Sports betting has increasingly become a significant trend among celebrities, reflecting a broader societal shift toward the acceptance of gambling in mainstream culture.
For celebrities, sports betting offers a mix of thrill, competition, and the potential for significant financial gain, making it particularly attractive.
Let us talk about celebrities who often partake in sports betting.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is not just a legend in basketball. He’s also very known for his gambling prowess.
His competitive nature, which fueled his success on the court, has also driven him to place high-stakes bets in various gambling ventures, particularly in golf.
Over the years, Jordan has become synonymous with high-risk, high-reward gambling.
- Date of Birth: February 17, 1963
- Net Worth: Approximately $2.1 billion
- Notable Achievement: Six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls
Jordan’s association with gambling began early in his career, with reports of his love for high-stakes golf games and casino visits frequently making headlines.
Perhaps most notably, Jordan has been linked to DraftKings, where he serves as a special advisor, further cementing his status in the gambling world.
Jordan’s gambling habits have not been without controversy. His reported losses, sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single night, have fueled public discussions about his gambling discipline.
Public perception of Jordan’s gambling has varied.
While some admire his willingness to bet large amounts, others have criticized it, particularly when it seemed to interfere with his professional life.
Nonetheless, Jordan remains a significant figure in both sports and gambling, illustrating how the two worlds often intersect.
2. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley On Losing $25 Million Gambling & Only Winning $7 Million
“I love to gamble, I don’t like to gamble.” pic.twitter.com/WsWgtp5ArU
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) May 2, 2024
Charles Barkley is as famous for his charismatic personality as he is for his sports betting.
Known for making bold, large bets, Barkley’s gambling habits are as much a part of his public persona as his basketball career.
His willingness to wager significant sums has led to both impressive wins and substantial losses, making him a prominent figure in the world of sports betting.
- Date of Birth: February 20, 1963
- Net Worth: Approximately $50 million
- Notable Achievement: NBA MVP in 1993
Barkley’s most famous bet might be his notorious Super Bowl wager, where he bet $500,000 on the New England Patriots and won.
His gambling hasn’t always been successful. Barkley has openly discussed his losses, including an instance where he lost millions in a single night in Las Vegas.
Barkley continues to gamble regularly, particularly on NBA games, where he is now involved as a FanDuel ambassador.
Publicly, Barkley has been candid about his gambling, often discussing it with a mix of humor and humility.
The transparency has endeared him to fans, who see his gambling as an extension of his larger-than-life persona.
Sports betting growing is a trend that has been fueled by various factors, including the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in many states across the U.S. Today, it is easy to place a wage on websites such as https://vave.com/prematch.
3. 50 Cent
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is not just a successful rapper and entrepreneur; he’s also known for his savvy sports betting.
His betting endeavors, particularly in the world of professional football, have garnered significant attention, highlighting another facet of his multifaceted career.
- Date of Birth: July 6, 1975
- Net Worth: Approximately $40 million
- Notable Achievement: Grammy Award-winning artist
One of 50 Cent’s most notable bets was on the New York Giants during the 2012 NFL season.
His substantial wager paid off, earning him a significant profit and cementing his reputation as a savvy bettor.
This win was more than just a financial success; it added to his public image as someone who can navigate different industries with equal skill.
50 Cent’s betting activities have often been publicized, contributing to his larger-than-life persona.
His involvement in sports betting, combined with his success in music and business, presents him as a versatile individual who thrives in high-stakes environments.
For 50 Cent, sports betting is not just a hobby but another avenue where his risk-taking nature shines through.
4. Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher’s journey from actor to professional sports bettor is both intriguing and impressive.
Known for his strategic mind, Kutcher’s involvement in sports betting goes beyond simple wagers; he has been deeply involved in betting syndicates, where data and analytics play a crucial role in achieving success.
- Date of Birth: February 7, 1978
- Net Worth: Approximately $200 million
- Notable Achievement: Star of hit TV shows like That ’70s Show and Two and a Half Men
Kutcher’s transition into the world of professional sports betting began when he became the public face of a large betting syndicate.
This group used advanced data analytics to place bets on college football games, achieving significant success.
