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Charles Barkley, a Great Basketball Player and Gambler

Charles Barkley at the casino

The famous basketball player Charles Barkley was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars not only in the NBA but also in the entire sports world. He is a two-time Olympic champion and has many other titles, awards, and achievements. His name is inscribed in the Basketball Hall of Fame and is rated as one of the fifty best players in the history of the NBA.

Barkley and Gambling

Everyone even slightly interested in basketball knows that he is a great athlete. Several years ago, the public became aware of Charles's passion for games of a different kind. More specifically, it became clear that Mr. Barkley regularly visits casino,s making very high bets.

In his interview, Charles admitted that his passion for gambling had cost him no less than ten million dollars. He also discussed the most unsuccessful gaming session, during which he left approximately two and a half million dollars at the blackjack table in six hours.

However, he also had big wins. For example, he won $7,000 in blackjack. Next time, Charles won about the same amount as one of the teams in American football.

Problems with the Wynn Las Vegas Casino

In October 2007, Barkley "finished badly" at Wynn Las Vegas, owing the casino $400,000. He was in no hurry to pay the debt, so the casino administration sued him in court. Of course, it was nothing for the former basketball star, so Charles quickly returned the money and apologized.

This was followed by numerous interviews, during which Barkley explained what had happened, who was to blame, and what he intended to do about it.

Barkley's opinion on gambling

Some would regret this incident, but Barkley has no regrets and does not intend to give up playing in the casino. Within his interview with Ernie Johnson on the TNT channel, he said:

"This is not a problem. If you're a drug addict or an alcoholic, it is a problem. I play with too large amounts. As long as I keep doing it, I do not think that is a problem. Do I think it's a bad habit? Yes, I think it's a bad habit. Am I going to continue? Yes, I will continue to do it".

Owners of US casinos, as well as those in the National Basketball Association, like to stay calm. They are unlikely to lose such a valuable customer shortly. While Charles Barkley has money, he's not going to give up his hobby.

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We hope you will never allow such situations to occur. Do not let your passion turn into an obsession that can not be controlled. And Casinoz will help you avoid mistakes.

Frequently asked Questions

🤑 What is Charles Barkley's overall relationship with gambling?

Charles Barkley has been remarkably open and candid about his gambling habits over many years. He views gambling as a recreational activity that he enjoys, often referring to it as a "bad habit" but distinguishing it from more serious addictions like drug or alcohol abuse. He has consistently stated that as long as he can afford to lose the money, he doesn't consider it a problem in the same vein. He acknowledges the excitement of winning, but also the disappointment of losing, which can sometimes lead to periods of depression for him.

💸 How much money has Charles Barkley reportedly lost from gambling?

Charles Barkley has publicly stated that he has lost significant amounts of money gambling, with estimates ranging from $10 million to as high as $25 million over his lifetime. He has recounted numerous occasions where he lost $1 million or more in a single session. For instance, he famously lost $2.5 million in about six hours playing blackjack. While these figures are staggering to most, Barkley maintains that due to his substantial earnings from his NBA career and subsequent broadcasting contracts, he can afford these losses.

✅ Has Charles Barkley ever taken a break from gambling?

Yes, Charles Barkley did take a hiatus from gambling. Following an incident in 2008 where he incurred a $400,000 debt to the Wynn Las Vegas casino and faced legal action, he stopped gambling for about two years. This period of reflection led him to adjust his approach to betting, though he ultimately returned to gambling.

🎲 What is Charles Barkley's current philosophy on gambling?

After his two-year break, Charles Barkley returned to gambling with a modified mindset. He realized that "you can never break the casino" and adjusted his goals. Instead of aiming to win millions, he now seeks to win a few hundred thousand dollars. He has also imposed personal limits, stating that if he loses a few hundred thousand dollars, he will stop and still consider it a good trip. He emphasizes doing it in "moderation," which for him still involves substantial sums, but represents a more controlled approach than his past habits. He often mentions that the enjoyment comes from the action itself, but primarily from the potential to win.

❔ Does Charles Barkley use traditional sportsbooks or more modern platforms?

Charles Barkley has admitted to using a bookie in addition to legal platforms like FanDuel. He humorously explained that FanDuel and similar major sportsbooks have limits on how much he can bet, necessitating a bookie "on the side" to accommodate his higher stakes. This indicates that despite the increasing popularity and accessibility of regulated sports betting apps, he still engages in more traditional, high-stakes betting methods.

👌 How does Charles Barkley feel about in-game betting?

While he is a self-proclaimed "gambling degenerate" and even a spokesperson for FanDuel, Charles Barkley has expressed concerns about the rising trend of live, in-game betting. He finds it "scary" that people can bet on specific outcomes within a game, such as who will score the next basket or if a player will make both free throws. He believes this type of betting is particularly dangerous and can lead to increased scrutiny and pressure on players from fans who have placed such wagers.

Denis Anipchenko
Denis Anipchenko
Editor-in-chief and online gambling expert

Denis is a true professional with many years of experience in the gambling industry. His career started back in the late nineties when he worked as a croupier, pit boss, manager and casino manager. This unique experience allowed him to deeply understand the world of gambling from the inside. Since the late noughties Denis has dedicated himself to writing articles and analyses about gambling, and since the early tens he has become a key figure in the Casinoz team. Here he not only writes and edits content, but also creates reviews, shares his expertise and helps readers understand the intricacies of gambling. Denis combines practical experience and in-depth knowledge, making him one of the most respected experts in the industry. His writings are always up-to-date, proven and useful information for anyone interested in the casino world.

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Facts checked Alex Vasilev Scientific editor and fact checker
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