It’s sometimes hard to imagine, but celebrities eat, sleep and go through the same everyday experiences we do. Like regular people, they can also cave in to temptation, and try their luck at a casino game or two in the hope of striking lucky. Alternatively, they may look to sports betting for their thrills, with legalized sports bets now spreading in the United States.
Ben Affleck
Playing leading roles in iconic films such as Armageddon (1998) and Pearl Harbour (2001), Affleck is top of the list for good reason, with the Cali state native known for loving poker and blackjack. Back in 2004, he even won the California State Poker Championship.
He has been known to frequent land-based casinos for a significant number of years, playing card games and giving very generous tips to people who work there. By some accounts though, he has only played blackjack in more recent years.
Most famous for the Bourne franchise, as started by 2002 film Bourne Identity, Damon’s experiences with poker stem from his decision to undertake method acting in preparation for the 1998 film Rounders. Such was his enjoyment, it is said that he again employed this type of ‘research’ three years later, while undertaking his role in Oceans 11.
These days, of course, anyone undertaking such a unique way of preparing for role hardly needs to leave their home. Certainly, in serviced countries with full legalization, the online casino at Marathon Bet is realistic enough to make you believe that you are in the heart of the action!
Tobey Maguire
For various reasons, many celebrities choose to try their best to hide any love of casino games and sports betting. Tobey Maguire, most famous for his exploits as Spiderman in the early 2000s, most certainly does not fall into that particular net.
The man whose senses tingle when there is danger on the camera also feels the same way when off-duty, having once played a high-stakes poker game with a number of fellow Hollywood celebrities. He is also a veteran of the World Series of Poker, having been mentored by poker master Daniel Negreanu.
Michael Jordan
The man whose exploits knew no bounds on the court has also had a taste of the big screen. Back in 1996, he was the star of Space Jam. The film was released just two years after Jordan’s first so-called retirement from the NBA, with an interview done around that time seeing Jordan out himself as a committed gambler.
Many rumors have circulated as to whether or not he gambled responsibly. Yet, with more opportunities to wager on sports legally in the US, Jordan can – if he still does – place wagers in a much safer setting, with legalization of sports betting also bringing responsible gambling to the forefront of the whole experience.
Shannon Elizabeth
Playing a minor role of the American Pie franchise, which began way back in 1999, Shannon Elizabeth proves that playing casino games like a pro is not just restricted to the men of the silver screen. Elizabeth has gone on to become a very accomplished poker player, who makes moves that even the most macho players would balk at.
According to most accounts from opponents, she wins and loses big, with no half measures taken at the table. Elizabeth has also racked up some famous victories in the World Series of Poker, moving up the rankings with considerable speed in recent years.
Ray Romano & Brad Garrett
Both men starred in the TV series Everybody Loves Raymond, and each went on to be cast in some significant films. Garrett has since become notable for doing voice roles for hits like A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo and Rapunzel, but is known as a poker enthusiast, having participated in a number of tournaments.
On the other hand, Ice Age franchise stalwart Ray Romano is fanatical about poker, and has since become one of the hardest Hollywood faces ever to hit the baize. Romano competed in the World Series of Poker in every year between 2007 and 2015, with the exception of 2012 and 2014.
Bruce Willis
As a man with an acting CV to put anybody on this list to shame, we would expect the blood-soaked hero who dropped an evil crime boss from the top floor of the Nagatomi Plaza to think nothing of wagering his hard-earned cash on sports betting or casino games. As it turns out, Willis once earned a cool $500,000 playing Baccarat in Atlantic City, NJ.
Charlie Sheen
While it is said that he no longer does much gambling these days, the man who once featured in 1986 hit Platoon, was more into betting than baize, with sports events being his main draw. Ex-wife Denise Richards once claimed that he sometimes wagered upwards of $20,000 a week on his favorite sports.
Sheen is, of course, famous for taking no half measures. In sports betting, only one thing ultimately matters, and that is winning.
