A list of celebrities addicted to gambling. It's no secret that stars love to spend their money. It's common for famous people to purchase everything from luxury cars to real estate, but there are a growing number of celebs who would rather gamble away their earnings at casinos and poker tournaments. Some of Hollywood's biggest movie stars have reportedly been addicted to gambling, including Ben Affleck, Charlie Sheen and Tobey Maguire. Placing bets is also not a man's pastime. There are plenty of female celebrities equally addicted to gambling such as actress Shannon Elizabeth, who is a poker pro.
There are also times when a gambling addiction spins out of control. The range of addiction can go from a casual player to compulsive gambler, which is also known by the term Ludomania. In 2011, music legend Gladys Knight revealed that she beat a nearly decade-long gambling problem and confessed to spending up to $40,000 a night playing baccarat. NBA great Charles Barkley admitted he has lost over $10 million at casinos throughout his adult life. We gathered a list of famous gamblers in the list below. See if one of your favorite Hollywood or sports stars has risked it all in the high stakes world of gambling!
http://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-who-have-gambling-problems/ranker-celebrities,
Ben Affleck
A-list actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck went to rehab in 2001 for his gambling and alcohol addictions. This year, he co-stars with Justin Timberlake in the gambling themed thriller Runner, Runner.
Charles Barkley
Outspoken NBA player and sports analyst Charles Barkley admitted on ESPN that his gambling problem has cost him over $10 million.
Charlie Sheen
During her 1996 divorce filing, Charlie Sheen's ex-wife Denise Richards said the actor was spending about $20,000 a week on sports betting.
Gladys Knight
Known as the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight candidly wrote about being hooked on sports betting and baccarat for nearly 10 years in her autobiography Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story.
Matt Damon
Like Tobey Maguire and his longtime friend Ben Affleck, Matt Damon was involved in an illegal gambling ring that took place at five-star hotels and private homes.
Michael Jordan
The most renowned player in NBA history, Michael Jordan's retirement in 1993 was rumored to have been caused by his gambling habit.
Michael Phelps
Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps is not only collecting medals in the pool. Friends fear for his growing gambling addiction!
Ray Romano
Emmy Award-winning actor Ray Romano revealed that his Men of a Certain Age character Joe Tranelli's overcoming a gambling problem was based on personal experience.
Shannon Elizabeth
After landing her breakout role in American Pie, Shannon Elizabeth has found a second career as a poker player. Her passion for poker has fueled rumors that she's she's running a gambling ring from her own home!
Tobey Maguire
In 2011, the Spider-Man star was sued for participating in a multi-million dollar illegal gambling ring.