Charles Barkley has a deep appreciation for many things in life. The NBA Hall of Famer has always had a passion for basketball, enjoys his time on television, spends his retirement golfing, and prides himself on being authentic all year round. But there’s one more thing the 11-time All-Star is famously fond of: gambling.
During a recent guest appearance on Pardon My Take, the 62-year-old sports icon reflected candidly on his gambling history.
“I Got Carried Away” – Barkley on His Gambling Journey
Barkley didn’t shy away from admitting that his love for gambling had, at times, pushed him toward addictive behavior. “I love gambling, but I turned into a complete lunatic. I probably won a million dollars around ten times. But I’ve lost a million dollars probably 30 times,” he shared.
That’s an astonishing amount of money to lose over weekends in Las Vegas. He went on to describe a recurring pattern during trips with friends.
“Every time we hit Vegas, I’d be up $300K, $400K, even $500K. My buddies would say, ‘We’re up! Let’s quit and go have fun,’” Barkley recalled. “But in my head, I wanted to win a million. I’d done it before, and I was chasing that high.”
Unfortunately, those sessions rarely ended well. “I kept losing, and it piled up. Millions upon millions. Eventually, I stepped away from gambling for about two years,” he said.
A Wake-Up Call From a Friend
Despite having the financial means to sustain losses, Barkley admitted that his gambling could have spiraled further if not for honest friends. One evening, while smoking cigars and reminiscing about Las Vegas, Barkley asked his friends for the truth about his gambling behavior.
“One of my boys didn’t hold back. He told me, ‘Gambling’s not your issue. Being a damn fool is,’” Barkley recalled. “He was right. I’d try to hit that imaginary million, lose it, then end up maxing out my whole credit line.”
Gambling: Barkley’s Risky Passion
In a conversation earlier this year with Dan Patrick, Barkley made it clear that he’s back to gambling. “Kiss my a**! I’m going to gamble. I like it,” he said. “My weekends now are all about gambling on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Casinos can be both thrilling and ruthless. One night you feel invincible, the next you’re stuck withdrawing from an ATM after endless losses.
Barkley understands the highs and lows better than most. By his own account, he’s lost close to $30 million over the years—whether on sports betting, table games, or slot machines. Fortunately, with a strong financial position and friends who keep him grounded, he’s managed to avoid the complete downfall that some athletes face.
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