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Big-Name Betting: Celebrities With a Notorious Penchant for Gambling

red carpet leading to bright lights

Going out for a night of gambling at the casino can be as casual as getting drinks at the bar with some friends. The atmosphere is fun, the lights and sounds pump visitors full of excitement and the thrill of a won wager gives us a dopamine rush that is second to none. On top of this is the dream many want to become reality — winning big and taking home a life-changing jackpot. What happens, though, when money isn’t a problem?

When Losses Aren’t a Concern

Celebrities are made through notoriety, often coming from some form of media or high-revenue business as the spotlight is filled with those others want to emulate. So when dreams are met, what more is there to aspire to? Unfortunately, some celebrities found that gambling was a way to fill their time as big winnings are still exciting, but their banks could handle nearly any amount of loss. One such instance of this is NBA superstar Michael Jordan, who spent much of his downtime golfing and eventually placing stakes on each game, hole or swing of the club.

What Losses Look Like For Celebrities

Given that celebrities tend to associate with one another, it’s no surprise that once money starts being thrown around that everyone gets in on the action to show their worth. When Michael Jordan suggests betting $250,000 on a putt, you don’t turn that down if you’re able to afford it. That mindset leads celebrities with gambling problems to become enablers for others to participate in the destructive behavior. In some cases, such as with Michael Jordan, the other golfers won $1 million from the retired NBA player which could change their life but was a drop in the bucket for him.

No Consequences Leads to More Risks

The name Charlie Sheen has become synonymous with eccentric behavior, some of which includes losing $2.5 million in just three months when he was spending upwards of $200,000 a week in 2006. NBA legend Allen Iverson is blacklisted from multiple casinos due to growing concern over his problem gambling. A more serious case was in the event of Pamela Anderson marrying Rick Salomon after losing a $250,000 bet or Charles Barkley struggling with lifelong gambling problems costing him over $10 million.

While fame and fortune are reserved for those in the spotlight, problem gambling can find its way into any level of income or notoriety. Don’t let you or someone you care about struggle any more. Reach out to 800-GAMBLER to find treatment and help that fits your needs.

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