Gambling is an activity that has been around forever. That is so because of its multifaceted appeal, as besides economic incentive, most of its forms supply high levels of excitement, social interaction, unparalleled entertainment due to edge-of-your-seat moments, and positive reinforcement as a potent psychological pull. Hence, going by the latter sentence alone, it should come as no surprise that casinos, sports betting lounges, and online gambling platforms enjoy the degree of popularity that they now do.
One particular group of people who like this pastime more than the general public is athletes. That is so because these are usually highly competitive individuals who thrive on adrenaline rushes. They also have the disposable income necessary to splurge on potentially costly hobbies and have loads of downtime. Socializing with peers can be another factor, as is using this activity as a stress relief. Participating in professional sports undoubtedly comes with high expectations and performance anxiety. Thus, athletes have to find ways to blow off some steam. So they can keep their mental health in check and not get overly focused on their jobs and the tensions it can bring.
Below, we discuss five globally recognizable sports figures that have made headlines for their gambling activities, whether they may be at gaming venues or with bookies. These are athletes who have reached the pinnacles of their chosen professions and who have also fallen prey to gambling’s allure.
Michael Jordan
MJ is likely basketball’s biggest star ever. However, the Chicago Bulls icon has also been a well-known penchant for gambling-attracted controversy. According to many, Michael liked to bet from an early age, with evidence of his gambling habits returning to his high school days. Stories about MJ betting millions in Las Vegas casinos in single sessions are the stuff of legend, but so are his rumored golf bets, where individuals have claimed that he staked them thousands of dollars, and in one instance, $1.25 million.
Floyd Mayweather
Some may say that Floyd Mayweather is to boxing what MJ is to basketball. Pretty Boy Floyd, or Money Mayweather, was named the BWAA’s (Boxing Writers Association of America) Fighter of the 2010s. He holds a perfect 50-0 record and has made countless headlines for his sports bets, whose slips he likes to post on his social media account. Some of his most renowned ones include a one-million-dollar wager on the Oregon Ducks, a $626,923 bet on the Broncos, and a $200,000 one on the Seahawks to beat the Redskins.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is England’s national team’s youngest-ever goalscorer and his country’s overall top one until 2023. Unlike MJ and Mayweather, he did his wagering on the Internet, attracted by the enticement of brands like online casinos that accept $5 deposits but offer loads of gaming options. Rooney admits that at the start of his career, he joined these sites primarily out of boredom while on the road and focused his gaming activities on products like roulette and slots. Today, Wayne states that he has given these up, as he makes no bones about overindulging in them in his youth.
Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley has managed to stay connected to the NBA thanks to becoming a TNT mainstay and a commentator concerning current league goings-on. Like his contemporary, Michael Jordan, Barkley also does not shy away from the fact that he too was an avid gambler, citing that he has likely lost more than twenty million over his lifetime on games of chance and sports wagers. His game of choice was twenty-one, and his sessions did not always end up in the red, as on one appearance of Conan O’Brien’s TBS show, he noted that he once tipped a dealer $25,000 when he won $700,000.
Neymar
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly called just Neymar, is Brazil’s top goalscorer and a highly-skilled player who can cover the midfielder position just as well as the forward one. He recently made news due to losing over a million dollars in a one-hour poker session aired live on Twitch. Neymar is a prolific card gambler who has made multiple appearances at top-rated card tournaments around the globe.
FAQs
What Other Famous Athletes Gamble?
Some others with public gambling histories are Pete Rose, Jaromir Jagr, Gilbert Arenas, Pacman Jones, Tiger Woods, and Allen Iverson.
Is There a Reason Why So Many Athletes Like Gambling?
Athletes are competitive by nature. Consequently, it stands to reason that they would like other activities that supply them with competition outside of their jobs.
What Do Athletes Gamble the Most On?
There are many activities that most athletes prefer. Nevertheless, they are keen on betting on other sports than their own.
The Summary
In short, gambling is alluring to many sports figures because it delivers an outlet that can reduce stress, supply thrills, has financial incentives, and appeals to their competitiveness. That said, anyone curious about engaging in this entertainment form must know that high-income people can afford to take sizable risks betting on events with uncertain outcomes. Yet, common folk who indulge in this hobby should do so responsibly, only wagering what they can do without.