Famous actors, musicians, athletes and even businessmen – many of them do not hide their interest in sports betting. Some see it as entertainment, others as a way to test their intuition and knowledge of the game, and others as part of a money management strategy.
Together with 1winbet, let’s find out which celebrities have been or continue to be interested in sports betting, which of them were notable for their excitement, who won large sums of money and who got caught up in high-profile scandals.
Athletes Who Have Become Off-Field Players
Among current and former athletes there are many who could not resist the temptation of sports betting. The reasons are different – from the love of risk to the desire to earn extra money or simply to support their favourite team. So, for whom betting has become a new hobby:
- Michael Jordan is a legendary basketball player who has repeatedly found himself in the spotlight for his love of gambling. While his visits to casinos have always been the main focus, he is also known to frequently participate in sports betting. In 1993, he even put his NBA career on hold, which some attributed to pressure from the league because of his gambling habits;
- Wayne Rooney, the former England striker, has admitted in interviews that early in his career he often bet on football matches, including Premier League matches. He lost large sums of money, which led to the need to control his finances;
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. is one of the most recognisable boxers in history and regularly shares photos and videos of his winnings on social media. He bets predominantly on American sports – baseball, American football and basketball. All of these markets are available on 1Win. Floyd’s bets are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars;
- Pete Rose, a former baseball player and coach, was caught up in one of the most high-profile scandals in American sports. He was accused of betting on his team’s games while in his position as coach. As a result, Rose was suspended for life from all MLB positions and has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame;
Artists, Actors and Musicians, Celebrities
Many representatives of show business are also interested in sports betting. For some it is a way to relax, for others it is a passion that borders on addiction.
- Ben Affleck, known for his roles in “Armageddon” and “Manhunter,” is known for his love of poker, but sports betting has not been neglected either. In 2014, he was temporarily banned from a Las Vegas casino for being “overly successful.” In interviews, he mentioned that he follows American football and sometimes bets on his favourites;
- Drake, a Canadian rapper, often posts his bets on social media. He does not hide his hobby, betting on UFC, NBA and football. Some of his bets exceed a million dollars. Often his choices are unsuccessful, which has even spawned the joke term “Drake’s curse” – a hint that the athletes or teams he bets on often lose;
- Kurt Cobain, frontman for Nirvana, although not widely known as a gambler, had an interest in baseball and, according to friends’ recollections, would sometimes place small bets, especially during major tournaments;
- Charlie Sheen, the famous actor, has also been mentioned in the press as someone who is into sports betting. He has made no secret of the fact that he has spent significant sums on it, including on American football and baseball – a popular choice of 1Win bettors . In an interview, he admitted that he once bet a six-figure sum on a single NFL game.
Politicians and Entrepreneurs
Although gambling is considered a controversial topic in politics, some famous personalities from this field have also been involved with sports betting.
Donald Trump
Before becoming US president, Trump owned a casino in Atlantic City and actively promoted sporting events, including boxing fights. Although there is no direct evidence of his betting, his proximity to the sports betting industry suggests an interest. His co-operation with various betting operators on a commercial basis has also generated discussion.
Richard Branson
The founder of the Virgin Group is known for his taste for adventure and risk. He said he occasionally bet on horse races and tennis, seeing it more as an element of fun and hobby than a serious money-making tool.
Tony Bloom
The entrepreneur and owner of Brighton & Hove Albion, started his career as a professional punter and betting analyst. He made millions from sports betting before investing in a football club. Bloom remains one of the few celebrities who have shown by example how knowledge can be utilised for real profit in the betting industry.
What These Celebrities Have in Common
Despite the differences in professions and life paths, most of the famous personalities who are passionate about sports betting share common traits: risk-taking and competitive spirit. It is worth noting that the fame of such people plays a role in popularising sports betting. When the public becomes aware that celebrities are involved in betting, it affects the perception of the industry as a whole – it becomes more ‘normalised’ and integrated into everyday culture.
Conclusion
Sports betting is no longer just for anonymous players. Today, they are part of the culture, with people from NBA champions to pop stars taking an interest in them. Some people treat betting as a hobby, others look for additional income, and some simply can’t get past their favourite sport.
