Bruno Mars may not have a gambling debt with MGM Grand but here are 10 celebrities who love the casinos

By Poulami Sengupta
Published on : 03:37 PST, Mar 19, 2024

Ben Affleck, Bruno Mars and Brad Pitt are some celebrities who have made and lost money while gambling (Getty Images)

10 celebrities who love the casinos: Brad Pitt, Pamela Anderson and others

Matt Damon, Bruno Mars and Pamela Anderson (Getty Images) — Matt Damon, Bruno Mars and Pamela Anderson are among the celebrities who enjoy gambling (Getty Images)

MGM Grand has recently quashed the rumors of Bruno Mars having a $50 million gambling debt with the casino giant by labelling the rumors as "completely false". They further celebrated their mutual respect and wrote in a statement, per HuffPost, “We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers.” While Bruno Mars is not in the red, there are multiple celebrities who have made (and lost) huge fortune through gambling.

1. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt attends the UK Premiere of Paramount Pictures' — Brad Pitt likes to gamble on slots (Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

One of the most prominent stars of Hollywood, Brad Pitt has a penchant for gambling which he acquired while filming 'Ocean's Eleven' in 2001. Even after the completion of the film shooting, Pitt's love for the thrill and adrenaline remained. It has also been reported that the 'Bullet Train' star likes to gamble on slots, per Casino Reviews.

2. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck is undoubtedly one of the most active gamers of Hollywood. While Affleck entered a rehabilitation in 2001 for his addiction of gambling and alcohol, per Ranker, he is also into placing bets of huge amount. In 2001, he suffered a massive loss of $400K on a single hand of poker. Nevertheless, in 2004, he recovered the majority of his loss after winning $356K in a poker tournament.

3. Matt Damon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 26: Matt Damon attends the — Matt Damon's first love is blackjack (Getty Images)

Matt Damon has helmed some of the most notable movies about gambling, including 1998’s 'Rounders' and the sleek 'Ocean' series. However, Damon's love for the game is not only limited to the silver screen but also extends to his real life. While the preparation for his role in 'Rounders' made him fall in love with the adrenaline rush gambling provides, he has continued with his passion like his best friend, Ben Affleck. It is said that his first love is blackjack.

4. Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire (Getty Images) — Tobey Maguire has won the Hollywood Park Casino event (Getty Images)

During the 2004 poker tournament, where Ben Affleck won $356K, one of his most prominent opponent was the 'Spider Man' star Tobey Maguire. He has participated multiple times in the World Series of Poker Main Event and won Hollywood Park Casino event as well. 'The Great Gatsby' star was allegedly sued in 2011 because of his association with a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling ring, per Ranker.

5. Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen attends a charity softball game to benefit — Charlie Sheen lost a considerable amount of money in sports betting (Getty Images)

Another famous star of Hollywood with a penchant for gambling is Charlie Sheen. In 2006, the actor's ex-wife Denise Richards mentioned in her divorce filing that Sheen lost a considerable amount of money in sports betting. 'Two and a Half Men' creator Chuck Lorre once shared with Variety, per Entertainment Weekly, "I remember Charlie was very much engaged in sports betting and he would tell me stories about it all the time."

6. Ray Romano

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 17: Ray Romano attends a screening of — Ray Romano is one of the most active gamblers in Hollywood (Getty Images)

Ray Romano has cultivated quite a reputation for being one of the most active gamblers in Hollywood and has participated in the World Series of Poker several times. He once shared that his character Joe Tranelli of 'Men of a Certain Age' was based on his personal experience.

7. Tiger Woods

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: Tiger Woods of the United States hits his tee shot on the 15th hole — Tiger Woods' favorite is blackjack (Getty Images)

The golf legend Tiger Woods is known for his love for more than one sport, the second being gambling. It is said that he has won a huge sum of money from playing his favorite blackjack.

8. Jennifer Tilly

Jennifer Tilly is all set for her 'RHOBH' debut (Instagram/ Jennifer Tilly) — Jennifer Tilly loves playing poker (Instagram/ @jennifertilly)

The 'Child’s Play' actress Jennifer Tilly reportedly has had a prolific career as a poker player. The actress, who has participated in shows like 'Poker After Dark', once considered making poker her primary profession. Though she announced retirement from poker in 2008, she retracted in 2010.

9. Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 07: Curtis — Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson places bets on New York Giants (Getty Images)

Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, though mainly known as a rapper, has a side hustle as well for extra income. The 'In da Club' hitmaker is known for placing bets on his hometown NFL team New York Giants. In fact, it said that he won $1 million from his bet on the Giant during their Super Bowl XLVI win against New England Patriots.

10. Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson visits SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show' at SiriusXM Studios on January 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. — Pamela Anderson allegedly got married to Rick Salmon to repay a poker debt (Getty Images)

The 'Baywatch' star Pamela Anderson also has a great penchant for gambling. It is alleged that her 2007 marriage with Rick Salomon was to repay a $250,000 poker debt. The marriage was annulled in February 2008.

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