Following the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 in 2018, sports gambling in the United States has grown into an $11 billion business, based on 2023 revenue data from the American Gaming Association. With its increasing popularity, sports betting has become a hot topic not only in U.S. elections but also in the minds of many Americans, including celebrities.
The explosive expansion of sports betting is expected to continue as a dozen states are still in the process of legalizing or considering it. Projections suggest that once the market stabilizes, the business could be valued at $45 billion.
Prior to the groundbreaking decision by the Supreme Court six years ago, betting on games and players was limited to Nevada. Public discussion of sports gambling was once hush-hush, typically involving 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 predictions for final scores on “The NFL Today.”
A decade later, Michael Jordan began his rise to NBA stardom—also becoming known as the unofficial pioneer of celebrity gambling. At the peak of his career in 1993, he was spotted at a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the night before a playoff game in New York. That same year, he reportedly placed significant bets on golf matches and card games, and managed to settle a $1.25 million golf bet debt for $300,000. Speculations persisted even after Jordan defended himself on “60 Minutes” in 2005, claiming that while he had taken risks, his gambling didn’t put his family or career in jeopardy.
Jordan’s celebrity status may have given him leeway that others didn’t have, unlike MLB’s Pete Rose who faced harsh consequences. Jordan’s gambling was viewed as friendly competitions. He was famously seen gambling alongside Charles Barkley, wagering thousands of dollars per hole in golf matches. Their competitive spirit extended from the court to the golf course.
Now that sports gambling is legal, prominent figures no longer need to conceal their bets, leading some to proudly showcase their betting slips on social media. ATS.io compiled a list of celebrities who are avid sports bettors to give a glimpse into what the rich and famous are wagering on.
