Which Canadian Celebrities Have Been Spotted in Casinos?

Drake

Drake is a Canadian rapper with global acclaim. He is also a celebrity with a well-documented history of in-person and online gambling.

Often, the musician will post his latest activities and sports betting picks via social media sites and blogs. Some of his favourite and regular bets include sports wagers and playing online roulette wheels.

However, Drake has also been spotted gambling in brick-and-mortar casinos. After a 2022 gig in Philadelphia, the Canadian rapper travelled to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for a late-night session. Here, Drake settled into the exclusive high rollers section and reportedly bet $200,000 in just a few hours.

Although Drake has been spotted in land-based casinos several times, the rapper appears to have more of an interest in online gambling.

Read more about Drake’s gambling history and wins.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber rose to international fame as a teen pop star in the 2010s. As a result, the singer has become a renowned superstar. Aside from his musical work, Bieber has many well-known hobbies – skateboarding, basketball, chess, and even casino games.

However, the Canadian star is so well-known that he struggles to enjoy a quiet game of poker or blackjack in casinos without being noticed.

Bieber has a long-term interest in poker and has been spotted in casinos around the world. Whether it’s the Borgata Atlantic City or Empire in London, the pop star has attracted crowds and press whenever he has held a seat at the poker table. During his low-profile London game in 2016, Bieber reportedly played a small number of hands for a $200 buy-in.

The superstar’s interest in gambling appears to be a mere hobby. Bieber has also posted engaging and humorous online videos about his interest in betting, even sharing a video where he played poker for sour patch kids instead of real money.

Read which casinos have been featured on the big screen

Pamela Anderson

Movie star and model Pamela Anderson is more known for leading roles in Hollywood films like Baywatch than for being a keen gambler. Yet, the former Playboy model has a history of casino betting.

The Canadian-American actress once shared a story on the Ellen DeGeneres Show about owning a Las Vegas casino over $100,000 in poker losses. However, she was able to pay off the debt after hiring professional poker player Rick Salomon as a coach. The pair eventually got married in 2007, too.

Following her high-profile poker debt, Anderson maintained a casual interest in poker. In 2012, she became a mascot for the Bam Poker website. Here she even participated in streamed online poker casino games against bettors from the Bam Poker platform.

Daniel Negreanu

Daniel Negreanu is an infamous professional poker player who has become one of the most high-profile gamblers ever. The charismatic Canadian is a decorated poker player. He has won seven World Series of Poker bracelets and has made over $50 million in earnings throughout his career.

Negreanu’s poker roots come from playing in social casinos and illegal games in Toronto. In these casinos, he learned how to use bluffs and psychological tactics to out-wit opponents. This smack-talking approach came from a less formal introduction to the world of poker. But it led to great career success.

However, he started competing in professional competitions in 2004. Today, he is often seen at high-stakes poker events in the US, South America, and Europe.

Jennifer Tilly

Jennifer Tilly is a Canadian celebrity who has crossed the lines between professional acting and poker playing. The Hollywood comic and voice artist has appeared in films like Monsters Inc., Coming to America, and Liar Liar.

Tilly’s long-held interest in poker started when her father introduced her to the World Series of Poker video game. She then moved to Hollywood, learned how to play real-life poker, and started competing for real money.

But Tilly is not just a casual poker player. She has won several professional poker titles. In 2005, she won the Ladies no-limit Texas Hold ’Em event and became the first celebrity ever to claim an esteemed WSOP bracelet.

Check out our picks for top 10 Gambling Scenes in Canadian movies and tv shows.