Everyone knows that football players generally have two things in abundance, money and time. So what better way to spend both than by visiting casinos? It’s a fun activity, often a fantastic social occasion, and winning can produce similar hights to the sport. Therefore, loads of players have frequented these platforms over the years, and we have a list of some of them below.
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish has quickly become a football player renowned for living the high life. And recently, he was spotted playing at some of Las Vegas’ top casinos during a preseason break with friends. Of course, for the likes of Grealish, it’s all about the social occasion with those in his travelling party. Still, when you consider the cameras follow him everywhere, the comparative ease of playing your favourite slot games online should prove to be more appealing for the Man City star.
Wayne Rooney
Jack Grealish, in many ways, is walking a similar path to what Wayne Rooney did during his younger days. Rooney, who recently left Derby County as manager, was not only renowned for visiting casinos in and around Manchester during his time with Manchester United. But on moving to the MLS, he was also spotted at gaming venues in the US. Believe it or not, Rooney’s links to casinos don’t stop there, as he was backed by 32 Red while playing for Derby County, with the company involved in financing his wages.
Cristiano Ronaldo
While it’s unclear when Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, got into gambling, it’s likely that it came to pass during his first stint at Manchester United.
Ronaldo is renowned for being ultra-competitive and not enjoying losing at anything. So, it’s no surprise that he taught himself how to play poker and quickly became very good at it. It seems anything the Portuguese icon turns his hand to, he masters, which is bad news for anyone around the poker table with him when he’s in the mood.
Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli was known for being slightly off the wall when he signed for Manchester City, but his eccentricity rose to new heights during his stay in Manchester. And casinos were involved. It’s reported that Balotelli often frequented the 235 Casino in the city, which was famed for its celebrity clientele.
On winning over £25,000 when playing roulette, Balotelli is said to have tipped a waiter the generous amount of £1,000. And went above and beyond when he stepped outside the venue, giving a wad of cash to a homeless person.
There are plenty more footballers out there who love to gamble in casinos, but those mentioned above are renowned for one reason or another for being fans of gaming venues. And in Balotelli’s case, he put his winnings to great use by rewarding those less fortunate than himself with a share of his prize money.
