Charles Barkley: Great Basketball Player and Gambler
Many athletes reach legendary status due to their immense skills in their respective sports. Charles Barkley is the perfect example of one of the most famous NBA basketball players from the 90s. His unique and explosive play style set him apart from many other players from the same period. He managed to stand out in the Michael Jordan era, and it says a lot about his professional dedication, skill, and execution. But there’s another side to the fascinating player. He enjoys playing casino games and betting. This article will explore more about his thrill-seeking side and share stories about it.
When Did It All Begin?
As passionate gamblers, many canada online casino visitors can relate to the player’s spare time hobby. The professional athlete couldn’t start his sports betting while playing basketball. It’s against the rules, as he is the one participating in games. Multiple athletes who followed this practice faced heavy penalties that put their careers at risk. That primarily refers to sports betting, but given how much Charles enjoys gambling, he probably visited casinos to have fun with his friends. It’s safe to say that a more significant focus on gambling started after 2000 when he retired from the NBA. He then started sports betting, which was the practice of many other big names in the NBA.
The first time the public got to hear about the player’s hidden passion was in a 2006 ESPN interview. Then, later on, the player mentioned that he was still gambling in 2008 but started enjoying it moderately to lower the risks. The public reaction varied from normal to criticizing. Millions of fans were perplexed that the player was capable of betting millions. But as Charles said it himself in an interview, he could afford to gamble, as he amassed a lot of money during his shiny basketball career.
What Were The Stakes?
The amount of money that the player staked in the past was why he hit so many headlines. The first shock was the ESPN interview, where the player admitted to losing $2.5 million in only six hours. It was a bet over blackjack that he managed to lose. Now that’s a short period to lose so much money. He could still afford it. In that same interview, Carles shared that he probably lost over $10 million on gambling over the years but stated that he enjoys playing the games and won’t stop. It’s no wonder because there are times when you lose and when you win. In a 2007 interview, he shared his success by betting on the Colts in Superbowl and playing a lot of blackjack, allowing him to win $700,000 over a single weekend.
Later on, the Graham Besinger interview revealed that the player lost between 10 to 20 $1 million bets. When you add it all up, the player has likely gambled more than $30 million, and he keeps going. While this might be shocking to some, the player’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. He can keep enjoying his hobby, as it’s just a hobby for him, despite the big numbers in the game.
Does Charles Barkley Still Gamble?
Many of the player’s fans are curious whether the player still loves playing casino games and betting. According to the recent interviews, Charles still loves his hobby and regularly enjoys it. However, one thing that has changed is the amount of money he now gambles. The player decided to lower his bets from millions to thousands. That way, he can manage to have more fun without risking too much money. He stayed true to his words, as he repeatedly stated that he loves gambling and won’t give it up ever. However, it’s good to hear that he’s become more moderate and decided to lower the stake amounts.
Why Do Athletes Enjoy Gambling?
Charles Barkley is not the only one who enjoys gamblings. Many other NBA stars love the adrenaline hit they get. Some of the big names are Michale Jordan, Alan Iverson, and Charles Oakley. Gambling is appealing to professional athletes because of their competitive nature. That’s what it represents for Michael Jordan, who made $100,000 bets on rock paper scissors, just for the sake of winning. They see casino games as another sphere where they can show their professional skills and compete. The inner drive to win inside them creates a hunger for having fun at the casino.
Conclusion
Charles Barkley is one of the biggest names in the NBA. He’s now a commentator with a big passion for casino games such as blackjack, poker, and slots. Sports betting is another hobby the ex-NBA star enjoys. The good thing is that he got the risky hobby under control by deciding to bet moderate sums of money. His passion for gambling still takes Charles to the casino and will likely continue to do so in the future. It’s one of the best ways to get the blood flowing, which many athletes love experiencing.
