Five Famous Rappers Who Love to Gamble

Famous rappers are no strangers to the glitz and glamour that come with their success — million-dollar mansions, extravagant parties, luxury watches, fancy cars, and, of course, gambling.

Whether it’s the allure of Las Vegas or the convenience of online platforms, these artists are drawn to the tables. Let’s take a closer look at some renowned rappers who like to try their hand at gambling.

1. Jay-Z: The Ace of All Trades

Jay-Z, a true rap legend, not only dominates the music industry but also holds court as a business mogul. When it comes to gambling, he is known for his love of high-stakes blackjack and poker, frequently seeking the thrill at prestigious casinos worldwide.

Reports suggest that Jay-Z once lost a whopping $500,000 in a single hand of high-stakes poker in Las Vegas—a mere blip on his financial radar. In 2015, he engaged in a six-figure bet with Oscar De La Hoya, wagering on a boxing match featuring his Roc Nation Sports client, Miguel Cotto. Jay-Z gracefully donated the money to a charity chosen by De La Hoya.

2. 50 Cent: The Gamble-Master

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has become synonymous with high-stakes gambling, often making headlines for his audacious bets.

In 2015, 50 Cent made waves again by placing a colossal $1.6 million bet on his on-again, off-again buddy, Floyd Mayweather Jr., for the much-anticipated boxing showdown with Manny Pacquiao, known as “The Fight of the Century.”

In his 2007 track “What You Got,” 50 Cent even dedicated an entire verse to his gambling escapades, highlighting his wins and losses with flair.

3. Nelly: Rhythm and Risk

Nelly, the chart-topping rapper, burst onto the scene with his 2000 album “Country Grammar.” When he’s not making hits or engaging in philanthropy through his non-profit organization 4Sho4Kids, Nelly finds himself drawn to the world of poker.

Embracing his passion for the game, Nelly showcased his poker skills at the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event. While he hasn’t reaped enormous winnings from his poker pursuits, his dedication to the game demonstrates his affinity for taking calculated risks.

4. Birdman: From Beats to Bets

Bryan Christopher Williams, better known as Birdman, has made a name for himself not only as a rapper but also as a shrewd entrepreneur and investor. Alongside his musical career and founding Cash Money Records, Birdman enjoys indulging in various forms of gambling, from sportsbooks to casinos and online wagering games.

In 2011, Birdman lost over $2 million when he bet on the Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship against the Dallas Mavericks. On a brighter note, he raked in over $1 million by placing a bet on the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV.

4. Young Thug: Double Identities

Jeffery Lamar Williams, better known as Young Thug, burst onto the rap scene in 2014. In an interview with GQ Magazine, Young Thug revealed that he has two personas: one as a rapper and the other as a gambler.

He confessed that his alter ego, Lil Jeff, enjoys shooting dice more than making music. This intriguing duality showcases Young Thug’s multifaceted interests beyond the realm of rap.