Many people enjoy placing a bet now and then, especially today, where there are, many different casinos to choose from online. No harm in the casual 10 bucks on red or LA Lakers to win against the Toronto Raptors. But it isn’t always that fun and harmless, take as an example losing £4,000 per minute, like Wayne Rooney once did during a gambling session.
One of the simple reasons why there are insane gambling stories involving super stars is because they have a lot more money than most people. Another likely factor in play is related to the psychology behind the link between gambling and professional sports, two seemingly so different lifestyles. Being the best in the world at something, consistently beating top competition and defying the odds. Led by their competitive mindset, when they’re sitting in front of their mobile screen playing a slot machine or hitting cards at the blackjack tables at an online casino, they actually have another aim than just hitting a nice win – they want to be the best and beat the house.
Another very common scenario for athletes to indulge into gambling activities is after suffering an injury. Due to the sudden drastic change in their lifestyle, they would attempt to replace the buzz of a game, whatever the sport, with the buzz of scoring a nice win in the casino. It’s a mind concept, and it’s based exactly on that competitiveness and strive for a win.
- Sep 28, 2018; Paris, FRA; Michael Jordan watches the first tee during the Ryder Cup Friday morning matches at Le Golf National. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Jordan
People can debate for days about who is the greatest basketball player of all time; Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James? One thing’s for certain – the former 6-time NBA champion is the biggest gambler out of the three.
Most of Jordan’s betting takes place on the golf course and he has infamously put down a $1,000,000 bet for a single hole in a golf game. He regularly place six-figure amount in his golf games.
Back in Jordan’s heyday he was the face of the NBA. He famously retired in the middle of his career back in 1993. There still is a lot of speculation that this was due to an 18-month suspension from league commissioner David Stern due to the superstars’ gambling habits.
- Dec 31, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) during the warmup period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jaromir Jagr
Jagr is a legendary ice hockey player who played in the NHL for almost three decades. Jagr’s ice hockey resume is nothing but spectacular. He picked up the Art Ross trophy 5 times, the award for scoring most points in the league. Overall he has scored second-most points in NHL history. He won the Stanley Cup twice and played for numerous NHL teams including Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and of course Pittsburgh Penguins.
In his private life Jagr liked to gamble. He particularly liked gambling online in the 2000s, racking up some debts. The stories came to light after Jagr had lost a lot of money at an online casino and subsequently agreed to a payment plan to repay debts. When the NHL star stopped paying the owner of the online casino leaked the story to the press. Jagr reportedly lost close to $1,000,000 to different online casino operators.
- Oct 7, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney sits court side durning the first half of the game between the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicksat Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Wayne Rooney
Rooney enjoyed a successful career at the English Premier League club Manchester United. He helped the popular football club to win 5 Premier League titles throughout the years.
Wayne Rooney was less fortunate at the casinos around the city of Manchester. His forte is blackjack and roulette. One separate incident spiraled out-of-control when the super star kept chasing his losses and eventually lost £500,000. The episode was fueled by several pints of beer. Fortunately for Rooney he was earning £300,000 per week through his contract with the Premier League club.