While Soccer players from around the world combat each other on the grounds, you might see them share a common interest off the field. Best known for their talent and ability on the field, top-notch footballers also cherish their thrilling moments at new casinos online 2022 while gambling on popular games. Some of the world’s most famous football players enjoy racing through video slots, table games, and live casinos online, and their visits to land casinos aren’t unknown.
Famous Soccer Players With an Eye for Gambling
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
While Cristiano Ronaldo is known to the world as the face of victory, too many football fans, not everyone knows that he is one of those celebrities who enjoys his time gambling. Ronaldo has been spotted across different casinos worldwide, exploring his Poker games.
2. Mario Balotelli
Balotelli is a popular Italian striker also known for his interest in gambling. In 2011, he managed to win a whopping £25,000 at the Roulette table in a top-notch Manchester casino. His generous tipping gesture and philanthropic act post-winning have left an impression in the public eye.
3. James Maddison
A relatively lesser-known soccer player, James Maddison plays as a midfielder in the Leicester City premier league. Aside from his football skill, the player is known for his jaunts to various casinos from time to time. The player believes in safe and responsible gambling and has a clean gambling record. If you are a newbie to the casino journey, you can explore the realm of gaming safe at reliable new casinos online 2022 offering an immersive experience. Check which traditional online casino games originate from China.
4. Neymar
The Brazilian powerhouse soccer star Neymar is recognized as a grand striker. Currently playing for his Paris Saint Germain, he is seen indulging in some quiet time at brick-and-mortar casinos with his fellow players such as Gerard Pique and Cristiano Ronaldo. Neymar not only enjoys playing online Poker but also cheers for other players during live tournaments.
5. Diego Maradona
Some faces aren’t just famous; they are known to become legends. Unfortunately, one of the best soccer players, Maradona, is no more. The discussion of football and casino could not be complete without him for his keen interest in gambling, a celebrity the world will never forget. He was a passionate Roulette and card games player. It is said that he frequented the Buenos Aires casinos from time to time.
6. David Bentley
Born in England, David Bentley was a passionate footballer and a gambler. Having played for several British clubs and even a Russian Premier League, he established himself as one of the top-rated players. He is known to have ignited his betting skills with his stakes on Poker, Horse Racing Bets, Blackjack, and Baccarat. It is said that the stalwart footballer had fallen prey to addictive gambling habits, although his girlfriend helped him pull out to overcome the addiction. Subsequently, he appeared on the European Poker Tour.
7. Gianluigi Buffon
Sports betting is not new to Italians and has landed a few players under the scanner. Well-known soccer stars such as Buffon have been suspected of engaging in illegal gambling activities. Although that was almost a decade ago, it is reported that just before the World Cup 2006 and in 2012, Gianluigi Buffon illegally bet close to 1.5 million Euros. Later on, it was resolved that he was guilty, but Buffon never hid his gambling passion. He also went on to serve as a PokerStars ambassador for some time.
8. Gerard Pique
Did you know this Barcelona player enjoys Poker at online casinos? Well, so much so that he also hosted the European Tour Poker in 2019, where he was seen accompanying his teammate Arturo Vidal. Known to be one of the high-stakes tournaments, Pique had won over $30000. Later, he also played the World Series of Poker, although he didn’t get to taste victory there. Read also how the host of Software Engineering daily got his start in tech.
Putting Passion First
While these eminent footballers were and continue to be some of the most talented in their genre, some emerged as passionate gamblers. Some landed themselves in trouble, while others played within their limitations and followed the required protocols.
Playing professional soccer has given all these athletes the ability to spend money on playing casinos. Although some are open about their gambling passion, others don’t wish to be in the limelight for their gambling affinities.
Virtual Play for Football Lovers
If you are a football fan, you can also relive the football field excitement through soccer games at top-rated casinos. Accessible on sportsbooks, they enable you to enjoy gaming in real-time, even from the comfort of your home.
Optimized mobile casinos, cutting-edge game features, intuitive interface, and lucrative bonuses and promotions on football-themed games ensure an exhilarating and rewarding experience for soccer fans betting at online casinos.
If you are an avid football admirer and enjoy watching your favorite team play a match, you can experience the adrenaline rush at the casinos of your choice. You can enjoy all the field action on your preferred devices, from betting on your choicest soccer players to playing RNG football games.
Thanks to the fair games, innovative bonuses, secure payment, and withdrawal methods, and responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and more, anyone can gamble fearlessly at their choicest sites.
How do Adverts Impact Football Betting?
More players engage in betting today because of the adverts covering the stadiums. It is specifically high in Australian football stadiums during the Australian Football League. These ads are meant to attract more players to their gambling platform and get high marketing stats in the stadiums and TV broadcasts.
You must have noticed the logos of the advertising companies on the player jerseys and other merchandise worn by players during the match. Don’t soccer fans also buy these? Well, that’s the purpose of displaying their brands everywhere. So, you also see top players and league players featured in football-themed casino games and soccer variants in sportsbooks.
The Sports Betting Market and Footballers
The increase in the popularity of sports betting has attracted more and more footballers to betting sites and casinos over the last few years. Also, established gambling platforms that offer great odds, free picks, welcome bonuses, and more promise more returns and least losses to prospective players.
In the gambling market, the football segment alone accounted for the largest revenue share in 2020. This massive growth has been attributed to the popularity of soccer and its fanbase worldwide, thanks to footballers such as Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and several other prominent players.
Also, as compared to the tournaments in the past, the recent market has much to offer. From FIFA World Cup to FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, and myriad other championships are driving the popularity of soccer today.
