Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, sports gambling has seen substantial growth in the United States, becoming an $11 billion industry according to 2023 revenue data from the American Gaming Association. The increasing popularity of sports betting has made it a prominent topic 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 in the process of legalizing it. Projections estimate the industry could reach a value of $45 billion once the market is fully matured.
Prior to the landmark Supreme Court decision six years ago, sports wagers were limited to Nevada. Public discussions about sports gambling were discreet, with references to point spreads by handicappers like Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, one of the early celebrity sports prognosticators who provided score predictions on “The NFL Today” in 1976.
During the 1990s, NBA legend Michael Jordan emerged as a prominent figure in celebrity gambling. In 1993, he was seen in an Atlantic City casino the night before a playoff game, sparking controversy. Jordan was rumored to have placed substantial bets on golf and card games, eventually settling a $1.25 million golf bet debt for $300,000. Despite admitting to pushing boundaries in his gambling, Jordan maintained that it did not have negative effects on his family or career.
While Jordan’s fame may have shielded him from severe consequences, MLB’s Pete Rose faced repercussions for his gambling activities. Jordan’s wagers were often seen as friendly competitions, particularly his golf games with Charles Barkley where they bet thousands per hole.
With sports gambling now legalized, many celebrities openly share their betting activities on social media. ATS.io has compiled a list of celebrities who are known for their serious involvement in sports betting.