Kutcher’s involvement in this syndicate was strategic; his celebrity status helped obscure the syndicate’s operations, allowing them to place bets without attracting unwanted attention.
Kutcher’s approach to sports betting is methodical, relying heavily on data and analysis. This strategic mindset, coupled with his public persona, has made him a respected figure in the sports betting community.
5. Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson, one of golf’s most celebrated figures, is also known for his high-stakes gambling.
His gambling history is extensive, with reports of massive wagers and significant losses that have become a part of his public narrative.
Mickelson’s gambling has sometimes overshadowed his professional achievements.
- Date of Birth: June 16, 1970
- Net Worth: Approximately $300 million
- Notable Achievement: Six-time major championship winner
Mickelson’s gambling habits are well-documented, with some of his wagers reportedly reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
His high-stakes approach to gambling mirrors his aggressive playing style on the golf course, where he is known for taking bold risks.
However, Mickelson’s gambling has not been without its challenges. He has publicly admitted to losing millions and has sought treatment for gambling addiction, highlighting the potential downsides of such high-risk behavior.
6. Drake
Drake, the globally recognized rapper, has made headlines not just for his music but also for his sports betting activities.
Drake’s gambling habits have become a part of his public image, leading to the infamous “Drake Curse,” where teams he supports often lose.
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1986
- Net Worth: Approximately $250 million
- Notable Achievement: Multiple Grammy Awards and Billboard chart-topping hits
The “Drake Curse” is a phenomenon that has become well-known in sports circles.
Whenever Drake publicly supports or bets on a team, they often suffer unexpected losses, leading fans to jokingly blame him for their misfortune.
Drake continues to place large bets, including his recent success with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, where he reportedly won a significant amount.
Drake’s involvement in sports betting adds another layer to his multifaceted persona. Whether he’s winning big or dealing with the “curse,” his gambling activities are always in the spotlight, contributing to his status as one of the most talked-about celebrities in both music and sports betting.
7. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., known for his undefeated boxing career, is also famous for his sports betting activities, particularly his penchant for betting on himself in fights.
Mayweather’s confidence in his abilities extends to the betting world, where he’s placed some of the largest wagers in sports history.
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1977
- Net Worth: Approximately $450 million
- Notable Achievement: Undefeated professional boxing record of 50-0
Mayweather’s most notable betting activity involves placing large bets on his own fights. This practice, while controversial, is a testament to his confidence in his abilities.
One of his most famous bets was a rumored attempt to place $400,000 on himself to win a fight, which was reportedly blocked by the sportsbook due to the ethical concerns involved.
Mayweather’s gambling habits are well-publicized, particularly on social media, where he often showcases his winnings.
His betting activities, like his boxing career, are characterized by a high-risk, high-reward mentality, making him a dominant figure in both arenas.
8. Birdman
Birdman, the rapper and entrepreneur, is another celebrity who has gained fame for his high-stakes gambling.
Known for his extravagant lifestyle, Birdman’s betting activities are a natural extension of his persona, involving multimillion-dollar wagers that have drawn significant attention.
- Date of Birth: February 15, 1969
- Net Worth: Approximately $100 million
- Notable Achievement: Co-founder of Cash Money Records
Birdman’s approach to gambling is as bold as his approach to life. He has reportedly placed bets worth millions of dollars, including wagers on major sporting events like the Super Bowl.
His gambling style is characterized by a willingness to take massive risks, reflecting his confidence and belief in his ability to win.
Birdman’s gambling, like his music career, is marked by excess and a desire to live large. His betting activities have become a part of his public persona, contributing to his image as a high-rolling entrepreneur who’s not afraid to put it all on the line.
The Bottom Line
The integration of sports betting into the lives of celebrities is a reflection of the broader acceptance and popularity of this activity.
Likely, more public figures will openly engage in it, further blurring the lines between sports, entertainment, and gambling.
My name is Natasa Pantelic, and I work as a content editor in an IT company. By profession, I am a business administrator and a professional makeup artist. I enjoy taking care of my appearance and health through strength training, cardio, and a healthy diet. I also have a passion for music, socializing, adventures, and embracing new challenges.