The allure of casino games extends far beyond just seasoned gamblers. Many celebrities find themselves drawn to the thrill of the casino, indulging in games from poker to roulette.
Just take a look at the player pool for The 2024 Celebrity Poker Tour Championship. It includes Joe Gatto and Brian "Q" Quinn of Impractical Jokers fame, streamers Ninja and Ethan Klein, influencers Bryce Hall and Tana Mongeau, professional athletes Mario Chalmers, Mike Bibby, and Jose Canseco,
Whether it's enjoying the strategy of blackjack, the chance of slot machines, or the adrenaline of craps, here are some other stars known for their gambling flair:
Jennifer Tilly
Jennifer Tilly is an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Liar Liar, Bound, and the Chucky franchise. She is also a professional poker player. She's been featured on High Stakes Poker, where she's played against Andrew Robl and Doug Polk, and was inducted into the Women In Poker Hall of Fame.
She also regularly shares photos and videos of her poker playing skills on Instagram and her X account.
Ben Affleck
Actor Ben Affleck is so good at playing blackjack that some casinos have asked him not to play. Because celebrities are often followed by paparazzi, some prefer the privacy of online live casino platforms, where they can avoid unwanted attention and distractions compared to traditional casinos.
Affleck also likes to play poker, even winning the 2004 California State Poker Championship.
Matt Damon
A close friend and poker partner of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon got deeply into the poker scene after his role in the film "Rounders." Preparing for his role introduced him to high-stakes poker, and he’s since become a staple at celebrity poker events and charity tournaments.
There’s even talk about doing a “Rounders” sequel. And if you're wondering, his co-star in the "Oceans" series, George Clooney, is also an avid poker player.
Pamela Anderson
Slot machines are also a favorite among celebrities. Baywatch star Pamela Anderson once hit a big jackpot at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas in 2007. The late TV personality David Gest enjoyed playing slot machines for their simple and exciting nature.
Paris Hilton
Heiress and media personality Paris Hilton also has a soft spot for slot machines. Known for her fun-loving nature, Hilton is a regular sight at Las Vegas casinos. She’s even reputed to have won around $30,000 in a single visit playing slots—a testament to the allure of the game.
Most recently, she agreed to team up with the social casino company Wow Vegas Casino.
Ryan Seacrest
American Idol host and Hollywood personality Ryan Seacrest is also the face of the social casino brand— Chumba Casino.
Seacrest loves craps and was once spotted playing during a trip to Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
Arden Cho
Arden Cho finished second at the PokerGo Tour Championship in January, taking home an impressive $200,000.
She is a versatile talent in the entertainment industry, excelling as an actor, singer, and model. But since making a winning debut at the World Series of Poker in 2013, Cho has carved out a successful career in the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Sports celebrities also enjoy gambling, like soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. He is known for playing poker and even won a poker match against actor Aaron Paul. Ronaldo generously donates his poker winnings to charity, showing his dedication to helping others.
50 Cent
Rapper 50 Cent isn’t just about music and business; he also has a penchant for gambling. Known for betting large amounts on various games, 50 Cent enjoys the excitement and challenge that comes with casino games like blackjack and roulette.
Tobey Maguire
Tobey Maguire is a famous actor and an infamous poker player. Believe it or not, the "Spider-Man" star inspired the 2018 movie "Molly's Game" when he started an underground poker ring in Hollywood in 2005.
He's had plenty of success in legitimate poker games, too, participating in World Series of Poker events and more between 2005 and 2007.
Ray Romano
Everybody might love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves poker. An avid poker player, Romano frequently plays in charity poker tournaments, mingling his love for the game with philanthropic efforts. His relaxed comedic demeanor translates well to the poker table.
Shannon Elizabeth
Actress Shannon Elizabeth is more than just a pretty face—she's also a competent poker player. With several notable tournament finishes, Elizabeth has made a name for herself within the poker community, often competing in World Series of Poker events.
Her poker career hit a milestone when she secured third place at the 2007 National Heads-Up Poker Championship, pocketing $125,000. Additionally, she demonstrated her poker prowess by finishing as the runner-up at the 2010 Ante Up For Africa charity event.
Whether they're honing their skills in poker or trying their luck at the blackjack table, these celebrities find excitement and camaraderie in the world of casino games. Beyond the lights of Hollywood, sports fields, and the music stage, the casino offers them an escape into a different kind of spotlight—where the potential for reward, and the thrill of the game, await at every turn of a card or spin of the wheel.
