Many elite athletes have ties to the gambling world and casino industry. Thanks to their stratospheric salaries, the average top-tier footballer or professional boxer has a pretty heft bankroll to use at the poker table. However, along with wagering on sportsbooks and at the casino, other sports stars have taken a more involved role in the history. Below, we’ll spotlight five sporting legends with links to the gambling sector.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather is generally recognized as one of the great professional boxers of all time. After securing a 50-0 unbeaten record, Mayweather finally stepped out of the ring in 2017, although he remains active within the sport as a promoter. However, it’s his appetite for gambling that generates the most headlines. No stranger to big wagers, Mayweather has spent a small fortune on sportsbook betting, but it’s casinos where he’s landed the biggest prizes. Back in 2013 when he was still boxing professionally, Mayweather walked away with almost $6 million after spinning the reels on a slot machine.
Christiano Ronaldo
Being one of the most decorated footballers of all time has its advantages. With an estimated net worth of $500 million, Christiano Ronaldo can afford to indulge the occasional wager. However, it’s not slot machines and roulette wheels that this Portuguese player flocks to. Rather, he’s something of a regular on the European Poker Toker circuit. He secured his first tournament win back in 2015, before entering the World Series of Poker event in 2017.
Vinnie Jones
Before making the jump into the acting world, Vinnie Jones was playing for some of the biggest football teams in the United Kingdom. During a 15-year career, the legendary midfielder enjoyed successful runs with the likes of Sheffield United and Chelsea. Although he’s not particularly well known as a gambler, has become a firm fixture of the online casino industry recently. Games developer Real Dealer Studios recently announced a new project with Jones, with the actor becoming the face of a new live dealer blackjack title.
Live dealer casinos are becoming increasingly common. Bringing the magic of the casino to laptop and smartphone screens, live dealer games are perfect for those who want to live like a high roller and soak in the atmosphere. Along with blackjack, other casino staples like poker, roulette and baccarat have all enjoyed the live dealer treatment.
Boris Becker
This German tennis pro is still considered one of the greatest of all time, amassing half a dozen Grand Slam titles during his career. He’s also earned something of a reputation as a poker player. While he’s yet to win any major events, Becker is a regular face on the Celebrity Challenge circuit. In his native Germany, he’s also taken the reins in the poker commentary box.
Michael Jordan
With an estimated $2 billion in the bank, high stakes betting isn’t a problem for Michael Jordan. The celebrated basketballer has been an avid gambler since his playing days. At the poker table, he can regularly be found betting seven-figure sums on a single round. However, he’s also been known to place eye-watering wagers on golf fixtures.