Celebrities are not immune to the widespread appeal of gambling. This article will profile ten well-known people who have made headlines for their high-stakes gambling and subsequent triumphs. These artists, from actors to musicians, have found not only professional success, but also excitement and wealth at the gaming tables.
Affleck, Ben
In addition to his acting profession, Ben Affleck is well-known for his passion for card games like poker and blackjack. In 2004, Affleck won the California State Poker Championship and took home $356,400. He has been photographed playing in high-stakes poker events. His bad luck hasn’t been limited to wins, either; he once reportedly lost $400,000 in a single night at blackjack.
After being caught card-counting after a string of victories in blackjack at the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas in 2014, he was banned from playing there permanently.
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As portrayed by Tobey Maguire
As well as his position as Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire is well-known in the world of high-stakes poker. Maguire took home $95,480 from the 2004 National Championship of Poker. In addition, Maguire has played in clandestine poker games with the likes of Ben Affleck and Leonardo DiCaprio, among other celebrities and professional poker players. He has been sued for his part in an illegal gambling ring, thus his participation in these activities is not without controversy.
As played by Charlie Sheen
Hollywood A-lister and American television gambler Charlie Sheen is no stranger to the edge of the action. The actor has revealed that he has a gambling addiction and that it has been a problem for him throughout his career. Poor gambling decisions reportedly cost Sheen about $200,000 per week. But Sheen did score some significant victories. Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Oscar De La Hoya was his biggest professional boxing victory. He placed a staggering $1 million wager on Pacquiao and came out on top. Sheen’s gambling habit has caused him serious problems in his personal and professional life, including financial difficulties and damaged relationships. Eventually, Sheen had to give up gambling, and that was in 2012.
As played by Matt Damon
Famed actor Matt Damon has worked alongside Ben Affleck in the gambling film Rounders. Damon’s previous films include Good Will Hunting and the Bourne trilogy. The movie has become a classic among poker fans thanks to its portrayal of the underground poker scene. Damon’s gambling-related philanthropy includes hosting charity poker tournaments. Damon has also played in numerous Texas Hold’em games and World Series of Poker (WSOP) events.
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P. Anderson, Pamela
Actress Pamela Anderson, best known for her role in “Baywatch,” has also felt the pull of the casino scene. Anderson has been seen at celebrity poker tournaments and has admitted to having a penchant for various gambling activities like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and slot machines. She has also leveraged her celebrity to benefit numerous organizations by hosting poker tournaments to benefit their causes.
Jordan, Michael
The legendary basketball player Michael Jordan has a reputation for being fiercely competitive, and not just on the court. They say Jordan loves to gamble, especially at golf courses. Jordan has always maintained that his gambling habits are within his limits and not reason for concern, despite the fact that some of these rumors have been controversial and have affected his public image.
Romano, Ray
Ray Romano, star of the hit comedy “Everybody Loves Raymond,” has a secret hobby: he loves to gamble. In his stand-up acts, Romano has mentioned his experiences with sports betting and even used gambling as a punchline. His performances are distinguished by a fresh and hilarious take on gambling. But he became clean in 1998 after seeking treatment at Gamblers Anonymous.
Shannon Shannon, Elizabeth Elizabeth, who has appeared in films including “American Pie” and “Scary Movie,” is now a well-known professional poker player. Elizabeth is a seasoned poker player who has taken her game all the way to the World Series of Poker. She beat off 83 other famous people at the fourth annual Celebrity Poker Showdown, winning herself $50,000. In addition, between 2006 and 2010, she won a total of 12 poker tournaments.
To put it simply, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is well-known for more than just his impressive record inside the ring. Mayweather is well-known for his propensity to wager large sums of money on sporting events, notably boxing bouts. His reputation as a high-stakes gambler has grown in tandem with the public’s knowledge of his gambling activities. Despite his success at the tables, Mayweather was barred from the Bellagio in 2012 for violating the casino’s dress code.
Jenny Tilby
Jennifer Tilly, an actress who has appeared in films like “Bride of Chucky” and “Liar Liar,” has made a successful move to the world of professional poker. Tilly is a well-known poker player who won a bracelet in the 2005 World Series of Poker. To add insult to injury, she was a Spirit of Poker Living Legend Award finalist in 2014.
Concluding Remarks
Even the affluent and famous can’t resist the excitement of a good gamble, as evidenced by these 10 well-known celebrities. They’ve tried their hands at everything from poker to blackjack at the casino, and it’s just brought glitz and glamour to their life. Others have found success and even exploited their gambling skills for charitable causes, while still others have been the subject of controversy and strife.