Celebrity Stakes: Vegas Wins and Losses
Apr. 7 2024, Published 4:25 p.m. ET
If you love hearing about celebrities and their big moments in Vegas, this past week was packed with stories — well, at least until things took a turn. Imagine walking into the glittering lights of a Las Vegas casino and spotting your favorite star at a high-stakes table.
That's exactly what happened, with some celebrities winning big and others... not so much. It's like a rollercoaster — one second, you're on top of the world, and the next, you're hoping for a lucky break.
Bruno Mars and Ipei Mizuhara's Gambling Tales
On the gambling front, Bruno Mars found himself in the headlines once again with a story that caught everyone's attention. According to NewsNation, the celebrated singer is reportedly drowning under a $50 million debt incurred through gambling at various MGM casinos. It isn't the first time Mars has faced such rumors; back in 2019, he was also reported to be in the hole for $7 million at MGM properties. However, MGM has outright denied these latest claims, dismissing them as false and confirming that Mars, famed for his hit "Just the Way You Are" and a magnificent resident performer at Park MGM, is not on a downward spiral in their casinos.
In a different slice of the Vegas celebrity gambling pie, we find Ipei Mizuhara, the highly-paid and ever-present interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball superstar now with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Unlike Mars, Mizuhara's gambling luck tells a less glamorous story. Known for his incredible lack of skill at betting—despite the hefty $700 million contract Ohtani inked—Mizuhara has been busted for sports betting and is accused of embezzling a staggering $4.5 million from Ohtani. The funds were allegedly used to settle debts with an illegal bookie in Southern California, showcasing a cautionary tale of what not to do in the world of gambling.
The High Stakes World of Celebrity Gambling: Ben Affleck to Floyd Mayweather
Ben Affleck stands out in the glitzy world of celebrity gambling not just for his fame but for his sharp card-counting skills. His prowess at the blackjack tables even got him banned from playing at the Hard Rock casino. This incident paints a different picture compared to the usual celebrity gambler narrative where most stars, despite losing big, are always welcomed back with open arms only to continue their losing streaks. Yet, Affleck’s case is more the exception than the rule.
In contrast, Floyd "Money" Mayweather embodies the quintessential high-roller lifestyle, famously walking through casinos with a backpack full of hundred-dollar bills and an entourage for added security. His betting stories are legendary, including a massive $815,000 wager on the Denver Broncos, which paid off handsomely. However, like any gambler, Mayweather has had his share of losses, once admitting to a near million-dollar loss on a single game.
Meanwhile, Drake and Charles Barkley represent the spectrum of celebrity gambling behaviors, from online losses that seem like pocket changes to heavy debts incurred at the casino tables. Barkley's experience, in particular, serves as a cautionary tale of gambling beyond one's means, although he famously shrugged off a significant loss with the rationale that he could afford his gambling habit.
These stories of celebrity highs and lows in Vegas remind us that while the thrill of the gamble is a universal draw, the stakes are indeed high. If you're looking for a more manageable, fun betting experience without the celebrity-sized risks, you might consider to play Cash Volt. It's an engaging way to enjoy the excitement of betting without the intimidating stakes of high-roller tables.
The Takeaway
It's that no matter how glittery or glamorous gambling may appear, it's filled with risks. Celebrities, with their larger-than-life personas, aren't immune to the pitfalls of betting.
Their stories can serve as a fun peek into a world of high stakes but also as a reminder to gamble responsibly, keeping it fun and within limits.