6 Celebrities That Gamble (You Might See #3 at the Casino)
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Gambling statistics show that roughly 26% of the world’s population gambles. On top of that, more than 50 million people visit a casino every year.
Naturally, those figures include celebrities that gamble. Although the majority of gamblers are average citizens, plenty of high-profile celebrities frequent casinos and wager big bucks regularly.
Of course, many famous figures prefer to stay out of the limelight and use the best online gambling sites when they fancy a spin on their favorite slot. But there are also plenty of celebrities that hang out at casinos.
My list of celebrities that like to gamble includes Hollywood A-listers, renowned musicians, and a super-rich businessman. Let’s get this show on the road!
Ben Affleck
When I first thought about writing a piece on celebrities that love gambling, Ben Affleck immediately sprung to mind.
We all know that Affleck is among the famous celebrities who have made the news about gambling, right? Let’s not forget that the Paycheck actor was banned from playing blackjack at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Casino because he was counting cards.
In 2021, the Oscar winner was spotted gambling in Vegas again – this time at the luxury Wynn Casino.
A few months later, he attended the Hollywood Park Casino to compete in a No Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournament.
Although Affleck is best known for his blackjack skills, he is also an adept poker player. The 50-year-old even won more than $350,000 at the 2004 California State Poker Championship.
In addition to being among the top celebrities that gamble, Affleck is one of the best celebrity poker players of all time.
Dana White
Dana White is one of those celebrities that go to casinos a lot. In fact, he has won millions of dollars playing high-stakes blackjack in Las Vegas casinos.
The chances are that you know White for being the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president. But did you know that he once pocketed $7 million in a single night while gambling at the casino?
The 53-year-old used to be among the top celebrities often seen in Vegas. However, he has been banned from Vegas casinos four-time – including twice from the Palms Casino – due to his high-stakes strategy.
White was first banned from the Palms in 2012. Funnily enough, the casino’s chief executive sent him a case of $5,000-per-bottle wine for his troubles. This indicates that the Palms felt bad for banishing the UFC president.
After returning to the casino and winning $2 million over three months, the Palms asked White to leave again. Why? Because he was too good!
Although White is among the most famous celebrities known to gamble at casinos, he is better known for his involvement in the UFC. If you want to improve your UFC betting game, be sure to follow the links below.
P. Diddy
Not many celebrities that enjoy gambling get to inaugurate a casino’s new blackjack tables. But that’s precisely what Sean Combs did.
You’re probably wondering – who the hell is Sean Combs? It’s P. Diddy, of course!
The legendary rapper, producer, and actor was the very first person to play on the fresh blackjack tables at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. He also headlined a concert at the casino, but we’re here to talk about his gambling exploits, aren’t we?
By all accounts, Diddy loves blackjack. It has been reported that he often requests blackjack tables when on tour, so he and his entourage can enjoy a few games while on the road.
Furthermore, the “Bad Boys for Life” rapper once bet Mark Wahlberg $250,000 that Floyd Mayweather would beat Manny Pacquiao. He won that bet, too, proving that he knows a thing or two about boxing and sports betting.
Paris Hilton
There are celebrities that gamble – and then there’s Paris Hilton.
It is no secret that Hilton enjoys a trip to the casino. I mean, the media personality (I guess that’s what she is?) attended the opening of Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort wearing a dress made from $1 million worth of poker chips!
At the tender age of 19, Hilton was spotted with Leonardo DiCaprio on the high-stakes NYC poker circuit. The rest, as they say, is history.
The New Yorker is undoubtedly among the most famous celebrities that go to casinos. In 2014, she won $50,000 playing blackjack at Harrah’s Casino. She also landed a $30,000 blackjack win while celebrating her 31st birthday in Vegas.
Hilton is still one of the top celebrities who frequent casinos. The 41-year-old is often pictured at poker and blackjack tables across the US.
Sadly, celebrities that like to gamble often land themselves in hot water – and Hilton falls into that category. In 2010, she joined the list of celebrities who were banned from casinos when she was kicked out of Wynn Las Vegas.
Lady Gaga
No, Lady Gaga is not on my list of celebrities that gamble simply because of her hit song “Poker Face.” In fact, that song isn’t really about poker or gambling at all.
The 36-year-old singer, songwriter, and actress has been spotted at several Vegas casinos over the years. Of course, there are tons of celebrities often seen in Vegas. But Lady Gaga is arguably one of the most famous.
Despite her obvious links to poker, it is believed that Gaga’s favorite casino game is blackjack. She has been papped while playing blackjack in a Vegas casino and has even been spotted counting her winnings.
I’m not sure that Gaga can be classed as one of the many celebrities that love gambling, but there is no doubt that she is among the most famous celebrities known to gamble at casinos.
Ace Frehley
Rock stars are notorious for many things. Smashing guitars on stage, destroying hotel rooms, throwing televisions out of windows – you name it!
Many rock stars are also known for enjoying a bet or two.
Motörhead’s Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister was a keen gambler, so much so that NetEnt released an exclusive Motörhead slot after he passed away. Today, KISS guitarist Paul “Ace” Frehley flies the flag for old rockers that love to gamble.
Frehley was born in New York City but now resides in Sin City. Naturally, he is among the well-known celebrities often seen in Vegas casinos.
The iconic guitarist may be 71, but he still visits casinos regularly. Although poker is considered his favorite game, I’m sure he makes full use of all the best games in the casino.
Other Celebrities That Gamble
Ultimately, there are plenty of celebrities that like to gamble. There are some celebrities that go to casinos a lot, while there are others that prefer to gamble online.
The six stars featured in this piece are arguably the most famous celebrities that frequent casinos, but they are not the only ones. Here are a few more celebrities that enjoy gambling.
- Nelly
- Shannon Elizabeth
- Michael Phelps
- Charles Barkley
- Charlie Sheen
- Gladys Knight
- Tobey Maguire
- Ray Romano
- Matt Damon
- Michael Jordan
- Pamela Anderson
- Floyd Mayweather
- Jennifer Tilly
- Jay-Z
- Jason Alexander
That concludes my list of celebrities that hang out at casinos. If you fancy following in the footsteps of these famous stars by visiting Sin City, be sure to explore our guide to gambling in Las Vegas before you book your tickets.
