What do some of our favorite stars get up to when they’re not on set, filling up stadiums with record-breaking numbers for concerts, and stealing the spotlight at fashion shows? Well, there is a select few casino celebrities who enjoy spending their free time at blackjack and roulette tables.
Yup, you read that right. You’re not the only one who enjoys beating the dealer. Many high-profile celebs are skilled with their cards too, and I’ll list them in this blog post. Who knows? You might just find out that your favorite TV star enjoys the same table games you do.
Check out some of the most famous casino celebrities:
- Tobey Maguire
Well, when he’s not swinging from tall buildings and intercepting bank robberies (in the Spiderman movies, of course), Tobey Maguire is flexing his gambling muscles at the poker table.
In fact, the actor is so invested in poker that he famously organized multiple high-stake poker contests in Hollywood in 2005. There’s even a movie based on Maguire’s underground poker exploits titled Molly’s Game.
Maguire’s passion for poker has also seen the star participate in different professional tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he walked away with more than $39,000 in winnings in 2007.
- Michael Jordan
A legendary ability on the basketball court wasn’t the only thing Michael Jordan was famous for. He’s also a well-known gambler, with golf betting and casino gameplay some activities he has been linked to.
Interestingly, his gambling habits began long before his NBA days, dating back to his time in high school and college, when he would cash in on friendly wagers with friends.
However, Jordan’s gambling abilities don’t quite match his talent on the court, and he has recorded some high-profile losses. Teammates have recounted tales of how he lost $100,000 on rock, paper, scissors. On another occasion, he lost $5 million at a craps table in Vegas. Yikes!
- Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton steals the spotlight on the red carpet and at casinos. The reality TV star is a well-known frequenter of Las Vegas casinos and regularly talks about her gambling activities online. In 2012, she tweeted about winning $30,000 at the Wynn Las Vegas Casino.
- Ben Affleck
When you’re protecting a city as crime-ridden as Gotham, do you even have time to sneak out for some blackjack bets? Apparently, Ben Affleck does. The actor, who’s famous for his role in the DCEU’s Batman, enjoys gambling, most notably blackjack.
In fact, he’s so good that he has reportedly won up to $1 million at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Casino. Affleck’s skills have even gotten him in trouble at the same gambling establishment.
In 2014, he was banned from the casino for life after security caught him counting cards.
Closing Thoughts
Casino doors are open to everyone, from everyday folks to high-profile celebrities. And some famous personalities are as passionate about gambling as they are about their other talents, even when they aren’t winning. So, next time you sit at a blackjack table, you can enjoy the fact that you share this hobby with some of your favorite celebs.
