by Brad Smallbone
While to some, the worlds of Hollywood and Las Vegas may appear to be poles apart, many movie stars have often found themselves drawn to the gaming floor in the same way they’re drawn to the film set. In fact, some of the world’s most recognised film icons have developed a well-documented interest in some of the most notorious games about. Here are a handful of those movie stars:
Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis is best known for his action-packed roles in films like Die Hard, but he’s also made headlines in the past for his fondness when it comes to gambling. His game of choice? Slot machines. Willis has reportedly spent time at several prominent casinos over the years, often attracting attention from fans. He’s been seen in Atlantic City checking out the latest slot games, with the bright lights and spinning reels said to be a draw. While he’s not been as public as others about his passion for gambling, he was cited as an enthusiastic casino visitor in the past.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck’s relationship with gambling – particularly blackjack – is one of the most publicised in Hollywood. Known for having a strategic mind, Affleck has been banned from casinos for card counting, a legal but frowned-upon tactic. He’s a Hollywood icon who saw gambling as more than a pastime; it was a real passion, and he developed skills in other games, such as poker, over the years. Affleck is also a movie star who has competed in events where he put his skills to the test against rival players.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon, a longtime friend of Ben Affleck, is another Hollywood A-lister known to enjoy gambling, particularly poker. Damon trained with professional poker players for his role in Rounders (1998), a film designed to popularise poker in pop culture. His involvement didn’t end there, as Damon has also competed in multiple celebrity and professional tournaments over the years, earning him respect for his ability, much like Affleck.
Tobey Maguire
Famous for playing Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire has a somewhat lesser-known reputation as a serious poker player. He was reportedly involved in high-stakes underground games in Los Angeles at one point, and this is said to have inspired the 2017 movie Molly’s Game. Maguire has won substantial sums and is described as a shrewd and competitive player. While much of his life remains private, his association with elite poker circles is well-documented.
Conclusion
Gambling is an activity that the rich and famous have enjoyed for years and continue to enjoy to this day. Hollywood has always been a hub of A-list movie stars who, after finishing their shoots, have a lot of spare time on their hands. This has led many to turn to playing casino games, such as poker, blackjack, and slot machines, with many visiting Las Vegas and other established gambling locations. As seen with the likes of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, some have taken their enjoyment further and turned it into a passion, competing in events.
