Whether you’re an avid football fan or not, there’s no denying that the world’s most popular sport has some of the most famous and talented athletes in the world. And while many of these stars are known for their on-field exploits, a surprising number of them also enjoy spending their free time playing casino games.
While we know there must be hundreds of gamblers among lesser-known footballers, it’s not that easy to find gambling fanatics among the elite group of players. However, we did our homework and compiled a list of the most popular football stars who really enjoy casino games.
Let’s take a look!
Top Footballers Who Like Gambling
These are some of the most famous names in the sport who have been seen enjoying casino games.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
The world’s highest-paid footballer and one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo, is no stranger to casinos. In fact, he’s even an ambassador for some of the world’s most popular gambling brands.
The Portuguese superstar has been seen enjoying a game of blackjack and even roulette on occasion. He’s also no stranger to poker, having played in some high-profile tournaments over the years.
2. Gigi Buffon
One of the most decorated goalkeepers of all time, Gianluigi Buffon, is also a big fan of casino games. The Italian shot-stopper is a regular at some of the most exclusive casinos in Europe and has even been known to frequently visit trustly casinos. He’s not afraid to gamble big either, having reportedly lost six figures on a single poker game at one point.
3. Wayne Rooney
Another big name in English football, Wayne Rooney, has been known to visit casinos while playing for both Manchester United and Everton. And if you find yourself playing against him at the tables, he’s more than happy to chat while you wait for your turn.
He’s not the most successful gambler on this list, however, as he once lost £500 thousand in a single night at a casino in Manchester. Rooney openly talked about this experience in his autobiography, saying that it was a wake-up call for him to stop gambling.
4. Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta is one of the greatest midfielders of our time and is also a huge fan of casino games. The Spanish superstar is an ambassador for many different brands in the world of gambling, particularly poker, and often enjoys visiting casinos to play roulette or blackjack. If he is as good at gambling as he is at football, then we’re sure he’s doing just fine.
5. Neymar
Neymar is the world’s most expensive footballer and is also a big fan of casino games. The Brazilian superstar has been seen playing various casino games with his closest friends, and he even posted it on his social media profiles.
6. Diego Armando Maradona
Is there a vice that Diego Maradona didn’t have? The Argentine legend is one of the most controversial figures in the history of football, but he’s also a big fan of casino games. He’s been photographed playing blackjack and roulette on numerous occasions and has even set up his own online casino.
Unfortunately, Diego passed away in 2020. This makes Maradona the only member of the list who will not be seen playing casino games anymore.
7. Mario Balotelli
The Italian footballer ups the ante when it comes to casino gambling. The controversial striker is known for his love of poker, and he’s even bet thousands of dollars on single hands at some of the world’s most exclusive casinos. And while he may not have won as much as we’d like, it sounds like he had a blast doing it!
Why Do Football Players Like Gambling?
There’s no clear answer to this question, but the most common theory is that footballers like casino games because they’re able to exercise their competitive nature in a fun and low-stress environment.
Many stars have talked about gambling as an effective way of relieving tension and stress both during and after their careers. After all, let’s not forget that such elite athletes are under a lot of pressure to perform at the highest level week in and week out. That’s not something many people can cope with easily.
Besides that, casinos are usually the venues where all the fun and excitement happens after a match. It’s not uncommon to see footballers celebrating their victories (or commiserating their losses) with a few drinks and some casino games.
Many also enjoy the thrill of gambling and the potential to win big money. While some have lost significant sums of money, others have won life-changing amounts that have allowed them to retire early or invest in other businesses.
Whatever the reason for such a high level of popularity, it’s clear that many of the world’s most popular footballers enjoy gambling. And with instant withdrawal casinos now available online, it’s easier than ever for them to satisfy their cravings.
So, next time you’re thinking about trying your luck at the casino, don’t be surprised if you spot some of your favorite footballers doing the same thing. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have a chance to chat with them about the beautiful game.
Why Are Online Casinos Becoming a Big Deal Among Gamblers?
The popularity of online casinos has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more people opting to gamble from the comfort of their own homes. Needless to say, football players are by no means an exception here. There are many reasons for this, but the most common one is convenience.
