She has appeared in movies and TV shows that include Liar Liar, Monster, Inc., and Family Guy.
- Tony Bloom– The British businessman and philanthropist is the owner and chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and has won over $3.5 million in live tournaments.
Suffice it to say, when it comes to the rich and famous, everything is bigger, including the bets. Some are good at what they do, and others are out for a good time. It is a different reality from what the rest of the world experiences.
As always, you should play responsibly and seek help whenever you feel like you are developing an addiction or see signs of a gambling problem.
