We’re often surprised when we see big-name sports stars in the casino. But you’ll find a growing number of boxers, footballers and basketball players who feel just as comfortable at the blackjack, roulette or poker table as they do in the ring, on the pitch or on the court.
It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Many of the character traits that produce top athletes – competitiveness, patience, strategic thinking – are the exact same character traits that produce good gamblers.
And don’t forget about the money. Big salaries, combined with prize money and fees from product endorsements and TV appearances, mean famous athletes can afford to gamble with a lot more cash than your average Joe.
Undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, for instance, has no problem squandering over $100,000 per hand playing blackjack. Ex Man United striker Wayne Rooney’s often in the headlines for his expensive gambling sprees, once dropping half-a-million pounds in less than two hours in a Manchester casino. And still, they’ve got nothing on Michael Jordan. The NBA star reportedly spent over $1.25 million on gambling every year throughout his basketball career.
Find out more about sports stars including Mayweather, Rooney and Jordan in the casino by checking out the below infographic, brought to you by the guys from Bgo.
