Rappers are known to do everything in a big way. Most successful rappers live in a life that most people dream of: million-dollar houses, lavish parties, six-figure watches, sports cars, women, and of course, gambling. Although some people think it is just a show-up for the cameras to boost their publicity, most rappers enjoy an expensive lifestyle and the fun that comes with it.
Gambling has been a part of that rich-rapper lifestyle, enjoying the thrill and adrenaline that comes with playing at the tables. You may have heard rumors about rappers frequently visiting Las Vegas or playing online at sites like RoyalVegas.
Despite their wealth and deep bankrolls, some of them need to do better at the table. So, we prepared a list of famous rappers who enjoys the game of luck once in a while.
1. 50 Cent
Source: Billboard
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson does his best to enjoy his hip-hop success to the point that he almost lost all of his wealth and filed bankruptcy. 50 Cent always breaks the news every time he gambles, which means there is a massive amount of money involved.
One notable bet is when he put a million-dollar chance on his friend, Floyd Mayweather Jr when he fought Oscar De La Hoya in 2007. In 2012, he bet $500,000 on the New York Giants against San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship.
In 2015, 50 Cent put a $1.6 million bet on his on and off friend, Floyd Mayweather Jr, when the undefeated champion beat Manny Pacquiao in a boxing match labeled as “The Fight of the Century.”
In his 2007 track What You Got, 50 Cent has an entire verse about his gambling: “I got a gambling problem. I bet you **** I’ ma be back bustin’. But you won’t notice me when that gat dumpin’, you wan’ bet?. I lost money when I bet on Roy. Won money when I bet on Floyd, I’m the one that bet on a boy”.
2. Jay-Z
Source: Entrepreneur
Shawn Carter, better known to the world as Jay-Z, is undoubtedly the face of the rap and one of the most successful rappers of all-time. Aside from his music success, Jay-Z is also a business mogul and a certified baseball and basketball sports agent.
When it comes to gambling, Jay-Z is a formidable blackjack and poker player – or so he claims. He usually plays at high-stakes tables at casinos around the world. It has been reported that he lost $500,000 in a single high-stakes poker hand in Las Vegas, which probably won’t even scratch his fortune.
In 2015, Jay-Z lost six figures betting with Oscar De La Hoya on a boxing match that featured his Roc Nation Sports client, Miguel Cotto. Jay-Z donated the money to a charity of De La Hoya’s choice.
3. Nelly
Source: Complex
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. or Nelly began his successful music career with the 2000 smash hit album Country Grammar. Nelly has dozens of popular songs that people around the globe listen to, including tracks Hot in Here, and Dilemma featuring Kelly Rowland. He also runs a non-profit organization, 4Sho4Kids.
When he’s away from nightclubs, spotlights, and his non-profit, he might be doing his other passion, which is playing poker. The rapper even pushes his love for poker further and performed at the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event and has been a regular competitor at PokerStars European Poker Tour circuit.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out better on him and have made far less than what he lost over the years, with a recorded $5,153 of live tournament winnings.
4. Birdman
Source: Imagup
Another big name in the rapping scene who loves gambling is Bryan Christopher Williams, or famously known as Birdman. Aside from being a rapper, businessman, and investor, he is also a well-known gambler who loves to throw his money on sportsbooks, casinos, and other online betting games whenever he gets the chance.
He is the co-founder of Cash Money Records. He also put some of his fortunes in a clothing line, oil and gas exploration company, and other startups. In 2011, he lost more than $2 million betting on Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship over the Dallas Mavericks. On the other hand, he won more than $1 million in Super Bowl XLV for betting on the Green Bay Packers. He took the loot and purchased a Landaulet Maybach.
On the next year at Super Bowl XLVI, he goes with Tom Brady and the Patriots to beat the New York Giants in the rematch of Super Bowl XLII and avenge their only loss in a Super Bowl in the past decade. Brady’s second SB loss to the G Men in 2012 cost Birdman a whopping $5 million.
5. Young Thug
Source: Urban Islandz
Atlanta’s very own Jeffery Lamar Williams, better known as Young Thug, has been in the rapping scene since 2014. He quickly rises to the top of the world of rap, thanks to his unique vocal style and broken beat that disrupts the traditional hip-hop rhythm.
In an interview with GQ Magazine in 2017, Young Thug admitted to having two identities with which he follows his different passions. His first identity, Thug, loves music while to another one, Lil Jeff loves gambling more than music.
“There are two Thugs,” he said. “One a rapper and one a gambler. This isn’t Thug. It’s Lil Jeff. I think he like shooting dice more than rapping”.
6. P Diddy
Source: Miami Herald
Sean “P Diddy” Combes is a legend in the rapping scene and hip-hop business. When it comes to living and showing luxuries, Diddy is your man. He is known to be the king of bling, no surprise that he has a love for gambling and casinos as well. Every time he visits Las Vegas, he always spends some time at high stakes tables playing his favorite game of Blackjack.
In 2015, Diddy bet Mark Wahlberg $250,000 that the undefeated champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr, would beat Manny Pacquiao when they face each other in the Fight of the Century. Well, he was right!
These rappers are known for their music and lavish lifestyle. Overall, gambling is part of their personality and can often be a fun part of that lifestyle. The lessons you learn from playing, excitement, decision making, this might have helped these rappers to reach where they are today.
