10 Celebrities Who Love Sports Betting

Sports betting has become a widespread and thrilling pastime, from the guy next door to celebrities treading red carpets. The rise of online sportsbooks and apps has made it more accessible. Not only professional athletes but also Hollywood stars and sporting heroes indulge in the excitement of high-stakes sports gambling. Discover who among the famous gamblers takes significant risks in this world of thrilling wagers and big wins.

Celebrity Sports Betting Culture

Sports betting culture started in ancient Greece and has become increasingly popular, especially since it was entirely legalized. Celebrities, such as athletes and movie stars, play a big role in transforming culture. Since they endorse betting websites, it adds to the appeal and credibility of the sports bookmakers. This influence is amplified when retired sports players become ambassadors, further linking the world of sports with that of gambling.

Celebrity Sports Bettors: The List

1. Drake

Drake has established himself as a prominent sports bettor. He is known to wage approximately $1 billion in a year. Notable wins include the 2023 Super Bowl and a UFC match. But losses, such as betting on Jake Paul and the World Cup final, highlight the unpredictability of his ventures. The internet coined the ‘Drake Curse,’ associating his public support with subsequent defeats for teams or athletes. 

Despite his love for sports and diverse jersey collection, Drake’s betting results have been mixed. He suffered losses like the 2016 NBA Finals and the 2015 NCAA Basketball Final Four. His gambling endeavors showcase a rollercoaster of wins and losses, contributing to his intriguing relationship with sports betting.

2. Matt Lucas

In 2022, actor Matt Lucas won big with a £2 bet on 175/1 odds. He predicted Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah would score first and Leeds’ Luke Ayling would be sent off in their Premier League clash. His successful wager earned him £352, which he generously donated to a Leeds United Trust-backed food bank.

3. Phil Mickelson 

He placed an early bet of $20,000 on the Baltimore Ravens to win the Super Bowl that year. His prediction was correct. It led to him winning $560,000. In 2022, an audit from the government showed that Mickelson had $40 million in losses between 2010 and 2014. To avoid such losses, bet experts at BetZillion offer the most comprehensive wagering strategies and insights to help you save your hard-earned money. 

Mickelson had made memorable bets, like when he lost one dollar during a tournament at Augusta and another when he won 1200 dollars for shooting a golf ball over a tree. 

4. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan liked high-stakes gambling, competing with his on-court prowess. His famous bets include a $300k wager on a golf putt and a baseline $1000 per hole bet with golf partner Richard Esquinas. Despite the NBA’s no-betting rule, rumors suggested his early retirement was linked to a secret suspension amid gambling investigations. Jordan openly admitted to losing millions, including $165,000 at a casino and $1.25 million in a golf game.

5. 50 Cent

Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson often participates in sports betting and has faced both wins and losses. He once made a profit of $500,000 by betting on the New York Giants during the 2012 NFC Championship Game. Unlike Floyd Mayweather, 50 Cent accepts that betting has a negative aspect. He confessed he had an issue with gambling in 2006.

6. Ashton Kutcher 

The actor excelled as a sports bettor on online betting sites. He revealed his involvement with the largest syndicate in America, which earned $750,000 in four weeks of college football. Using data and analytics, Kutcher adopted a strategic, emotion-free approach to betting. Beyond his entertainment career, Kutcher’s love for poker, showcased at events like the World Series of Poker, has contributed to his strategic thinking, proving beneficial in betting and the business world.

7. Birdman

Birdman became known among sports betting groups for his victories and major defeats. He intended to bet $5 million on the Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI. Yet, it is not clear what happened in the end. He placed wagers where he lost two million dollars on LeBron James’ team, the Miami Heat, during the NBA Finals 2010. He earned four million when Floyd Mayweather Jr. won in the same year. It resulted in a profit of one million for him. His bet of one hundred thousand dollars on Super Bowl 2018 against rapper AR-Ab doubled to two hundred thousand.

8. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley has experienced both wins and losses in his gambling endeavors. Despite losing over $30 million, he claims around 10 million-dollar victories. Notorious bets include a $100,000 loss on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI and a $100,000 bet on the Portland Trailblazers for the 2020-21 NBA Western Conference. Barkley, now a brand ambassador for FanDuel Sportsbook, showcases a moderation shift.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen, known for his chaotic life in Hollywood, used to bet a lot on sports. His former wife, Denise Richards, said he would bet $200,000 weekly. Even though he won $1 million by betting on Manny Pacquiao because of a strong feeling, this win did not make him happy. Afterward, he decided to stop gambling altogether. Sheen often plays at the World Series of Poker, and his passion for betting big in poker and sports has made him quite famous.

10. Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney, who used to play for Manchester United and the England football team, is well-known for what he has done in games and because he bets a lot on horse racing. People talk about this because it shows how athletes who play sports professionally can also be involved with betting. Rooney, who has scored 208 goals in the Premier League, just joined Derby County and plays in the Championship. In an interview from 2020, he talked about how he had difficulties with betting when he started playing football.

Impact on the Betting Industry

Well-known individuals engaging in sports betting have significantly transformed the sports betting market. It has helped normalize wagering on matches and altering public perception. When athletes or movie celebrities endorse betting platforms, they contribute to portraying these activities as more approachable and secure. The impact of famous personalities has expanded the market, attracting a broader audience. They serve as representatives and consultants, making a bridge between sports and gambling activities.

Responsible Gambling Advocacy

Set limits on your playing time and money, making sure not to bet more than you can afford. Discover methods for secure betting, such as the self-exclusion feature that helps maintain control. Should you or someone you know face difficulties regarding gambling, seeking support from helplines or organizations offering counsel is beneficial. Remember, gambling is meant for enjoyment, not to create financial problems. Be smart, maintain self-control, and prioritize your well-being.

Conclusion

Celebrities from film, music, and sports engage in the world of gambling. It highlights that even the most successful individuals enjoy games of chance on the best sports betting sites. Their experiences serve as instructive examples, emphasizing the reality of the betting world. Sticking to basic rules and guidelines is essential to minimize the risk of loss, discouraging impulsive betting on unfamiliar teams or players