There is no doubt that gambling is always associated with risks and challenges, and there’s never a guarantee that a bet will win. However, when it comes to celebrity gamblers, the losses can sometimes be devastating. We have selected five notable gamblers.
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Show me a gambler and I will show a loser
© Mario Puzo
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Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, an American singer and songwriter known as The Empress of Soul, earned fame as an incorrigible player. Although busy producing multiple R&B hits after her retirement in 2000, Gladys struggled with a gambling addiction. In her autobiography, she recounted her battle with this vice. While her total losses were never disclosed, it is said that Gladys could spend $40,000 per night on table games (blackjack and baccarat). Sports betting was also one of her favorite activities.
David Milch
David Milch, a famous producer, also suffers from a gambling addiction. It is well known that he once lost $25 million playing in casinos. Milch attempted to pay off his debt and managed to repay about $17 million. However, he failed to cover the total debt, resulting in the seizure of $100 million he had amassed from his work. Additionally, his wife sought a divorce as she could no longer tolerate his addiction.
Ray Romano
Ray Romano, star of the popular TV series “Men of a Certain Age,” mirrored his character Joe Tranelli’s gambling addiction. Ray himself struggled with gambling to the point where he sought help. Ultimately, he overcame his addiction, which helped him better understand and portray his character.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen is often mentioned in polls about stars who love gambling. Charlie was a fan of betting and could spend up to $200,000 per week on sports bets, not just on one occasion.
Leonard Tose
Leonard Tose lost approximately $50 million of his trucking industry profits in casinos. This led to a $25 million debt, forcing him to sell his ownership of the Philadelphia Eagles NFL franchise in 1985. Despite these measures, Tose’s gambling problems continued, resulting in the seizure of two of his houses for unpaid taxes.