NBA legend Charles Barkley has opened up about the “out of hand” gambling habits that led him to lose a staggering $25 million at casinos in Las Vegas.
In a recent interview with Moneywise, Barkley candidly discussed his struggles with gambling, which he described as a “sickness” that he had to overcome. “You can never break the casino, that’s for sure,” Barkley said. “They always win in the end.”
Barkley, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets during his illustrious NBA career, revealed that he began gambling frequently while he was still playing in the league. “It started out as just a way to pass the time and have some fun,” Barkley explained. “But before I knew it, I was betting huge sums of money and losing more than I could afford.”
The former NBA star admitted that his gambling habits spiraled out of control, leading him to lose millions of dollars in Las Vegas casinos. “I would go on losing streaks that would last for days, and I just couldn’t stop myself,” Barkley said. “It was a vicious cycle that I couldn’t break out of.”
Despite his financial losses, Barkley insisted that he has learned from his mistakes and has sought help to overcome his gambling addiction. “I had to hit rock bottom before I could admit that I had a problem,” Barkley said. “But once I did, I was able to get the help I needed to get my life back on track.”
Barkley’s story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone struggling with gambling addiction, and he hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can help others avoid falling into the same trap. “Gambling can be a dangerous and destructive habit if it’s not kept in check,” Barkley warned. “It’s important to know when to walk away and seek help if you need it.”
As he looks back on his past struggles with gambling, Barkley is grateful for the support and guidance he has received along the way. “I’m in a much better place now than I was before,” Barkley said. “And I hope that my story can inspire others to seek help and turn their lives around.”
