Following the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 in 2018, the sports gambling industry in the United States has grown into an $11 billion business, according to the 2023 revenue figures from the American Gaming Association. With its increasing popularity, sports betting has become a prominent topic both on U.S. ballots and in the minds of many Americans, including celebrities.
The explosive growth of sports betting is expected to continue, as a dozen states are still working towards legalization or considering it. Projections estimate that once the market matures, the industry could be valued at $45 billion.
Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision six years ago, sports wagers were limited to Nevada. Public discussions on sports gambling were mostly subtle references to point spreads by handicappers such as Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, one of the first celebrity sports prognosticators. In 1976, CBS hired him to provide score predictions on “The NFL Today.”
In 1993, Michael Jordan, who was on his way to becoming an NBA legend, was seen in an Atlantic City casino the night before a playoff game in New York, sparking controversy. He was also rumored to have placed significant bets on golf and card games, negotiating a $1.25 million golf bet debt down to a $300,000 settlement. Despite admitting to pushing the boundaries of gambling, Jordan maintained that it did not put his family or career at risk.
While Jordan’s fame may have shielded him from consequences, the MLB’s Pete Rose was not as fortunate. His gambling activities were viewed as more serious. Jordan and Charles Barkley were known to engage in friendly wagers, competing for money on the golf course just as fiercely as they did on the basketball court.
Now that sports gambling is legal, some celebrities openly share their betting activities on social media, displaying their betting slips for all to see. ATS.io has compiled a list of celebrities who are avid sports bettors for those interested in seeing what the rich and famous are wagering on.
