Celebrities often possess vast sums of wealth and enjoy spending it lavishly. While some choose wise investments such as real estate or businesses, others simply waste it away on parties, women, booze and gambling.
Ben Affleck, Charlie Sheen and Tobey Maguire are just three Hollywood celebrities known to place bets. But which teams do they favor?
1. Charles Barkley
Celebrities with access to plenty of disposable income and an insatiable taste for luxury may take bold risks at casinos, risking significant amounts of their funds on gambles that may turn out costly; while others might even emerge victorious and make some extra money. Many celebrities wind up losing big while gambling; some even manage to come out ahead and win some extra funds!
Charles Barkley is well-known as an avid gambler who frequently bets on sports and poker events. Over his lifetime, he has lost millions of dollars, including $2.5 million during one six-hour blackjack session alone.
Charlie Sheen, one of Hollywood’s highest-profile actors, is another high-profile figure who enjoys gambling and has been involved in some high-profile scandals relating to it. A frequent visitor of Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos, Sheen is known for betting huge sums on sports and horse races.
2. Harry Kakavas
Celebrities who enjoy gambling typically have much higher disposable incomes than the average person, which can make it more challenging to keep an eye on spending and could result in gambling addiction, leading to financial loss, damaged relationships, and mental health issues.
Kakavas was an Australian high-roller who once gambled away more than $243 million at Crown Casino. According to him, casino management offered him incentives like a private jet and penthouse suite to tempt him back. Ultimately he gave himself an indefinite ban from returning due to such inducements being offered from within their premises.
His case reignited debate about whether casinos should offer such benefits; but, the court bench disapproved, saying pathological gamblers shouldn’t be compensated for freely-made choices; rather they should have the chance to self-exclude themselves.
3. Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen stands out among other well-known celebrities as one who avidly gambles. Specifically, he’s well known as an avid poker fan who once hosted his own high-stakes tournament – not surprising, considering he’s also an established movie actor who’s been embroiled in many controversies.
He’s often been accused of exaggerating his income, yet always manages to find ways to make it in casinos. A fan of blackjack games, he uses card counting strategies in order to win money at tables.
Dan Bilzerian and Shannon Elizabeth are two other famous celebrity gamblers, both social media influencers who love gambling on poker or sports events. Both of them have experienced both winning and losing streaks when it comes to gambling; their addictions can have devastating effects on both finances and lives alike.
4. Pamela Anderson
No matter their outcome, celebrities can become easily drawn into the excitement and glamour of gambling. While most don’t gamble excessively, some do become hooked – something most are unaware of due to widespread ignorance regarding its potential dangers.
Pamela Anderson of Baywatch fame has an interesting casino story. Apparently she once lost a quarter million at poker but didn’t let that get her down; rather she paid it off by enjoying makeout sessions!
Shannon Elizabeth, most widely recognized for her roles in American Pie films, also competes and wins money in poker tournaments. Although known as a high roller, Shannon Elizabeth has yet to enter into the halls of fame.
5. Allen Iverson
American basketball player Allen Iverson lost millions and suffered from gambling addiction issues. He was banned from casinos in Detroit and Atlantic City because his behavior was so disturbing: throwing cards and chips at tables when he lost, peeing in trash cans when winning, even throwing up when winning!
Pamela Anderson and Charlie Sheen have become notoriously known for their love of gambling. Charlie once owed casinos $250,000 while Pamela placed bets on her Sixers winning the championship title.
Aaron Paul, best known for playing Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, enjoys poker and casino gaming – particularly slots – which became his passion during filming Ocean’s Eleven. In 2004 he even won a tournament championship!
