Just as online gambling is growing in popularity among common people, so is the same trend present in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Many celebrities find the thrilling world of high-stake gambling enticing, with celebrities joining in on the fun from anything from sports betting apps to online poker tables.
If you are curious about which stars are involved in these activities, you can delve into the fascinating world of celebrities in this article, checking out who has a love affair with gambling among the biggest stars on the planet and the complex relationship between celebrities and endorsing gambling sites.
Celebrities and their love for sports betting
Some celebrities have not been lured by the thrill of the casino floors but have engaged in sports betting. The allure of sports betting is especially the adrenaline rush of predicting game outcomes, and the potential payouts that could be involved, which is why many people, including celebrities, like to engage in sports betting as a pastime activity. This has also led to an increase in sports betting apps, with Betway online sports betting app being one of the leading options on the market.
One celebrity who is known for his competitive nature for gambling is Michael Jordan, who is also regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is especially known to be fond of betting on golf games, and rumors has it that he often engages in high-stakes bets, in which he wagers high amounts on the outcome on the gold courses. Another celebrity worth mentioning is Charles Barkley, which is another NBA legend. He has publicly been admitting that he has lost millions over the years, because of his great love for betting on sports. By being open about his experiences, light has been shed on the potential pitfalls of high-stakes betting.
Celebrities at the casino tables
The enticing world of casinos has long caught the attention of the rich and famous. For most people, it is the atmosphere of great luck, the sound of slot machines, and the always-present feeling of potentially hitting the big jackpot which are alluring people into the world of casinos, which also includes numerous celebrities. One celebrity worth mentioning is Ben Affleck. The Oscar-winning actor is known for a long list of roles in A-list Hollywood movies, but he is also greatly recognized in gambling circles, especially for his skills in blackjack. Supposedly, he even got so engaged with blackjack that he has gotten himself banned from the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, as he evidently was counting cards.
Another celebrity how has been drawn towards the casino tables is Tobey Maguire. Best known for 'Spider-Man", Tobey Maguire has participated in many high-stakes poker games, sometimes including other Hollywood elites. Rumors have it that his involvement in poker games became so renowned that they inspired parts of the movie "Molly's Game" from 2017, which contains elements about celebrities attending underground poker games. Pamela Anderson is another star who has had some casino adventures. Over the years, Pamela Anderson has participated in many poker tournaments.
Celebrity endorsements in the gambling industry
Both online gambling and sports betting have seen a surge in popularity. A study found that almost 25% of research participants had gambled on the internet in the past year. This is also reflected in the numbers from Statista Market Insights, which finds that for just the U.S. online gambling market alone, it is expected to grow to $120 billion by 2029. Celebrities have also picked up on this growing popularity, which has led to many celebrities transitioning from being participants to being ambassadors and endorsers for gambling platforms and online betting sites.
One example is the partnership between the rapper and influencer Rubi Rose and the daily fantasy sports operator PrizePicks. Rose managed to win the title of PrizePicks World Champion in 2024, which secured her a $100,000 prize. Furthermore, she has been promoting the platforms, through for example participating in their commercials. This type of partnership benefits both parties: Celebrities can gain financially and enhance their brands, and the betting companies can tap into new target groups.
Celebrity endorsements: A double-edged sword
Celebrity endorsements have without a doubt placed the gambling industry into the mainstream. However, there is also another side to this trend. Firstly, there is a potential for these endorsements to glamorize gambling. In other words, the risks involved in gambling might be forgotten or downplayed. This is because when fans see their favorite celebrities engage in or promote gambling, fans might be inclined to engage too, without being fully aware of the potential consequences.
Secondly, celebrities involved in gambling promotions are at risk of overshadowing how important responsible gambling is. As the focus quickly ends up on the excitement and potential rewards of gambling, there is less emphasis on the risks, and especially how important it is to set limits when gambling.
The responsibility of celebrities in promoting gambling
As sports betting and online gambling continue to be popular pastime activities, should celebrities consider their responsibility in promoting gambling due to their great level of influence. It is important for celebrities to be mindful about the messages they convey to their fans, to ensure fact-grounded information to be shared.
Celebrities can be important players in destigmatizing gambling, to make it a legitimate form of entertainment, but this should come along with clear messaging about responsible gambling.