Michael Jordan’s Love for Gambling: A Closer Look at the NBA Legend’s High-Stakes Passion

By Edcel Panganiban May 26, 2025 19:10

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, but his competitive fire has always extended far beyond the hardwood. One of the most talked-about—and sometimes controversial—aspects of Jordan’s life is his love for gambling. From high-stakes poker games with teammates to legendary nights in Las Vegas, Jordan’s relationship with gambling has become an integral part of his public persona. But what drives this passion, and how has it shaped the legend’s legacy?

The Roots of Jordan’s Competitive Nature

To understand Michael Jordan’s love for gambling, it’s essential to recognize the intensity of his competitive spirit. Jordan himself has said, “I have a competition problem, a competitive problem.” This relentless drive to win didn’t just fuel his six NBA championships and five MVP awards; it also found an outlet at the card table, the golf course, and even in the casino.

Former Bulls teammate Will Perdue once recalled, “It didn’t matter if it was playing cards, golf, or even flipping quarters against the wall—Michael wanted to win, and he wanted to win big.” This insatiable hunger for victory made gambling a natural extension of Jordan’s personality.

High-Stakes Stories and Famous Bets

Jordan’s gambling exploits are legendary. During the 1993 NBA playoffs, he was famously spotted at an Atlantic City casino the night before a crucial game against the New York Knicks. While some critics questioned his focus, Jordan shrugged off the controversy, saying, “I enjoy it. It’s a hobby. If I had a problem, I’d be starving, hocking my clothes, or doing things to support my habit. I haven’t done that. I enjoy wagering.”

Jordan’s bets weren’t limited to casinos. On the golf course, he was known to play for thousands of dollars per hole. Former NBA player Charles Barkley once said, “Michael will bet on anything. I mean anything. He’s just addicted to competition.”

In his 1993 book “Michael and Me: Our Gambling Addiction…My Cry for Help!” author Richard Esquinas claimed to have won over $1.2 million from Jordan on the golf course. While Jordan later admitted to losing “a couple of dollars” to Esquinas, he denied the larger figure, emphasizing that he always gambled within his means.

The Impact on His Image and Career

Despite the headlines, there is no evidence that Jordan’s gambling ever interfered with his basketball career. In fact, many argue that his competitive edge in gambling mirrored the same intensity that made him a six-time NBA champion. NBA Commissioner David Stern investigated Jordan’s gambling in the early 1990s but concluded that there was no wrongdoing.

Jordan addressed the issue directly in his autobiography, writing, “I never bet on basketball. I only bet on myself, and that’s what made me successful.” His openness about his gambling has helped demystify the subject, even if it remains a point of fascination for fans and critics alike.

Gambling in the Modern Era

Today, gambling is more mainstream than ever, with casino game providers and sports betting companies sponsoring major sports leagues and teams. Jordan himself has invested in the sports betting industry, taking an equity stake in DraftKings in 2020 and serving as a special advisor to the board. This move reflects both the changing landscape of sports gambling and Jordan’s ongoing interest in the world of wagering.

Stats and the Scope of Jordan’s Gambling

Jordan reportedly lost $165,000 in a single weekend in Atlantic City during the 1993 playoffs, according to court documents.
His golf bets have ranged from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars per round.
In 2020, the global sports betting market was valued at over $203 billion, illustrating the scale of an industry that Jordan has both influenced and participated in.

Quotes on Gambling

“I have a competition problem, a competitive problem.” – Michael Jordan
“Michael will bet on anything. I mean anything. He’s just addicted to competition.” – Charles Barkley
“I enjoy it. It’s a hobby. If I had a problem, I’d be starving, hocking my clothes, or doing things to support my habit.” – Michael Jordan

Conclusion: The Legacy of a High-Stakes Legend

Michael Jordan’s love for gambling is inseparable from his love for competition. Whether wagering on the golf course, at the poker table, or with casino game providers, Jordan’s risk-taking reflects the same fearless mentality that made him a global icon. While his gambling has sometimes sparked controversy, it has never overshadowed his accomplishments. Instead, it offers a window into the relentless drive of a man who always plays to win—no matter the stakes.