My Football Facts ⇒ Articles
By Jonathan Lewis | 1st Aug 2023
Recently, there has been a closer connection between casinos, poker and football than ever before. Every year, more and more football players are drawn to playing casino games online – and the reasons behind this phenomenon are pretty clear.
Despite being vastly different types of games, casino games, poker and football share many similarities… The excitement, thrill and intensity of games and tournaments often remind players of their native sport. Moreover, casino games like poker serve as a test of psychological endurance, often with tactics playing a crucial role… much like football.
Football players have varying attitudes towards playing casino games. Many play for enjoyment and to pass the time with friends, while some have found success as professional players, winning prestigious tournaments – and even considering a career in poker after their sporting days. These days, because you can access sites such as Casinos.com on your phone, it has never been easier and more accessible for all types of players, casual and serious – and football players, like many others, are taking advantage of this.
It’s great for casinos as well, of course. Using famous athletes to promote gambling products can be a great way to attract players. Using well-known sports stars who also play online casino games, can be an excellent way for casinos to market themselves to their large global fan bases. So, all that being said, here are some of the most renowned sports figures known for endorsing the casino industry.
Neymar Jr. – PokerStars
Neymar Jr, a legendary football player with fans all over the world, holds a prestigious position as one of the top five highest-paid footballers ever. Taking advantage of his reputation, PokerStars has teamed up with this football icon – and takes part in live poker tournaments, competing against other renowned poker players, as part of this partnership.
During the off-season, he showcases his poker skills by organising exclusive tournaments where he lives, inviting fellow athletes and celebrities to participate. While he has achieved some success in sanctioned games, he really impressed when finishing sixth at the 2018 Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP), earning a prize of 18,000 euros. This blend of football and poker talent has made Neymar an even more significant figure in the world of sports and gambling.
Cristiano Ronaldo – PokerStars
If Neymar Jr wasn’t a big enough attraction, Cristiano Ronaldo has also teamed up with PokerStars as a brand ambassador. His association with this well-known poker website has proven to be a strategic move – attracting numerous football fans to the world of poker and the Pokerstars website.
Despite his involvement with PokerStars, Ronaldo has made it clear that poker remains only a leisure activity for him that he enjoys with friends and family. As such, while he takes his place in promotional events and supports PokerStars, he’s never been spotted at major poker tournaments or series. That being said, his presence has undoubtedly had a positive impact on introducing poker to a wider audience.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – BetHard
Following his departure from Manchester United and his move to the Los Angeles Galaxy, Ibrahimovic now ranks among the highest-paid footballers in the world. BetHard, a leading British online casino, has seized the opportunity to team up with this global superstar – aiming to attract more customers by combining football and gambling.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken on the role of ambassador and shareholder for BetHard, solidifying his connection with the sports betting and online casino platform. As part of this collaboration, he will be featured in television commercials and company advertisements, using his well-known brand to push the BetHard brand.
Gianluigi Buffon – PokerStars
Gianluigi Buffon, one of football’s greatest goalkeepers, is another player that has signed a contract with PokerStars, expressing his love for poker and the challenge it presents. During the presentation, Buffon shared his enthusiasm, talking about his love for the game – and has actively participated in numerous exhibitions and charity tournaments.
True to his words, Buffon can, from time to time, be spotted playing online poker under the nickname “Gigi Buffon.” He loves being known as a poker enthusiast and takes pleasure in hanging out with the game’s global community in online matches. His partnership with PokerStars has further solidified his presence in the poker world – earning him recognition both on and off the football field.
Ronaldo (The Brazilian Legend) – PokerStars
Another Ronaldo with a passion for poker is the Brazilian football legend known as the “Phenomenon” who has played a massive role in popularising poker among football fans in Brazil and across the globe. Back in 2013, he signed a contract with PokerStars – and while many expected him to be merely a brand ambassador, he surprised everyone by immersing himself in the card game – studying the various game strategies and seeking advice from professional poker players to improve his skills.
Ronaldo’s love for poker dates back to 1999 when he played for Inter Milan. Since then, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner has taken a seat in numerous offline tournaments -although he hasn’t achieved major success yet. Despite this, he has reasons to be proud. At the 2015 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure tournament in the Bahamas, he secured an impressive win, pocketing over $42,000 and ranking 26th.
Moreover, his dedication to poker was evident when he chose to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony to participate in the PCA, showcasing his true passion for the card game.
So, there you have it – and this is just a handful of the names. As the world of football, casino and poker continues to entwine, we expect to see many more players taking a prominent place in the world of online gambling.
