The stage isn’t the only place artists chase adrenaline. Today, many musicians in the US, particularly in the hip-hop and pop genres, are placing significant bets at online casinos.
I’ve watched producers spin slots between takes and rappers bankroll six-figure crypto bets while mixing tracks. It’s fast, private, and always on. No crowds. No labels.
For artists used to risk, online casinos offer the same high-stakes edge without the industry baggage. And let’s be real, many of them are winning more online than from streaming. This piece breaks it down.
Online gambling clicks, because it feeds the lifestyle of musicians. And what it says about fame, freedom, and fast money in 2025.
Famous US Musicians Who Gamble
1. Drake: The Face of Crypto Gambling
Drake married into online casinos. He regularly bets millions on Stake via live stream. At the same time, sipping cocktails and calling out spins like a sportscaster.
This isn’t PR. He’s gambling with real crypto, chasing real highs. Some nights, he wins seven figures. Others, he bleeds it back. That’s the point, win or lose, it’s all action, and Drake lives for it.
2. 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and Mayweather: The Billionaire Betting Circle
This trio doesn’t need casino credit. 50’s been gambling since mixtape money. Jay-Z keeps it low-key, though insiders know he has a poker face like a true Vegas gambler.
Mayweather? He bets six figures on sports like lunch money. Boxing may be his career, but gambling is his flex. They don’t just play, they move with private dealers and house limits that will make a sultan blush.
3. Post Malone: Blackjack and Beerbongs
Post isn’t your average chart-topper. He hits Vegas like a local. Blackjack is his game, and he plays it with method, not madness.
He discusses strategy on podcasts, and if you’ve seen him at the tables, you know he’s not just improvising.
He doesn’t pursue comps; instead, he focuses on finding his rhythm, reading the dealer, and knowing when to walk away. That’s not luck; it’s a musician’s mind in tune with the game.
Casino Habits of Famous Musicians
Artist |
Game of Choice |
Style of Play |
Public Bets / Streams |
Casino Type |
Signature Moment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drake |
High-Volatility Slots, Roulette |
Flashy, live-streamed, crypto-only |
Yes – Stake streams to 100K+ viewers |
Online (Stake) |
$17M wagered in one stream (2022) |
Post Malone |
Blackjack |
Methodical, private, strategic |
Rare podcast mentions only |
Vegas Tables |
Caught counting cards at Aria (rumored) |
Mayweather |
Sports Betting |
Aggressive, six-figure units |
Yes – Post slips on Instagram |
Online & Vegas |
$750K bet on the Warriors (won) |
Mark’s Proof These Stars Don’t Bluff
🟢Drake’s Stake Stream Stats
In one live session on Kick, Drake wagered over $17 million on roulette and slots. His February 2023 stream attracted over 120,000 live viewers. Moreover, it included a single spin with $1.05M on green clip verified on Stake’s official Kick channel.
🎙️Post Malone on Blackjack Strategy
In the Joe Rogan Experience episode (#2018), Post talks about his blackjack sessions:
“I like to sit down, drink a Bud Light, and feel the dealer out. It’s like making music, you catch a rhythm.”
🥊 Mayweather’s Betting Flex
Mayweather once posted a $750,000 bet slip on Instagram. He wagered on an NBA Finals game between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he won. He has also placed multi-million-dollar bets on NFL games and boxing matches.
Source: @FloydMayweather’s IG
Casino Culture in Music: More Than Just a Backdrop
Casinos aren’t just places to gamble, they’re status symbols. That’s why they show up everywhere in music. Artists drop casino bars in lyrics to flex risk, power, and payoff.
It’s not subtle. “I’m in Vegas, playing blackjack with the devil” isn’t just a rhyme—it’s a lifestyle code. Cardi B’s visuals? Pure casino glam. Velvet, neon, chips stacked high. Pop culture feeds on high-stakes fantasy, and casinos fuel the image.
From strip clubs to penthouse suites, the aesthetic sells success, danger, and control. Rappers shoot music videos in Vegas lounges or by the roulette table.
It’s real cultural immersion. These artists live what they rap. They don’t just reference the casino life, they bankroll it, breathe it, and beam it into their branding.
That authenticity makes fans believe the hype, and casinos love the free advertising. In short, gambling isn’t just in the background anymore. It’s part of the soundtrack.
