As a multi-billion-dollar industry, the iGaming sector is one of the most popular forms of entertainment for people of all backgrounds, including many celebrities. This is evident in the many famous stars and their collaborations with some prominent online gambling platforms.
Celebrities with a large fanbase have become one of the best ways for iGaming platforms to get their names out there. Endorsements from these public figures can be like gold for a platform’s base. For those that don’t have this honor, most rely on niche features to stand out.
These days, among ordinary local players, the top US casinos with high payout rates are typically among the most popular platforms for gambling enthusiasts to play on. These types of online casinos are particularly attractive as they generally include games that feature high Return-to-Player (RTP) scores, which indicate how frequently a game is likely to pay out.
As iGaming platforms everywhere all look for some feature like this to stand out and vie for a larger market share, public figures provide others with a huge boost by endorsing them. With this in mind, here are some of the most famous celebrities who endorse the iGaming industry.
Cristiano Ronaldo: PokerStars
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the most famous people in the world and certainly one of the most influential. He has built a solid reputation as one of the most skilled athletes that ever played football, catching the attention of a host of major brands that include the famous iGaming platform, PokerStars.
Back in 2015, this famous online poker site signed a deal with Ronaldo. In addition to the fact that this partnership earns him approximately $3-5 million annually, Ronaldo has openly discussed his enjoyment of playing poker with friends too, and supposedly prefers Texas Hold ‘Em.
Lionel Messi: Bitcoin Casino Kings
Likewise, for many Lionel Messi is the GOAT of football and often draws comparisons between himself and Ronaldo among most fans who usually fancy one or the other as the greatest player of all time.
A household name in the states now after joining Inter Miami, Messi and Argentina reportedly secured a deal with the Bitcoin Kings crypto casino platform, though details on the deal are scant. The little maestro is also famous for keeping his private life private. However, some sources suggest that he enjoys casino gambling, once famously visiting a casino with his father while his infamous tax evasion trial was due for sentencing in Spain.
Conor McGregor: Parimatch
Conor McGregor is well-known for his unapologetic passion for competition embodied throughout his UFC career that branded him as a maverick. His larger-than-life persona which can be aptly described as thrill-seeking is kind of tailor-made for the world of high-stakes sports betting.
It’s therefore fitting that he secured a Parimatch endorsement deal estimated to fetch him between $5-10 million. However, McGregor’s reputation also suggests that money might have not been the only objective. To that end, McGregor has famously been known to bet big at Vegas and on sports events alike, like he did when he bet massively against England for the Euro 2024 final.
Drake: Stake
Beyond sports, gambling is also popular among everyone in Hollywood and the music industry from A-list rappers to B-list celebrities. Another massive iGaming partnership is the one involving Drake and betting platform Stake. This deal reportedly reels in about $40-50 million in earnings for the artist but this doesn’t seem to be the main driving force for Drake.
It seems he enjoys the community surrounding the iGaming realm with both opponents and his fans streaming games that he bets on. Given his very public affinity for sports betting, it’s safe to assume that this partnership was also born of passion as much as money, with some even suggesting Drake loves sports betting too much.
Conclusion
Celebrities called to promote iGaming platforms have proven these deals to be more than just about the money but also involve being passionate about the tenets of gambling for themselves. As a result, these partnerships don’t seem to be forced but instead more like a natural blend that harnesses the real-life affinity these stars have for gambling.