Celebrities pay dearly for their gambling addiction
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16 Aug 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes In the world of celebrities, there is a shadow that is rarely mentioned: that of gambling addiction. Some iconic figures have left glamour behind, caught up in the stakes.
Tobey Maguire: poker and the secrets of a closed circle
Who would have thought that the man behind the Spider-Man mask would venture into the dark alleys of illegal poker? Tobey Maguire, a talented actor of international renown, found himself involved in an exclusive circle of celebrities, fund managers and a powerful financial swindler.
All the ingredients for a drama were there: hundreds of thousands of dollars in winnings turned into a legal saga. Maguire, an experienced player, had to pay compensation to the victims of a financial scheme, turning a secret passion into a court case.
Allen Iverson: the fall of a legend to gambling
The career of basketball icon Allen Iverson also suffered from the excesses of gambling. Despite a personal fortune estimated at £150 million, Iverson reportedly lost huge sums of money in casinos. Worse still, his behaviour allegedly led to him being banned from certain gambling establishments.
His casual attitude at a blackjack table, until he relieved himself in a rubbish bin rather than leaving the game, will remain one of the most striking examples of the tragic consequences that gambling addiction can cause.
Charles Barkley: millions lost on risky bets
Charles Barkley, another basketball star turned commentator, has not escaped the throes of gambling. He readily admits to having lost around £25 million over the years. However, his cumulative income (commentator’s salary, sporting careers, etc.) still allows him to enjoy financial comfort.
Michael Jordan is said to have experienced a similar situation, gambling heavily in casinos without losing his entire fortune.
Ben Affleck: when poker talent turns into obsession
Ben Affleck is not only an iconic Hollywood figure; he has also distinguished himself with his astonishing skills at the gaming tables. But not always for the right reasons. He has also been recognised for his card counting skills, a legal method but one that is frowned upon by casinos. In 2014, the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas finally banned him from the blackjack tables for being ‘too effective’.
Nicolas Cage: addiction to risk
Nicolas Cage, an actor with a rich and unique career, offers a striking reflection on fame, risk and addiction… without necessarily exposing himself as a compulsive gambler. In an interview for Dream Scenario (December 2023), Cage compares fame and addiction to gambling.
Gambling and celebrity: a disturbing parallel
These two paths converge on the same conclusion: money, excitement and adrenaline fuelled in the shadows often turn into addiction. Behind the public eye, celebrities are just as vulnerable, exposed to subtle traps in their private lives.
It is not fame that saves people from addiction; sometimes it amplifies it. And that is where our message comes in: recognise it, talk about it, prevent it. Even the most powerful are not immune.