Famous NBA Players Who Love to Gamble

Canadian fans find a lot of enjoyment through sports betting. But sports betting isn’t solely for the fanbase. Many top athletes, including famous NBA players, also thrive on the thrills of placing a bet. From wagering on other sports to competing at the poker table, several NBA legends have made their mark in the gambling world.

We connected with CasinoRIX expert Kris Olson to find out more about which NBA players have a history of betting off the court. Find out more below, from Michael Jordan’s high-stakes golf bets to Antoine Walker’s excessive gambling (and recovery).

1. Michael Jordan – The Legend’s Love for High-Stakes Gambling

One athlete known for his love of gambling is Michael Jordan. Since before he was in the public eye, this athlete was known to find thrills on placing bets. Back in school, he would place bets with friends on random things, like getting a prom date. But, as he got older, he started to appreciate betting on sporting events.

Once he became famous, his betting habits didn’t change. The only thing that changed was the amount he could wager. As his status in the NBA rose, so did his pay. This led him to want to place high-stakes wagers that the average high-roller couldn’t compete with. So, he would place bets and play table games against teammates, other pro athletes, and Olympic competitors.

"Just as Michael Jordan enjoyed the thrill of high-stakes blackjack in Las Vegas, today's enthusiasts seek platforms that offer both excitement and convenience. For instance, we provide the withdrawals with PayPer casino, ensuring players have quick access to their winnings," - notes Kris.

2. Charles Barkley – From NBA Star to Casino Regular

Charles Barkley is known for a lot of things, and high-stakes betting is one of them. This basketball legend made a name for himself on the court throughout the 1990s. But, off the court, he could regularly be found at the casino.

“Barkley really enjoyed gambling, but he had one obsessive habit that ruined it for him. He was focused on the sum of $1 million. He wouldn’t walk away from a game until he either won or lost a million. This is a horrible habit, as most gamblers lose more than they win. He ended up losing so much money that he quit casinos altogether,” - mentions Kris Olson.

But, there was one issue with quitting. Charles Barkley genuinely enjoyed the entertainment that he found within the casino. After a heavy conversation with a loved one, it was pointed out that he could wager smaller amounts and still have just as good of a time. Quitting after losing $300 is a lot less painful than quitting after a $1 million loss.

3. Allen Iverson – The Icon’s Unruly Casino Habits

Similar behaviour also got him on the watch list at an Atlantic City casino. But ultimately he got kicked out of that establishment for urinating in a garbage bin. For those who prefer a more rewarding casino experience, taking advantage of the Basant Club VIP bonus might be a better way to enjoy your time without the drama.

It’s not uncommon for a famous athlete to enjoy a night out at the casino. It’s also not unheard of for a rich and famous celebrity to get banned from casinos either. However, in most cases, celebs get the boot for winning too much on high-stake bets, so the casino cannot afford to have them in there. Allen Iverson’s story is much different.

This NBA legend was once known for bringing the 76ers to the finals. But, over the years he has been known for displaying some disrespectful behaviour.

Kris comments: “One particular incident occurred at a casino in Detroit, where he caused a scene every time he lost, which apparently was a lot. He would throw cards and chips at the casino dealers, then proceed to be verbally rude to staff and other patrons.”

Similar behaviour also got him on the watch list at an Atlantic City casino. But ultimately he got kicked out of that establishment for urinating in a garbage bin.

4. Antoine Walker – From NBA Champion to Gambling Woes

Antoine Walker had an NBA career people would dream of throughout the early 2000s. But while he was in his money-making prime, he was making horrible financial decisions that led to a $130 million loss. Gambling was one of the bad decisions, among poor investments and business deals.

“Things got so bad with his gambling that he was sentenced to probation in 2011 for unpaid gambling debts at three casinos in Las Vegas. But, a lot has changed over the years. Antoine Walker has completely changed his life around, and now uses his platform to educate others on how damaging excessive gambling can be,” - says Kris.

Conclusion

Gambling can bring excitement to people on any budget. However, it seems like the bigger a person’s gambling budget is, the more trouble they can get into. While Michael Jordan was able to keep (most of) his gambling under control, Charles Barkley and Antoine Walker learned the hard way how irresponsible betting habits can lead to financial ruin. Allen Iverson also learned the hard way that celebrity status isn’t enough to get his way at the casino. Anyone can get banned for disruptive behaviour. While gambling is a common pastime among the world’s top athletes, there are heavy risks involved when the stakes get high.