Andrew Tate evokes strong reactions in many people. Some admire him, others criticise him fiercely. He became famous as a world kickboxing champion and later as an internet phenomenon with millions of followers. But behind that tough online persona lies a less discussed side: his ties to the gambling industry.
Tate built his fortune in part through investments in both physical and online casinos. And that aspect of his success story deserves attention, especially given the young audience that follows him.
Andrew Tate grew up between America and the United Kingdom
Andrew Tate was born in Washington D.C. in 1986. He spent his childhood in the US and the UK. He made his breakthrough as a kickboxer and won several world titles. Later, he participated in Big Brother in the United Kingdom, which put his name on the map for good.
However, his real fame came via social media. First on Twitter (now X), Instagram and then Rumble. There he built a persona revolving around power, money, independence and the rejection of social rules.
His brand revolves around masculinity and getting rich quick
Tate’s followers are mainly young men who dream of success. His messages are often harsh, blunt and designed to attract attention. He has been banned from several platforms, but it is precisely this controversy that has helped him grow.
Through programmes such as Hustler’s University and The Real World, he sells formulas for success and entrepreneurship. But behind the scenes, he earns money in ways that are less openly discussed — such as through gambling.
Andrew Tate invests in casinos in Romania
In interviews and live streams, Tate regularly talks about his casinos in Romania. He reportedly collaborates with local operators and runs establishments with roulette, slots and card games. According to him, these businesses generate substantial monthly profits.
He chose Romania because of its more lenient regulations, which make it easier to do business than in Western Europe. However, the structure of his gambling businesses is unclear. It is not known how legal or transparent these investments are.
Tate promotes gambling without always saying so explicitly
Tate promotes gambling in an indirect way. He does not share open affiliate links, but mentions casinos in his videos and drops links in his programmes. In doing so, he directs followers to gambling sites without clearly labelling it as advertising.
This raises questions, especially since many of his followers are young and impressionable. If they don’t know that it’s a promotion, they are at extra risk. Especially since Tate often links success to taking risks.
He flirts with crypto gambling on unregulated platforms
Tate has also spoken about crypto, blockchain and NFTs. Rumour has it that he supports platforms where people can gamble with crypto coins. Such sites are often unlicensed. They are difficult to control and offer users greater anonymity.
This fits in with Tate’s aversion to traditional rules and banks. But that is precisely what makes it dangerous. Crypto casinos offer little protection for players and are almost impossible to regulate.
Criticism of Tate’s influence is growing, especially among young people
Many experts are concerned about Tate’s influence. Regulatory bodies, journalists and health organisations argue that he normalises gambling. Young people in particular are more likely to engage in risky behaviour as a result.
Although there are no criminal cases pending against his casinos, the pressure is growing. The question is not only whether his practices are legal, but also whether they are morally responsible.
Andrew Tate is the face of gambling in the influencer world
Tate is not alone. More and more influencers are incorporating gambling into their online brands. The difference is that he does it bigger and bolder than the rest. In doing so, he shows how thin the line is between promotion, influence and manipulation.
His approach reflects a broader trend: making money, entertainment and taking risks have become one and the same. And the rules are lagging behind reality.
Who is Andrew Tate really?
Is he a sports hero, a smart businessman or just a man with a big mouth? Maybe he’s all of the above. What is certain is that his wealth and reputation are closely linked to gambling.
Whether he is running casinos, promoting crypto platforms or directing followers to gambling sites, he is at the centre of an industry that is becoming increasingly intertwined with social media. And that makes him both influential and controversial.