Many celebrities have battled various addictions over the years, including gambling. Some have spoken openly about their struggles in hopes of raising awareness and breaking down the stigma associated with addiction. Here’s a list of celebrities who have been reported to have had issues with gambling:
1. Michael Jordan
The NBA legend has been known for his competitive nature, and this extended to gambling. There are several stories about Jordan’s gambling escapades during his playing days and afterward.
His competitiveness is legendary both on and off the basketball court. Stories have circulated about Jordan playing high-stakes games of cards, golf, and even betting on his own games. Some speculate that his brief retirement from basketball in the ’90s was due, in part, to his gambling. However, these rumors were never confirmed.
2. Charlie Sheen
The actor reportedly spent a significant amount on sports betting during the height of his career. At the height of his career, Sheen was reportedly spending upwards of $200,000 a week on sports betting. During his divorce proceedings with Denise Richards, it was revealed that his gambling had been a significant issue in their relationship.
3. Tobey Maguire
The Spider-Man actor has been known for his high-stakes poker games. There were even lawsuits related to some of these games.
Maguire’s poker games became a subject of public interest when he, along with other celebrities, was sued for participating in illegal poker games. While Maguire has displayed great skill in poker, there has been controversy surrounding the legality and stakes of some of his games.
4. John Daly
The professional golfer has been open about his struggles with gambling. In his autobiography, he claimed to have lost between $50 to $60 million over the years due to gambling.
Daly’s struggles have been particularly public.
In his 2006 autobiography, “My Life In and Out of the Rough,” he detailed losing $1.65 million in October 2005, playing slot machines. Daly’s struggle with alcohol has been intertwined with his gambling issues, adding another layer to his challenges.
5. Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne, commonly referred to as “Gazza,” is a former English footballer who was particularly prominent in the 1980s and 1990s. He’s considered one of the most talented English footballers of all time. Gascoigne’s life off the pitch, however, has been marred by a series of personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism, mental health issues, and gambling.
6. Ray Romano
The actor and comedian, best known for “Everybody Loves Raymond,” has talked about his past gambling issues. His experiences even influenced his character in the TV show “Men of a Certain Age.”
Romano’s struggle with gambling was not as severe as others on the list, but it was serious enough to prompt him to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings. His personal experiences were mirrored in his character, Joe Tranelli, in the TV show “Men of a Certain Age,” who attends Gamblers Anonymous due to his gambling problem.
7. Art Schlichter
Over the years, it’s reported that Schlichter lost millions of dollars due to gambling. His addiction wasn’t limited to sports betting; he also was involved in high-stakes card games and other forms of gambling.
Schlichter did make attempts to address his addiction. He wrote an autobiography titled “Busted” in which he detailed his struggles and warned others about the dangers of gambling. He also sought treatment on multiple occasions. Despite these attempts, Schlichter continued to face legal issues into the 2010s.
In 2012, he was sentenced to nearly 11 years in federal prison for scamming participants in a ticket scheme, all to fund his gambling addiction.
8. Pete Rose
In 1989, following an investigation by Major League Baseball, Pete Rose was permanently banned from baseball for betting on games, including those of the team he was managing, the Cincinnati Reds.
This ban has effectively kept him out of the Baseball Hall of Fame, despite his outstanding career statistics.
9. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods has faced various personal challenges and controversies throughout his career. Among these, there have been reports and rumors regarding his gambling habits: It has been reported in the media that Tiger Woods was known to place high-stakes bets in Las Vegas casinos. Some stories suggest he could gamble hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single visit.
Casinos often label their highest-betting gamblers as “whales”. There have been unverified reports that Woods was given a $1 million betting limit by some casinos in Las Vegas due to his high roller status.
10. Charles Barkley
The former NBA star and current sports analyst, has been quite open about his struggles with gambling over the years. Here’s what you should know about Barkley’s history with gambling: Barkley has never been shy about discussing his gambling habits. In various interviews, he has acknowledged losing significant sums of money.
In several interviews, Barkley estimated that he had lost around $10 million to gambling over the years. He’s recounted stories of losing millions in single trips to Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
11. Ben Affleck
Affleck admitted to being treated for gambling addiction, especially related to poker and blackjack. He’s also known for being an accomplished poker player.
Affleck’s proficiency in poker and blackjack is well-documented. He has won a California State Poker Championship and has been asked to step away from blackjack tables for being “too good.” However, his gambling became problematic enough for him to seek treatment in the early 2000s.
Celebrities With Gambling Problems
It’s worth noting that gambling addiction, like other addictions, can impact anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Celebrities face the same human vulnerabilities as everyone else, but their struggles are often amplified in the public eye.
While many celebrities enjoy the thrill of gambling, some, like Charles Barkley, have become as well-known for their high-stakes bets as they are for their professional achievements, blurring the lines between entertainment, gambling legends, and the harsh realities of addiction
When discussing or thinking about these issues, it’s essential to have a compassionate perspective. Everyone, famous or not, deserves support and understanding when dealing with personal challenges.
