Despite the strict online gambling laws in India, the sector is growing at a fast pace. One reason is that gambling remains one of the most popular entertainment forms. The advent of the internet and online casinos made gambling games easily accessible. Therefore, it’s not for nothing that casino gaming is a big part of celebrities’ social lives. A fair number of Indian celebrities have a reputation for playing different casino games. Roulette is a particularly common gambling choice among the stars. The game is simple, fun, and requires few to no skills. It’s a great stress reliever, not to mention the attractive potential to make a profit.
Gambling and celebrity culture go hand-in-hand. For the longest time, casinos have been top entertainment spots for different types of personalities, from actors to sports stars. Both male and female celebrities frequent casinos to bask in the opulence that some of these establishments provide. Some players indulge on special occasions while others are more regular patrons. Goa is particularly a popular destination for gambling among the rich and famous. With the negative connotations of casino gaming fading, more celebrities are open about their activities. For this reason, finding out about the stars who love playing gambling games is not difficult.
The Stars Who Play Card and Table Games
Bollywood celebs are common sightings at casinos, and some have even confessed to having tables in their homes. Table games are popular because they offer a variety of gambling options. With such enthusiasm for casino games, these celebrities don’t have trouble finding where to play roulette online in India.
Akshay Kumar is one big name in the Indian film industry who is vocal about his passion for casino games. The Hera Pheri (2000) actor likes card games, but roulette is another way he tries his luck. A prolific actor and martial artist, Kumar is one of the richest Indian celebs.
You can’t talk about gambling celebrities in India without the name Minissha Lamba coming up. She is one of the country’s top female poker players. Lamba was in the critically acclaimed film, Bachna Ae Haseeno with Ranbir Kapoor. The actor, singer and dancer is not shy to discuss her love of gambling. She is a famous name in the Indian poker circuit, having joined the Deltin Poker Tournament in Goa. In 2011, she participated in the IPC 15K and then the IPC 5K in 2013. Although poker is her main focus, Minissha Lamba also plays other casino games, such as roulette.
Another familiar face at poker tournaments is Herman Baweja. The actor made an impressive debut that saw him get more roles in Bollywood. He has been on the screen with other big stars like Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu. Away from acting, Baweja likes gambling and has talked about his poker exploits in TV interviews. He took part in various poker tournaments like the IPC and Freezeout. He plays different table games with his celebrity friends in casinos and at home.
Ravi Kapoor acted in some of India’s biggest classics, like Humjoli (1970) and Nagina (1986). Also known as Jeetendra, the veteran film actor has a long list of titles under his belt. He is also revered as the King of Card Parties in the gambling circle due to his affinity for card and table games, such as roulette, craps and blackjack. Kapoor’s mansion in Bombay has a casino complete with a bar, gambling tables and Rummy counters. He puts together some of the grandest card parties in the city and patronises casinos in Goa.
Aamir Khan is one of the most recognisable faces and names in Bollywood. With hit movies like 3 Idiots (2009), Lagaan (2001) and Dangal (2016), the actor has left no doubts regarding his acting chops. Known as a perfectionist, Khan is among the film stars who spend some of their free time at casinos. He also hosts casino games in his home, allowing guests to indulge in everything from poker to roulette to baccarat. Ha particularly loves gambling during Diwali. However, the word is that Khan doesn’t have the same stellar skills in gambling as in acting. Some of his friends have won handsome sums off Aamir during his parties.
The star of movies such as Haider, Jab We Met and Kabir Singh, Shid Kapoor is another Indian celebrity enthusiastic about gambling. The skilled actor holds casino gaming parties in his home, with other public figures joining happily. Kapoor is impartial to poker but plays other games, as well. He hosts high-stakes game nights and has won a few, which speaks to his talent, or luck, as a gambler.
Celebrities and Gaming
The relationship between gambling and celebrities is mutual. Casinos love the rich and famous because they present the perfect marketing opportunities. Gambling websites take advantage of the attention celebrities draw to attract players. If you look at online casinos in India, you will see some with recognisable faces on their platforms. Examples of stars who worked with gambling operators include former Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni for Pokerstars; actress Sunny Leone for Jeetwin Casino; actress Amy Jackson for Rummy Passion; Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag for ComeOn Casino and actress Nargis Fakhri for Betway India.
Using public personalities to advertise casino games works because it makes gambling interesting. If table games are good enough for celebrities, then they are good enough for ordinary citizens. Of course, anyone considering gambling in India should understand the implications. Is iGaming legal in your region? Also, learn about taxes on winnings and other regulations. Regardless of how fun celebrities make gambling look, remember that it has risks, and you should know how to play responsibly.
The list of Indian celebrities who love gambling is a long one. The point is that casino gaming attracts a diverse category of players. Today’s gambling sector offers more gaming alternatives than ever, allowing gamblers with varied interests to find suitable games. Roulette fans, for instance, have variations like European, French and American.
