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HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA – MAY 24: Charles Barkley commentates from the booth during The Match: Champions For Charity at Medalist Golf Club on May 24, 2020 in Hobe Sound, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images for The Match)
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HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA – MAY 24: Charles Barkley commentates from the booth during The Match: Champions For Charity at Medalist Golf Club on May 24, 2020 in Hobe Sound, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images for The Match)
Charles Barkley was also known for his outspoken personality. As an NBA superstar, the forward often made headlines. Controversies were persistent in his career. However, his skill as a basketball player made him millions regardless. As wealth came though, he developed a bad habit. Notably, the Phoenix Suns forward indulged in gambling. During his interview with Graham Bensinger in 2016, the Hall of Famer admitted to losing nearly a third of his net worth to the activity.
Gambling has been a long tradition among NBA stars. It came to light when Michael Jordan got himself into a major controversy. Just like basketball, there was a competitive fever. Moreover, the stakes were always high. Likewise, Barkley loved the feeling of winning. However, in his initial days, he was careless with his money.
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His gambling habits earned him a million dollars a couple of times. But in the face of his loss, the sum seems to be peanuts.
Why Charles Barkley quit gambling for two years
During his conversation with Benswinger, Barkley embarked on his gambling stories. The 11-time All-Star revealed he had won a million dollars four or five times. However, the Round Mound of Rebound also admitted to losing money over $20 million. Currently, worth $60 million, his gambling habits arguably had a great hit on his fortune.
While on ‘In Depth With Graham Benswinger’, Charles Barkley said, “I probably only won a million five or six times. But I’ve lost a million somewhere between 10 to 20, I can’t get an exact number because we are going back to the 80s.” He continued, “Yeah, no question it’s gotten out of hand. I quote for like two years.”
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Jul 28, 2022; Bedminster, NJ, USA; Former NBA player Charles Barkley during the LIV Invitational Pro-Am at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
After losing such ludicrous amounts, the former NBA MVP realized the dangers of gambling. Likewise, he took the big step to quitting. For two years, the Hall of Famer never got back on the table. However, when he returned, Charles Barkley was much more clever. Notably, he would happily book any profits on a particular day in contrast to trying and winning big. This approach helped the 59 years old keep things under check.
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What are your opinions on gambling? Let us know your views in the comments below.
