It is obvious that in the past few decades we have witnessed the proliferation of the gambling industry. This explosion in popularity has been assisted by modern technology which has allowed for the creation of online casinos. In fact, gambling games have become so popularised that they have even infiltrated celebrity social circles, with an array of famous faces now indulging in playing classic casino games such as blackjack.
Firstly, blackjack is an incredibly popular game, and it is no surprise that celebrities play the game too. The objective of blackjack is to finish the game with a higher total than that of the dealer, without exceeding 21. Going over 21 is known as ‘going bust’ and this is synonymous with an automatic loss. Matt Damon is one famous figure that is noted for his love of the game. In fact, when he was conducting research for a film called Rounders, Matt Damon developed his interest in the high-stake and fast-paced world of blackjack. Although he has many riveting gambling stories, one notable tale was when he and famous friend Ben Affleck went to the Hard Rock Casino in Florida and managed to win almost a million dollars in one night from blackjack. If you’d like to try out these celebrities’ favourite game, you can always start out with the simplest version of the game: single deck blackjack. Make sure you read up on the rules and get some helpful tips before starting out.
Although 50 Cent is better known for his contributions in the music industry, in his spare time he likes to indulge in a variety of gambling activities. Whilst he has dabbled in betting on sports, his ultimate passion is for blackjack which has reportedly generated millions for him. There are many wild stories circulated around Hollywood about 50 Cent engaging in gambling games such as one night when he was said to have bet $70,000 in just a single setting. As 50 Cent thrives from the risk of winning or losing, this game aligns with his personality type perfectly and has even inspired him to release an app called 50 Cent Blackjack in 2012.
We would normally associate Ben Affleck with his famous movie roles, the actor also harbours a love for high-stakes casino card games including blackjack. Unlike many celebrities, Ben Affleck does not simply indulge in casino activities in his spare time but has taken his skills to a professional level. In fact, he has previously been hailed for entering a variety of poker tournaments, having won the California Poker Championship. The actor has also put a lot of consistent effort into mastering skills and strategy related to blackjack which has been reflected in the amount of winnings he has achieved in the game. He is also keen to share this knowledge with others such as Matt Damon with whom he often plays blackjack.
In addition, one famous figure that is regarded as an underdog in the realm of blackjack is Paris Hilton. This celebrity has plenty of money to spend on the game and is known all around Hollywood for being a fan of high-risk bets, at one stage amassing $50,000 in the game. Although she hasn’t spent a lot of time trying to master the game of blackjack, Paris Hilton loves the social element of the game visiting locations such as Atlantic City and Vegas regularly. Her love of gambling activities has been cemented by her paid appearances to many venues across Hollywood.
Of course, anyone who is a fan of golf or sports in general will recognise the name Tiger Woods. Hailed as one of the most notorious golfers of his time, this famous face does not just spend his spare time honing his golfing skills. He is known for frequenting the MGM Grand Resort and Bellagio where he is said to play high-stake blackjack games. The rumour around Hollywood is that Tiger Woods also likes to get VIP treatment when he plays casino games as he wants to make the experience as lavish as possible.
In summary, from Matt Damon and 50 Cent to Paris Hilton and Tiger Woods, there are a myriad of celebrities who indulge in the game of blackjack. Known for its straightforward gameplay and highly social aspect, the game has drawn in both non famous and famous faces throughout the years. As blackjack continues to grow in popularity, why not join in on the fun and see what the hype is about?