Celebrities With a Passion for Casino Gaming
Ever since the world became obsessed with celebrities, they’ve been eager to know what they do in their spare time. However, if it’s stamp-collecting or sending postcards from everywhere, it’s not that interesting.
The great thing is that lots of celebrities like to blow off steam by playing casino games. From the stories about Frank Sinatra at the Sands, to Harry Styles’ love of roulette, big names love to play.
It’s not surprising when you earn the kind of money celebrities too, spending some at the casino is just fun. Why not take a big bet at the blackjack table, or decompress on the slots?
Over the years, many celebrities have been spotted at casinos, from Vegas to Cannes. Some even take it seriously enough to enter tournaments.
It makes sense that these A-listers like to get their thrills from winning. Who wouldn’t?
Let’s take a closer look at which celebrities have a passion for casino gaming.
- Mario Balotelli (Sports star)
Italian footballer Mario Balotelli has certainly raked in the millions playing for teams such as:
- AC Milan
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
He keeps most of his casino visits out of the private eye but is known to like roulette. Once, after winning £25,000 in Manchester, he gave a portion of it to a homeless man outside.
As it is rumoured that he plays online, you may find him gaming slots at Rainbow Riches Casino sometime!
- Shannon Elizabeth (Movie Star)
The attractive actress came to recognition by playing Nadia in the American Pie movies. However, it’s arguable that she has made more of a name for herself playing poker.
Under the guidance of Daniel Negreanu, a poker giant, she won a special tournament in January 2006. She beat 83 other poker pros and celebrities to claim $55,000.
She’s played in the World Series of Poker several times and managed to cash out well too. She is still a professional poker player, so fans can get a glimpse both on and offline.
- Dana White (UFC Boss)
President of the UFC and regularly name-checked by sports presenters, Dana White is handy at blackjack. He has won up to $5 million on a single night and plays for very high stakes.
On several occasions, his betting limit has been reduced due to his skills. He has actually been gently asked not to return, as he wins so much!
Maybe he can teach blackjack when he retires?
- Pamela Anderson (TV Star)
The blonde bombshell has a penchant for high stakes. While poker is her favourite game, she also likes a go on the slots.
The Palms Vegas even has a slot machine dedicated to her, something she’s likely to earn royalties on.
Anderson also met one of her husbands through poker – Rick Salomon, a poker star. The pair were wed in 2007 and tried again in 2014.
- Queen Elizabeth II (Monarch)
Surprisingly, the late monarch enjoyed playing slots. She was lucky enough to see the evolution of slots from the original mechanical ones.
In a fascinating insight to the Queen’s life, sources close to her claimed that she loved the game.
It’s known that she loved horse-racing, owning horses and often seen cheering them on at Royal Ascot. Apparently, despite her love of horses, she never had a flutter.
- Michael Phelps (Sports Star)
Although many sportsmen and women like to play casino games, this one is probably most surprising. The most successful athlete ever at the Olympic Games, is fond of tables when he’s not in the water.
He first got into poker online, playing low stakes games in his down time. He shared a house in Baltimore with professional player, Jeff Gross.
Phelps is no slouch at poker, he’s showed up at the World Series and surprised fans. He has also hosted big games for charity, using his passion and fame for good.
- Ellen DeGeneres (TV Host)
The chat show host who is fond of a giveaway has a love of slots too. She has spun the reels live on air, and even has her own slot game, called Ellen: Sharing the Love. The message is certainly there in gameplay as it gives players lots of bonuses.
- Tiger Woods (Sports Star)
Golf champion Tiger Woods isn’t just good on the green, but also the felt. Woods likes to play blackjack when he hits the casino, and he’s not afraid to play for big money.
He has been known to place $25,000 on a hand when playing. MGM Grand in Las Vegas have given him a $1 million limit when playing at their casino.
Woods is also often spotted in the company of basketball legend Michael Jordan when playing the tables.
Why celebrities love to play
The basic reasons that celebrities love to play are the same as people from every walk of life. It’s an entertaining way to pass your time.
However, there are some differences. With celebrities, the aim to win isn’t about money, but about showing their skills.
Many celebrities have large egos and love being in the spotlight. Playing at tables in Vegas is another way to do this, to prove that they are good at something else.
For those who spend days on set, or training, it’s a good way to let loose. The adrenaline rush certainly wipes away any boredom they might have.
Some truly do have mathematical prowess – and this is a way to test their mettle.
One thing is for sure, as long as there are A-listers, they’ll be spotted in Vegas.
