While it is often observed that for players of basketball gambling is a common form of entertainment, you might be wondering why it is so. Many athletes prefer to gamble because of the tense, yet fun atmosphere that casinos can often create. Another reason why players and athletes often love to gamble is that they have the money to spend on big bets. Several famous NBA players are known to be fans of casino games and you might have even heard about their gambling sessions. Listed below are 5 of the most popular NBA players who love gambling. Real money gambling in Canada can be done on a range of NBA games. When you are from Ontario, make sure to find a Ontario licensed casino by the Canadian government.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is a legend in basketball and has won six NBA championships and Finals MVP awards. But this great player is also a poker enthusiast. Jordan also loves playing craps and roulette. During the 1992 Olympics, it is believed that Jordan spent nights playing poker with some of his teammates, but lost a minimum of $1 million at a crisps game!
2. JR Smith
JR Smith is known to love playing various kinds of casino games and is apparently so good at them that he often does not use the bonuses or bonus free spins that are awarded to players on many slot machine games! Smith used to carry a briefcase of money to local casinos to place his bet. A briefcase-carrying $15,000 was once stolen while Smith was on his way to a casino.
3. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley is one of the best players on the NBA circuit and he is passionate about gambling and placing bets on high-stakes games. However, Barkley’s casino gaming did get him into trouble in 2006. He admitted to the public that he had lost more than $10 million at a Vegas casino. Barkley also faced a lawsuit when he was unable to pay his debts of about $400,000. But he still continues to visit casinos and enjoy table games or slots.
4. Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker is said to have learned gambling from his friend and fellow NBA player Michael Jordan. But in the case of Antoine Walker gambling proved to be difficult and the cause of many problems. His gambling addiction and debts from numerous poker games at many different casinos resulted in the demise of his career. In 2009, it was speculated that Walker owed money to at least 10 casinos in Las Vegas and that the total amount had exceeded $1 million.
5. Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas is one of the greats of the NBA and he is also a gambler who enjoys table games. Thomas enjoys the thrill of especially a game of craps. During his career, reports say that Thomas was once investigated by the FBI. The reason behind this investigation was that the authorities believe Thomas was organizing an illegal craps game. However, no evidence was found.