Celebrities are not only inspired by fame and fortune, but also seek the ultimate thrill in gambling. Whether on the silver screen, the sports field or the stage – they are constantly in the spotlight and experience the adrenaline kick every day. But for some, this kick does not end with applause. In their free time, many stars seek the challenge in gambling.
Nowadays, online casinos, such as Stay Casino, offer celebrities the perfect opportunity to try their luck anonymously and from the comfort of their own homes, without attracting media attention. With the added benefit of the Stay Casino free spins promo code, players can get started without any upfront commitment, allowing for risk-free play. While some celebrities still enjoy traditional land-based casinos, more and more are opting for online gambling, which provides a modern and discreet alternative. What’s more, online gambling platforms offer the same excitement as their physical counterparts. Celebrities turn to these platforms for occasional entertainment, whether they are playing poker, blackjack, or slot machines. The thrill remains, but without the hustle and bustle of public casinos. This combination of privacy, convenience, and excitement makes online gambling particularly attractive to many stars.
MORE NEWS: Tripadvisor reveals the must-visit destinations for 2025
Why Do Stars and Celebrities Gamble Online?
Celebrities are increasingly choosing online casinos – and for good reason. One of the main advantages for stars is the anonymity they can enjoy online. In a classic casino, they would immediately be the centre of attention, followed by curious glances or even paparazzi. Online, on the other hand, they can play in peace and discretion, without compromising their privacy.
Another plus point is the convenience. In the stressful lives of celebrities, which are often characterised by travel and public appearances, it is much more pleasant to experience the thrill of gambling directly from home. No dress code, no fixed opening hours – they can immerse themselves in the virtual gaming world at any time.
10 Celebrities Who Won Big at Gambling
Stars from a wide range of fields are not afraid to challenge their luck in casinos and online casinos. Some have made impressive profits, while others have been less successful. Below, we present some well-known personalities who have discovered their passion for gambling and have had great success or remarkable stories in the process.
1. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck, an actor, director and screenwriter, has a passion for gambling, especially blackjack. He has been spotted in various casinos around the world and is said to be known for his impressive skills at the blackjack table. He was spotted in the casino in Monte Carlo with his wife Jennifer Lopez, where he regularly plays high stakes. It is reported that he has made large profits in the past through his skill.
2. Molly Bloom
Molly Bloom, also known as the ‘Poker Princess’, gained fame through her illegal poker tournaments. She organised exclusive tournaments in which Hollywood stars and business magnates participated. The tournaments were held at the legendary Viper Room in Los Angeles, where Bloom had previously worked as a bartender. Although she was on trial in 2013, she achieved cult status in the poker world through her book Molly’s Game, which was later made into a film.
3. Tobey Maguire
Actor Tobey Maguire, best known for his role as Spider-Man, has also established himself as a talented poker player. He is said to have won a fortune playing poker over the years and took part in the tournaments organised by Molly Bloom. His skills at the poker table are legendary, and he has been involved in several high-profile games.
4. Matt Damon
Matt Damon, another prominent poker player, became familiar with the poker world through his role in the film Rounders. He also loves the game in real life and regularly takes part in major poker tournaments. As early as the early 2000s, he was known to play in Las Vegas casinos, often accompanied by his friend Ben Affleck.
5. Paris Hilton
Hotel heiress and socialite Paris Hilton loves the thrill of gambling. She is particularly fond of blackjack and has often been spotted in Las Vegas. Although she is known for her extravagant lifestyle, Hilton is said to have made considerable profits in the casino. Her gambling success shows that she can be successful not only in the glamour world but also at the gambling table.
6. Jennifer Tilly
Actress Jennifer Tilly is not only known for her films, but also for her impressive poker skills. In 2005, she won the World Series of Poker Ladies Championship, making her the world champion of poker. Together with her partner Phil ‘The Unabomber’ Laak, she is still a force to be reckoned with at the table.
7. Macaulay Culkin
Former child star Macaulay Culkin, famous for the film Home Alone, developed a love for poker after his acting career. He even took part in the World Poker Championships and played against some of the best poker players in the world. Culkin has established himself as a serious player through his appearances at poker tournaments.
8. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is no stranger to the casino world, and not just because of his role in Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Thirteen. The Oscar-winning actor has also been spotted playing blackjack and poker in casinos in the real world. He was even recently featured in an advertising campaign for a casino in Macau, further cementing his connection to the gambling world.
9. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley, the former basketball star, is equally well known for his passion for gambling. After his sports career ended, he began playing regularly in Las Vegas casinos. He is particularly fond of poker, blackjack and roulette. However, Barkley is also known to have lost millions of dollars in casinos, which does not diminish his passion for gambling.
10. George Clooney
George Clooney, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, even had ambitions to open his own casino in Las Vegas. His love of gambling was sparked by his role in Ocean’s Eleven, and he remains a regular at the world’s biggest casinos. Although he is not known for big wins, his connection to the casino world shows how deeply he is rooted in this industry.
Online Casino Advertising Deals and Their Impact
Football stars have increasingly entered into partnerships with online casinos and betting providers in recent years. These deals range from short campaigns to long-term advertising contracts. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo was a brand ambassador for PokerStars, one of the world’s largest online poker providers. Neymar Jr. also appeared as the face of PokerStars, promoting the game with his enormous fan base.
Other football stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimović have partnered with Bethard, a sports betting provider, while Gianluigi Buffon has advertised various poker sites, including PokerStars. Andrés Iniesta also appeared in a campaign for an Asian online betting provider. These partnerships contribute significantly to the popularity of gaming brands, as the stars attract millions of fans through their global reach.
However, these deals are often controversial. In many countries, there are concerns about the social and health effects of such advertising, especially on young fans. Some athletes have therefore ended their collaborations with gaming companies, or have been restricted in their advertising activities by new regulations. The ethical issues around such partnerships remain a hotly debated topic.
Stars as Investors: Celebrities and Their Involvement in the Casino Industry
Even away from the big screen, some celebrities have invested in the gambling industry and demonstrated their business skills. George Clooney, for example, known for his roles as an actor and director, had plans to open a luxury casino resort in Las Vegas in 2005. Together with business partners, he wanted to create an exclusive destination for tourists and gamblers. Although this project was ultimately not realised, it shows Clooney’s interest in the gambling industry and his ambitions to also be successful as an entrepreneur.
Another prominent investor is Robert De Niro. The Oscar-winning actor is co-owner of the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, which is part of the famous Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. De Niro has also established the Nobu brand worldwide in resorts such as those in Manila and Atlantic City. These investments prove that he is not only successful in front of the camera, but also as a businessman, using his popularity to his advantage.
