Celebrity and Poker – the perfect match

Celebrity and Poker –…

It seems that the gambling habit can affect anybody! Celebrity players have been spotted all over Las Vegas in the run up to this years WSOP* – some happier to be spotted betting on the turn of a card than others! But, who are the A-List celebrities that possess more than a passing interest in gambling?

George Clooney
Perhaps inspired by his starring role in Oceans 11, 12 and 13, although, more likely by the fact that he is ridiculously minted. Clooney has also taken an active role in the gambling business itself. He invested an unknown sum of money in a $3 billion resort in a Las Vegas in 2007 and is the co-owner of Las Ramblas, a casino-hotel-condominium on the strip.

Brad Pitt
Another Oceans 11,12 and 13 cast is Brad Pitt, he also invested money into the same $3 billion in a Las Vegas casino complex. While filming Ocean's 12 in Rome, it was reported that Pitt, along with co-stars George Clooney and Matt Damon and their friend Michael Douglas, were engaged in late-night poker sessions every day – allegedly, some of them were as good as professional players.

Matt Damon
Damon is also very passionate about gambling. He's a regular entrant in the annual World Series of Poker, and his most interesting WSOP* story occurred back in 1998. Miramax Studios entered both he and Edward Norton in the WSOP* Main Event to promote the upcoming film ‘Rounders’. He is considered an excellent poker player and was rumored to have been offered a $1 million endorsement from a particular online gaming giant.

Ben Affleck
Affleck is one of the most accomplished celebrity poker player, He won $356,000 at the California State Poker Championship in 2004 and a $25,000 seat in the 2005 World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship.

Jennifer Tilly
It would appear that Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Tilly is, nowadays, more interested in poker than acting. In June of 2005, Tilly won a World Series of Poker bracelet and $158,625 in the Ladies' No-Limit Hold'em event. She has also won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament and competed in Poker Royale, Poker Superstars, and Celebrity Poker Showdown. Tilly has also been dating poker legend, Phil Laak, since 2005.

Toby Maguire
Toby Maguire was one of the players that were beaten by Ben Affleck at the Commerce Casino's California State Poker Championship. However, he came back in later in 2004 when he won $186,000 in a tournament at the Hollywood Park Casino and, the following year, put in strong showings at the WPT and WSOP*.

Justin Timberlake
Although very secretive on the matter, it is common knowledge that Timberlake is a huge fan of both poker and blackjack. Introduced to the games whilst dating Cameron Diaz, Timberlake has developed into a very proficient exponent of both games – regularly appearing a Las Vegas gambling hot spots to seek that next fix!

Macy Gray
The RnB singer made a surprise appearance in Bravo TV’s Celebrity Poker Showdown and finished in a incredible 3rd place. Still, having perfected the husky poker voice, there is no doubt she has the potential to go far.

No doubt, this list is just the tip of the iceberg – you can keep your eye out for more stars and celebrities playing online poker at the world’s top celebrity poker site - Celebpoker.com

Publish Date : 05/06/2009

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