It isn’t just normal citizens that enjoy participating in gambling games, even a-list celebrities have been known to get in on the action. In fact, some celebrities have made a name for themselves in the gambling world as professional high high rollers.
These are just some of the a-listers who are known to play gambling games:
Matt Damon
Famous actor Matt Damon is one of the most successful gamblers on the list. It is said that he first began to appreciate gambling when playing gifted poker player Mike McDermott in the film Rounders in 1998. In preparation for the role, Damon was trained by world poker champion Johnny Chan.
He has since competed in a number of World Series of Poker events. In the 1998 series, Damon was defeated by Doyle Brunson and in 2010 he made it to the World Series of Poker Main Event.
Charles Barkley
Another famous poker player is NBA legend and all around sports star Charles Barkley, he played for Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets during his career. Barkley is a high stakes player who has admitted to spending around $10 million dollars on poker and other games over the years.
It is rumored that he once made a loss of $2.5 million dollars during one six hour session of blackjack. He has also participated in tournaments like the World Series of poker (2008 and 2009) and charity events, including the Ante-Up for Africa Charity Event.
Paris Hilton
She is also a best selling writer, film actress and professional DJ. She was the highest paid female DJs in the world in 2014.
Besides her achievements in all these different areas, she is also successful in poker. On her 31st birthday in vegas, Paris won $30,000 dollars on a single game of blackjack at the Wynn Casino.
Tobey Maguire
Best known for his role as Peter Parker in the films Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), and Spider-Man 3 (2007), as well as Seabiscuit (2003) and The Great Gatsby (2013). The actor and now producer first took up poker in 2004 and began competing in tournaments, he was tutored by poker legend Daniel Negreanu.
He featured in the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Mcguire also participated in a highly publicised poker tournament event at The Viper Room, hosted by Molly Boom, alongside Ben Affleck and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Reportedly, he won the tournament but received criticism for his behaviour at the event after his win. Later, in the film Molly’s Game, Michael Cera portrayed Toby through the character Player X.
George Clooney
American actor and celebrity icon George Clooney, is not only a poker player but has also had experience in the business side of gambling operations. He is noted for his film and television career as well as his economic, political and social activism.
Clooney starred in the casino themed films Oceans 11, 12, and 13 and has been playing in casinos all his adult life. In 2005, he attempted to build his very own casino, however after lots of planning the project never really got off the ground.
Jessica Simpson
Another fan of the game poker is singer, actor and fashion designer Jessica Simpson. Jessica is well known to enjoy a trip to Las Vegas’ gambling venues, she even purchased a suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Vegas to give her the best access to the casino floor.
There are a number of online poker and other casino games created with a Jessica Simpson theme, this is thanks to her role of Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard. A film that was nominated for a series of damning awards including Worst Picture and Worst Supporting Actress for Jessica.
Floyd Mayweather Jr
Last of the list is Floyd Mayweather Jr, a famous professional boxer and boxing promoter. The star is said to have a net worth exceeding $1 billion US dollars and is well known for wagering extremely high sums at gambling events.
He once won a $1 million dollar profit when he put a risky $1.1 million bet on an Oregon v.s. Arizona State college football game. Mayweather wanted to bet $400,000 dollars on himself winning in a fight against Connor McGregor, however this was not permitted by sportsbooks at the time.