With online casinos, gamblers can enjoy their favorite casino games at any time of day or night without even having to leave their homes. This is a huge advantage for busy people like football players who don’t have the time or inclination to visit brick-and-mortar casinos.
Another big reason why online casinos are becoming so popular is the variety of games on offer.
While most traditional casinos focus mainly on slots and table games, online casinos offer a much wider range, including video poker, bingo, scratch cards, and much more. Whether you feel like a game of roulette or prefer the excitement of playing against real people in a live casino environment, there will be an online casino to suit your needs.
Of course, players also appreciate the possibility of making instant withdrawals that are processed very quickly. Thanks to fast withdrawals and the rise of cryptocurrencies, you can even receive your winnings in a matter of minutes.
So, if you’re looking for an easier and more convenient way to enjoy your favorite casino games, why not check out some online casinos today? You might be surprised by just how entertaining they are!
How to Choose the Best Online Casino
Are you impressed by the list of football players who gamble offline and online? If yes, you might be interested in trying your luck at an online casino. But with so many options out there, how can you be sure to choose the best one? Here are a few factors to keep in mind.
1. Find a licensed casino
The first thing you need to do is make sure the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable body. This will ensure that the casino is operating legally and that your personal and financial information is safe and secure. Almost every country has a regulatory body that licenses online casinos, so make sure to do your research before you sign up.
2. Check the games selection
Once you’ve found a licensed casino, take a look at the games on offer. As we mentioned earlier, online casinos usually have a much wider range of games than traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
We are talking about all kinds of themes and variants that make digital gambling games much more versatile and interesting. So, if you want to enjoy a wider selection of casino games, an online casino might be the best option for you.
3. Pay attention to promotions and bonuses
Of course, you also need to look at what kind of promotions and bonuses are on offer. These can make a big difference in terms of your overall experience at the casino. If there are any special offers or bonuses on offer, make sure to see if they are a good fit for you and your needs. You should look for these promo deals:
- Welcome bonuses: Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses to new players. These can include match deposit bonuses, free spins, or even no deposit bonuses. If you are planning to make a deposit, it’s definitely worth looking for a casino that offers a good welcome bonus.
- Loyalty programs: Some casinos also have loyalty programs that give you points every time you play. These points can then be redeemed for prizes or cash. If you are a regular player, it’s worth looking for an online casino that offers a good loyalty program.
- Cashback: Some casinos offer cashback deals, which means you get a percentage of your losses back. This is a great way to minimize your losses and give yourself a little extra cushion.
The list of bonuses is long, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the ones that suit your gambling style and needs.
4. Find out how easy it is to make deposits and withdrawals
When choosing an online casino, another important consideration is how easy it is to make deposits and withdrawals. Ideally, you should be able to choose from a wide range of payment options, including credit cards and online payment platforms like PayPal or Skrill.
Withdrawals should also be quickly processed so you can get your money as soon as possible. If there are any fees involved, they should also be clearly stated on the casino website. That way, you will know exactly how much it costs to play at each casino.
5. Make sure customer support is available
Finally, you should also make sure that the online casino has good customer support. This is important in case you run into any problems while playing or if you have any questions about the games or your account. Ideally, the customer support team should be available around the clock. You need a reputable gambling platform with these communication channels:
- Toll-free phone numbers
- Live chat
- Email support
Online casinos with these communication networks should be able to handle user requests almost instantly. This is extremely important for users who want to get help right away, which is usually the case with online gamblers.
There are many other things to consider when choosing an online casino. However, if you keep the abovementioned factors in mind, you should be able to find a gambling platform that suits your needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Casino gambling is one of the most popular leisure activities in the world. The industry has experienced huge growth over the past few decades, and it continues to grow even now. That’s exactly why so many football players and other athletes enjoy casino games.
Athletes are also the reason why so many people try online casino games at some point. If you enjoy gambling, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try playing them online. Today’s casinos are legal and reliable, which means they offer a safe and secure experience for all players.
If you follow the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you should be able to find a reputable online casino that suits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Start gambling today!
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