5 British Celebs Who Love to Gamble

Although not always politically correct, gambling is a much-loved pastime around the world. Sports betting and casino games are loved by many celebrities.

We take a look at five famous British personalities who love to have a flutter.

Derren Brown

Famous worldwide for his TV mentalism, the casino world was probably always going to be a port of call for Derren Brown.

With his wins apparently far outweighing some high-profile losses, his success in the gambling industry has proven to be a thing of legend. So much so, in fact, that he has reportedly been banned from entering some UK casinos!

Brown was considered a professional poker and blackjack player, using his unique powers of suggestion to predict what an opponent may choose to do.

Victoria Coren-Mitchell

TV presenter, super-brain, and wife of actor/comedian David Mitchell is a renowned poker player. Coren-Mitchell even writes columns for the Observer and now hosts Only Connect, a highbrow quiz show on UK TV.

Back in 2005, Coren-Mitchell became the first female player in history to win a European Poker Tour title. She also played in several other high-profile poker tournaments and won the main event during the 2014 European Poker Tour in Sanremo.

Her winnings are said to be over £2 million.

The Queen!

Although mostly an owner-breeder these days, Queen Elizabeth II’s love of horse racing has often meant that gambling is accepted as a major part of the sport.

Back in her younger days, The Queen would enter her own thoroughbreds into races to have a bet, something that was done regularly by all rich owners in the early days of horse racing.

Without the need to bet, The Queen’s horses have raked in millions in prize money over the decades for her racing operation, with most other people now benefitting from backing them in major events, particularly at Royal Ascot.

Harry Styles

Although apparently steering clear of casinos these days, former One Direction singer Harry Styles was once very fond of a bet.

During his band’s glory days, Styles apparently loved a casino visit and was known to put down plenty of his earnings on the roulette table – his favourite casino game.

It’s not known whether or not Styles is as much into the art of casino gambling these days, but what is known is that the singer has “17 Black” tattooed on his left shoulder, something that represents his favourite colour and number on the game he loved (or loves).

Helen Chamberlain

Always heavily involved in sport and recreation, former Soccer AM presenter Chamberlain was a very good darts player in her younger years and is rumoured to have even beaten Eric Bristow at darts-cricket!

Back in 2005, Chamberlain managed second place in the famed Poker Million, where she picked up a cool $400,000 pot.

To celebrate her win, Chamberlain bought a brand-new car for her partner and a racehorse named Birkspiel.

Trained near Derby track Epsom in Surrey, Birkspiel won a €50,000 race at Baden-Baden in Germany on its first start for Chamberlain, and there’s little doubt that she had a few pounds on the result herself.

Gambling of any form is such a huge pastime in Britain that there is little doubt most celebrities partake to some degree, these five being among the most renowned.