If basketball became your passion in the 90s, 2000s, or even in the past decade, then you must know who Michael Jordan is. One of the greatest NBA players of all time, Michael Jordan became more than just a basketball player. He is an international star beloved by the people worldwide.
However, not many people know that Michael Jordan was also an avid bettor and gambler. For a man who was presented as perfection in every sense of the word, his love for betting and gambling was considered unacceptable at the time. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Jordan’s interest in gambling and how he managed to become the greatest athlete in the world but also one of the most committed bettors of his generation.
When Did It Begin
No one can tell for sure the exact moment when Michael Jordan started gambling. But it’s known that he had a thing for bets even before reaching the NBA. According to some resources, he made small bets even in high school. However, Michael Jordan claims that the source of those habits is hidden in his competitiveness. This former NBA superstar likes to give his opinion when he’s absolutely positive about something. Moreover, he’s also very confident, and that’s what makes him sure that he is always right. So sure that he’s willing to bet against people on it. There is even evidence, in a form of a check, that he also did it in college. What is more, it is said that Jordan even placed wagers against his college coaches and teammates.
Jordan’s Gambling During His Career at the NBA
It’s important to point out that Jordan came from a very modest family, meaning that during his college days his mother had to send him money so he could get by. After he arrived in the NBA, he started earning more than he ever thought he would. This also meant more money to indulge himself with his favorite hobby. His go-to activity was card games, pretty much the same as you can find today at https://realcasinoscanada.com/no-wagering-casinos. However, at the time, people didn’t have online casinos that can be accessed from any place and at any time. So, Jordan had to play against those who were around him, like Lacy Banks and Sam Smith. But the people that Jordan enjoyed playing against the most were his teammates. According to some sources, Jordan always opted to play against those who were willing to place high stakes.
The peak of his gambling career happened when the National Basketball Team of the USA (also known as the Dream Team) was sent for preparations in Barcelona. The Dream Team was getting in shape for the 1992 Olympics in Monaco, but for Jordan, it was the unique opportunity to visit all Monte Carlo’s grandest casinos. Therefore, from the first moment they arrived in Barcelona, he organized late-night card games, and some of the other participants were Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson.
The Most Extraordinary Betting Habits
Even though Michael Jordan played cards with high stakes all the time, that wasn’t his most expensive betting habit. The one that almost got him in trouble was betting on the golf course. Michael Jordan was and still is an avid fan of golf. However, during his time on the course, he made bets against a man called James Bouler, that was later convicted for money laundering. When they did a background check on Bouler, the investigators found a check of $57,000 that was given to him by Jordan. Jordan had to admit in the end that it was a gambling debt from the golf course that he owed to Bouler.
Michael Jordan still remains one of the greatest players that the world of basketball has ever seen. Even next to his sometimes rackless gambling habits, he managed to show that he’s a man of many talents who has the same needs and interests as many of his faithful fans.
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