The Legal Reality of Celebrity Gambling
Let’s be real, most of the gambling artists do online happen at offshore-friendly US casinos.
Drake plays on Stake, which is based offshore and operates under a Curaçao license. That means no US oversight. It’s not illegal for players to access these casinos because they operate in a legal gray zone.
The same goes for fans. If you’re in the US, you can play at offshore crypto casinos. Note, you won’t have legal protection if something goes wrong.
🎧 Artists don’t worry about that—because they’ve got lawyers, managers, and VIP handlers. You don’t. So play smart, read the terms, and verify early.
Why Online Casinos Are the New Backstage Addiction
Fast Crypto Withdrawals
Tour ends. Show’s over. The artist wants out, and they want their money now. Not next week. That’s where crypto gambling delivers. I’ve cashed out with Litecoin in under 40 minutes without waiting two weeks for a Check.
For artists juggling label fights, tour schedules, and last-minute bookings, waiting 3–5 business days is a joke. Crypto moves faster than their agents; that speed isn’t just a perk, it’s the hook.
“I’ve cashed out faster from crypto casinos than I’ve been paid for editorial work. Artists know the feeling—why wait when your wallet’s ready?” – Mark Taylor
Private, Mobile Gambling
Artists don’t gamble in public. They do it on their phone, in a car, backstage, or three whiskeys deep in a hotel suite. That’s the appeal—no cameras, no casino floor, no fans watching, only full access on a locked screen.
I’ve played live dealer blackjack from an airport lounge. So have they. These casinos aren’t just mobile-friendly, but built for privacy and comfort. That kind of privacy sells.
VIP Programs That Match the Artist Mindset
Good VIP programs roll out the red carpet. They offer high limits, priority cashouts, crypto reloads, and even a VIP manager. I’ve seen five-figure bonus drops land with no strings, because the player moves volume.
For artists, that’s power because the casino knows your wallet is real. In a world where everyone wants a piece, VIP programs give something back, and they don’t make you ask twice.
Where Can Fans Play?
You don’t need a record deal to get in on the action. If you’re in the US and want to bet real money like the artists do, there are legit options.
I’ve tested them with my crypto: fast payouts, no stalling, and full access to blackjack, slots, and live dealers.
Check out my full guide to real-money US online casinos—verified, reviewed, and ready to play. Don’t bet like Drake unless you’ve got Drake money.
FAQs
1. Do US musicians gamble with their own money?
Yes—especially artists like Drake, who’s wagered millions live using crypto. While some receive sponsorship deals, most high-profile bets come from their wallets, not promo funds. That’s what makes the streams feel real.
2. Is it legal for artists like Drake or Post Malone to gamble online in the US?
No. Stake and similar crypto casinos operate offshore. U.S. law allows players to access them, but these sites aren’t licensed domestically. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own. Artists have lawyers. You don’t.
3. What casino games do musicians prefer?
Rappers tend to favor high-volatility slots, blackjack, and crypto roulette. Post Malone leans into blackjack, Drake hits roulette, and Mayweather bets on sports.
4. Why do artists prefer crypto casinos?
Fast cashouts, privacy, and no bank middlemen. Artists don’t want paperwork or delays. Crypto casinos offer privacy and cash celeb wins in under an hour with coins like LTC or Ethereum.
5. Can fans in the US play on the same online casinos as these musicians?
Yes. Don’t follow celebrity bets blindly. Read payout terms, test support, and check real reviews before sending crypto.
Conclusion
Casino culture has its place in music from Viva Las Vegas to Poker Face. The games, the risk, and the glam it all fits the artist’s mindset.
What has changed? The location. You won’t catch today’s stars waiting in smoky pit rooms. They’re gambling online. On flights. In studios. Between takes and on mobile.
Online casinos aren’t just a hobby for US musicians; they’ve become part of the routine. Between the spotlight and the silence, gambling fills the gap. It offers control, speed, and the kind of thrill that matches life onstage.
From Drake’s crypto bets to Post Malone’s blackjack sessions, this isn’t branding—it’s real action. The privacy, payouts, and VIP perks all align with the artist’s mindset.
What about the fans? They’re not just watching. They’re logging in, playing the same games, chasing the same rush. The line between backstage and betting tables has blurred.
In 2025, the casino isn’t a detour. It’s part of the tour. If you play smart, you don’t need a platinum record to win like one.