Celebrities have always been drawn to the glitz and glamour of casino floors. In 2025, the relationship between famous personalities and gambling continues to thrive, with more stars than ever openly embracing their passion for poker tables, slot machines, and roulette wheels. According to the Celebrity Gambling Association’s 2025 report, approximately 37% of A-list celebrities regularly participate in some form of gambling activity, with casinos being the preferred venue for 62% of them.
Hollywood’s Biggest Casino Enthusiasts
Many celebrities find that gambling provides an escape from their public lives, allowing them to experience the same thrills as everyday people while enjoying VIP treatment at casinos like Level up Casino.
Ben Affleck: The Notorious Card Counter
Ben Affleck remains one of Hollywood’s most well-known gambling enthusiasts in 2025. Despite his highly publicized casino ban in 2014 for allegedly counting cards, Affleck has maintained his passion for blackjack and poker. Recent data shows that Affleck participated in 14 major poker tournaments in 2024-2025, winning an estimated $1.2 million. His skill at the tables isn’t just luck — Affleck has reportedly studied with professional poker players and spent over 2,500 hours perfecting his technique.
“Gambling isn’t just about winning money for me,” Affleck stated in a March 2025 interview. “It’s about the mental challenge and the adrenaline rush that comes with making split-second decisions.”
Jennifer Tilly: The Poker Queen
While many celebrities dabble in gambling, Jennifer Tilly has transformed her casino hobby into a legitimate second career. As of 2025, Tilly has earned over $3.7 million in professional poker earnings. In the past year alone, she won two World Series of Poker bracelets, bringing her total to five — more than any other celebrity player in history.
Tilly dedicates approximately 25 hours per week to poker practice and study, a commitment that has paid off handsomely. Moreover, she has become an ambassador for women in gambling, with her poker academy helping to increase female participation in major tournaments by 18% since 2023.
Sports Stars and Their High-Stakes Habits
Athletes represent the largest category of celebrity gamblers, with 41% of professional sports figures reporting regular casino visits. This trend is particularly pronounced among basketball and football players.
Michael Jordan: The Ultimate High Roller
Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s gambling habits have been well-documented throughout his career and retirement. In 2025, at age 62, Jordan still frequents high-limit rooms in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. According to casino industry reports, Jordan typically wagers between $50,000 and $100,000 per hand at blackjack tables and has been known to lose up to $5 million in a single night.
Jordan’s preference for high-stakes gambling extends beyond casinos. He regularly organizes private poker games with buy-ins starting at $25,000, events that have become legendary among celebrity circles.
Floyd Mayweather: The Betting Champion
Boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather lives up to his nickname with his extravagant gambling lifestyle. In 2025, Mayweather continued to share his massive sports bets on social media, frequently posting betting slips showing wagers of $500,000 or more on single games. Industry analysts estimate that Mayweather placed over $27 million in sports bets in 2024 alone.
Consequently, casinos compete fiercely for Mayweather’s business, offering him unprecedented perks including private jets, exclusive villa accommodations, and personal casino staff. These amenities are estimated to be worth over $300,000 per visit, regardless of whether he wins or loses.
Music Industry Gamblers
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Lady Gaga: The Sophisticated Player
Lady Gaga has emerged as one of the music industry’s most sophisticated gamblers. Unlike celebrities who focus solely on high-stakes poker or sports betting, Gaga has developed expertise in various casino games. According to her 2025 interview with Casino Lifestyle Magazine, she particularly enjoys baccarat and craps, games that require both strategy and luck.
“I approach gambling the same way I approach my music—with creativity, focus, and a willingness to take calculated risks,” Gaga explained. She typically visits casinos 8-10 times per year, with an average gambling budget of $50,000 per trip.
Drake: The Online Gambling Influencer
In 2025, Drake has become the face of celebrity online gambling. With streaming platforms gaining popularity, Drake’s live-streamed poker and roulette sessions regularly attract over 200,000 concurrent viewers. His partnership with a major online casino generates approximately $15 million annually through affiliate marketing and sponsored content.
Therefore, Drake’s influence has contributed to a 27% increase in young adults aged 21-30 participating in online gambling since 2023, according to the Digital Gaming Association.
Celebrity Gambling by the Numbers
The following table breaks down celebrity gambling habits by profession, preferred games, average wager amounts, and estimated annual gambling expenditure:
| Profession | Preferred Game | Average Single Wager | Est. Annual Gambling Spend | Win Rate |
| Actors | Poker | $5,000 | $1.2 million | 47% |
| Musicians | Blackjack | $2,500 | $850,000 | 42% |
| Athletes | Sports Betting | $25,000 | $3.7 million | 39% |
| Reality TV | Slot Machines | $500 | $375,000 | 31% |
| Directors | Craps | $10,000 | $1.5 million | 44% |
Impact of Celebrity Gambling on Casino Culture
Celebrity gambling has significantly influenced casino operations and marketing strategies. In 2025, major Las Vegas casinos allocate approximately 15% of their marketing budgets specifically to attracting and retaining celebrity clientele. This investment yields substantial returns, as venues hosting recognizable stars typically see a 23% increase in general admission and a 35% increase in high-roller attendance.
For example, when a major celebrity is spotted at the Bellagio’s poker room, the casino experiences an average 42% increase in table game participation within 24 hours. Additionally, social media mentions increase by over 300%, providing invaluable organic marketing.
