Key points

Some wealthy (and less wealthy) professional athletes are gambling addicts.

Recently, some professional athletes were charged with working with organized crime in illegal gambling plots.

The last addiction crisis (drugs) threatening pro sports was managed by drug testing.

The world of professional athletes is populated by hyper-competitive people who love sports, many with plenty of disposable income. Charles Barkley, former NBA star, has openly admitted losing millions gambling; in 2007, he said he lost $10 million, at one point losing $2.5 million in six hours of blackjack.

However, many were shocked In October 2025 by news of a federal probe resulting in 31 individuals arrested in two interrelated schemes involving the NBA and underground poker games. Among those charg

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