Who are the biggest sports celebrities who love online poker?

From high-stakes games in luxurious casinos to intense online tournaments, sports stars have made their mark in the poker world, often placing substantial bets. In 2022, the global online gambling market, which includes online casinos, sports betting, poker, and bingo, was valued at approximately $63.53 billion. The online casino sector alone reached a value of $23 billion in 2021, accounting for about 30% of the total online gambling market.

The online gambling market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030. By 2032, the market size is forecasted to rise to $184.28 billion, representing a significant increase over the decade.

Most famous sports celebrities who love online betting

The involvement of sports celebrities in high-stakes poker games highlights the intersection of competitive sports and gambling.

Neymar Jr.: The Brazilian soccer star is known for his love of poker and frequently plays online. He has partnered with PokerStars and often participates in their online events. According to He has participated in events where the buy-ins can be as high as $10,000.

Gerard Piqué: The Spanish footballer has placed substantial bets in poker tournaments, with some reports indicating he has wagered up to €50,000 in a single tournament.

Michael Phelps: The Olympic swimmer has participated in high-stakes poker games, though exact figures of his bets aren’t always disclosed. However, he has been known to play in games where the stakes can reach thousands of dollars.

Tony Parker: The former NBA point guard, is known for his interest in poker, including online play. Parker has been involved in several online poker tournaments and enjoys the convenience and challenge that online poker offers. His participation in online games allows him to compete against a broader range of players, honing his skills in different environments.

The Appeal of Online Casinos for Sports Celebrities

For sports celebrities, online casinos offer several advantages:

Convenience: Online casinos allow celebrities to play from anywhere, whether they are at home, on the road, or in a hotel room during travels, in addition to the safety that online sites like safestcasinosites give to the celebrity.

Anonymity: Playing online provides a level of anonymity, which can be appealing to high-profile individuals who want to avoid the public attention that often accompanies their presence in physical casinos.

Flexibility: Online platforms offer a variety of games and stakes, enabling celebrities to choose their preferred game and betting level at any time.

Accessibility: With online casinos, sports stars can participate in games and tournaments that might not be available locally, allowing them to compete on a global stage.

The online casino industry is a dynamic and rapidly expanding market with significant global reach. With technological advancements, regulatory changes, and increasing internet penetration, the industry is poised for continued growth