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From the red carpets to the roulette tables, celebrities love a bit of glitz and glamour… and that's exactly why so many of them are huge fans of casinos. Whether they're going to afterparties in Las Vegas or treating themselves to a high-stakes game of poker in Monaco, stars love a game of chance. (Let's face it, they've usually got a bit of money to spare.)
And they're not just showing up for a paid appearance either. Lots of celebs actually love a bit of gaming – some with some pretty impressive skills and some with some pretty interesting stories of wins… and losses.
Whether they're browsing the opportunities online on some of the top casinos Canadian Bonus Finder recommends, or looking for a bit of real-time action or a proper table, here are some of those celebrities who just can't stay away from the cards, chips and the thrill of the spin.
Ben Affleck – A Blackjack Mastermind
There are lots of celebrities who just play for the buzz, but Ben Affleck is famous for taking his casino gaming seriously. He may be an Oscar-winning actor, but he's also famous for his skills at the blackjack table… so much so that in 2014, it was rumoured that he was banned from playing blackjack at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for being too good!
Indeed, he's admitted to taking blackjack lessons, learning all the ins and outs of the rules and regulations with tools like the American Gaming Association and studying the game to the nth degree. For him, it's not about luck; it's about odds, strategy and mentality.
Pamela Anderson – More Than a Poker Face
Pamela Anderson, the Canadian-American Baywatch beauty, is someone who has a pretty colorful history with poker, and it goes beyond casual games. She's actually been involved in some pretty high-profile poker matches. At one point, she even claimed that she married pro poker player Rick Salomon after she lost a game and agreed to the marriage as part of a joke. (Although it's fair to say her relationship with poker lasted longer than her relationship with Rick.)
Tobey Maguire – With His Spidey Senses
This is a man who hasn't just earned a reputation for having elite-level acting skills; he also apparently has elite-level poker skills. Tobey Maguire is said to be quite the regular on the underground high-stakes poker scene. In fact, it was reported that he was one of the names involved in the infamous Molly's Game ring that inspired the Hollywood hit film about Molly Bloom. (Shame he didn't play himself).
Maguire has become well-known for having a calculated, conservative style of play… not reckless as we might expect from a Hollywood star. Apparently, this commitment to the game has also earned him significant winnings over the years (although maybe not quite as much as his Hollywood paychecks), and he's got a reputation as one of the best celebrity poker players around.
Matt Damon – Born to Play
How could we possibly mention Ben Affleck without talking about Matt Damon? Like his friend, he's a lot more than just a fan of casinos; he's also a very passionate poker player who's even taken part in the World Series of Poker. Apparently, his preparation for the film Rounders led him to take a deep dive into the whole poker culture, and it never left him.
He's also regularly found at various charity tournaments and private games, with a style that combines strategy and showmanship, making him a favorite with fans of movies and fans of poker!
Drake – High-Stakes Toronto-Style
Canada's own Drake is no stranger to casino life. The rapper and entrepreneur has been known to enjoy a few high-stakes roulette games in his time… sometimes betting literally thousands of dollars in one single spin. In 2022, he even made headlines for live-streaming his online roulette games with some seriously staggering bets… in the six-figure range.
George Clooney – The Entrepreneurial Gambler
While his wife is famous for being a world-class human rights lawyer, Clooney sometimes likes to take a walk on the wilder side of life. Famous for his role in the Ocean's Eleven series of films, George Clooney apparently likes to embody his character when he hits the casino floor. Apparently, at one point in time, Clooney was even invested in plans to open his own casino in Las Vegas, although the project never materialized (maybe partly thanks to his wife's influence).
However, he was, for some time, still a regular at tables across Vegas and Europe, and became well-known for his charm, his calm and his love for games like craps and poker.
Paris Hilton – Adding Glamour to Gambling
Socialite and media personality Paris Hilton has also been known to attend glamorous casino events – not just in Vegas, but also in places like Monte Carlo and Atlantic City. It's not just the gaming she likes either… It's also the extravagant fashion and nightlife.
She might not be quite as strategic or competitive as Affleck, Damon or Maguire, but she knows how to add a bit of glamour!
And these are just a few. Hollywood loves a bit of glamour and action… and it doesn't get any more glamorous or action-packed than a casino floor!
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Gamble or play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you're in the U.K. and need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all U.K.-regulated gambling websites. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.