Sometimes, many people wonder if celebrities have a life outside the limelight, especially with sports stars. This is because the paparazzi make it seem like all they do is work, work, and work. But this is not the case with every sports celeb out there.
There are several athletes out there who enjoy various forms of entertainment, including a good casino games. The question you may then ask is who are examples of such people? To answer that, here is a list of 7 sports celebrities who enjoy playing online pokies for real money.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, although retired, has yet to see several athletes reach his height of popularity. He was a legend on the court where he penned down his name in history as one of the great names of basketball. But beyond his love for sports on the court, Jordan has other ways to pass the time – casino games.
It is no secret that Michael Jordan loves to frequent brick-and-mortar casinos, and he doesn’t mind traveling the world to have a good time in a gambling room. But it is said that he prefers Atlantic City as his favorite playground where he enjoys playing a good game of poker, blackjack, or slots.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Presently, Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid footballer, but this is not the major reason why this star is a household name. Ronaldo, also known as the GOAT is a very talented football star that has played for many clubs and subsequently led them to win several championship titles. But his talent doesn’t end on the pitch; he also has the same successful approach to casino games.
His success has made several popular gambling brands sign him up as the face of their brand. On multiple occasions, Ronaldo has been seen enjoying a game of blackjack and roulette. Moreover, he also likes playing a game of poker whenever he is chanced to.
3. Floyd Mayweather
For boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, privacy is a strange concept to him, unlike other celebrity bettors. While other celebs would prefer to keep their gambling lives away from the public eye, Mayweather has no issues sharing his winning tickets on social media. But this comes as no surprise considering the former pro boxer exudes an aura that portrays him as untouchable.
Furthermore, his gambling portfolio records a wide range of games and sports, showing his prowess in various niches. He knows how to play his hand and take guided risks. This has helped him over time, to amass enough to add to his wealth while maintaining his lifestyle.
4. Neymar Jr
Anyone who has seen Neymar Jr. play on the football field knows a world of talent is hidden in the Brazilian star. This talent spills over from the football pitch onto the gambling room as Neymar is a master of the ball but also a master of the poker table. It is not uncommon to see the football genius trying out his hands at high-stakes poker tournaments.
His knack for competitions makes him want to showcase his skills and tactical thinking both on and off the pitch. His participation in these poker tournaments has launched him into the gambling world, where he has clashed with top professional gamblers at the poker table.
5. Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian of all time is not only a legend in swimming competitions, he also has an interest in casino games. When he is not stacking up medals at the Olympics, Michael Phelps is at the casino enjoying a poker game. He has even been involved in numerous poker tournaments where he displays his passion for excellent physical and mental challenges.
6. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is another big name in football who is now retired. During his time as a football star at Manchester United and Everton, he is known to have visited multiple casinos where he goes to have a fun time. And many say that he was a cool guy who never hesitated to chat with you if you found yourselves at the same casino table.
However, Rooney is not particularly the most successful on this list, as he once said he lost about £500,000 in a single night in Manchester. He further said in his autobiography that he had to reduce how much he visits the casino but this is not to say he doesn’t visit once in a while.
7. Diego Maradona
There is almost no ‘vice’ that Diego Maradona did not indulge in so it is no wonder he is also on this list. Maradona, a star Argentine legend may be one of the most controversial players in history but that did not stop him from having a good time while he was alive. There are several photographs showing him while playing blackjack and roulette games.
Moreover, before his demise in 2020, he set up his own online casino which is evidence of his love for the gambling world. Sadly, he will never again grace the doorstep of any casino. RIP Legend.
Final Comments
For these sports celebrities, a good casino game transcends beyond being a mere hobby to a fine blend of passion, tactics, and an insatiable pursuit for victory. Thus, it shows that gambling halls are not only locations for the average human but also for those living in the spotlight.
Also read: Can You Play Casino Games in The Metaverse?
