Summary:
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Las Vegas banished A-list celebrities for various reasons, from card counting to social media meltdowns.
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Ben Affleck, Paris Hilton, Dana White faced permanent bans from Sin City’s prestigious gambling establishments.
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Online gambling alternatives have risen in popularity, offering convenience and flexibility for players, including celebrities seeking privacy.
Las Vegas has always been a playground for the rich and famous, where A-list celebrities can indulge in high-stakes gambling away from the paparazzi. However, even Hollywood’s biggest stars aren’t immune to casino rules and regulations. From card counting accusations to drug-related incidents, several celebrities have found themselves permanently banned from Sin City’s most prestigious gambling establishments. Here’s the inside scoop on which famous faces are no longer welcome at the tables.
Ben Affleck: The Card Counting Controversy
Perhaps the most famous celebrity casino ban belongs to Academy Award winner Ben Affleck. In May 2014, the actor was permanently banned from playing blackjack at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The reason? Suspected card counting during high-stakes games.
Affleck is a known advantage player who knows how to exploit how a game works to gain an advantage over the house or other players. Seeing how well Affleck was doing at the blackjack table, the Hard Rock staff began to suspect the actor was counting cards. While card counting isn’t illegal, casinos reserve the right to refuse service to players who employ such strategies.
The “Gone Girl” star had previously demonstrated his gambling prowess by winning $356,400 at the California State Poker Championship in 2004, securing his spot in the World Poker Tour Championship. Interestingly, while banned from blackjack tables, Affleck was still allowed to visit the Hard Rock Hotel – just not to play his game of choice.
Paris Hilton: From Cocaine to Casino Bans
Socialite and businesswoman Paris Hilton made headlines in 2010 when she was banned from the Wynn Las Vegas resort and casino. The ban had to be implemented when officers discovered cocaine in Paris Hilton’s purse during a search near the hotel entrance.
Although she refused to acknowledge that she was the wallet’s owner, Hilton later pleaded guilty to the charges and agreed to pay $2000 in fines and 200 hours of community service. Despite the ban, Hilton was spotted back at the casino just 15 months later, suggesting that some celebrity bans may be more flexible than others.
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Before her legal troubles, Hilton was known as a serious gambler who had won $30,000 playing blackjack at the Wynn. She’s also rumored to have lost her luxury car, worth $165,000, in a private high-stakes poker game.
Dana White: Too Good for His Own Good
UFC President Dana White presents a unique case – he’s been banned not for cheating or misconduct, but for being too successful. It’s been reported that White’s won $7 million in a single night, and according to the high roller, his success at the game has resulted in a handful of casinos denying him a seat at the table.
“It’s not that I’m banned from casinos, they just don’t want me to play there,” White explained in response to a fan question on GQ Sports. “They won’t give me the limits that I want and they won’t let me bet as much as I want because they don’t like to lose.”
“The Palms has kicked me out of there twice, The Mirage, the Wynn will not let me play,” he admitted. “The only places that will let me play in town are Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and The Venetian.” White’s case highlights how casinos can restrict players simply for being too skilled or lucky.
Colby Covington: When UFC Meets Casino Buffet
UFC welterweight fighter Colby Covington earned his casino ban in the most unexpected way – through a physical altercation at a buffet table. Covington was banned for…fighting! Who would have thought a UFC fighter could be capable of it? Well, indeed he is, and he proved that when Covington ended up tackling fellow UFC fighter Kamaru Usman and his security. That occurred at the buffet table in the Palms Casino resort.
According to Covington, he had asked Usman and his security guard to wait until he had picked himself some crab legs at the buffet. He suggested that the two proceeded to provoke him into a fight. The incident resulted in Covington being immediately ejected and permanently banned from the Palms Casino.
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Vince Neil: Social Media Meltdown
Mötley Crüe’s lead singer Vince Neil found himself banned from the Palms Casino in 2012, but not for gambling-related reasons. The ban on visiting the institution was imposed on the musician after a series of his posts on Twitter with reviews about this institution. At first, he criticized the restaurant “Little Buddha”. He noted the rudeness and rudeness of the staff.
Neil’s Twitter tirade continued over several days, leading the Palms management to issue a permanent ban. The casino explained that the star’s inappropriate behavior and insulting social media posts were sufficient grounds for exclusion.
The Rise of Online Gambling Alternatives
As traditional brick-and-mortar casinos become increasingly selective about their high-profile clientele, many celebrities and regular players alike are turning to online gambling platforms. The digital revolution has transformed the gambling landscape, offering unprecedented convenience and variety.
Online casinos provide an alternative for players who may have faced restrictions at physical venues. These platforms offer everything from classic table games to modern slot variations, including popular options like the best pokies in NZ, which have gained significant popularity among international players. The online environment allows for more flexible betting limits and often provides better odds than traditional casinos.
The shift to digital gambling platforms has been accelerated by celebrities seeking privacy and convenience. Online casinos offer VIP programs that cater to high-stakes players without the physical restrictions that traditional venues might impose. Players can enjoy sophisticated gaming experiences from the comfort of their homes, complete with live dealers and real-time interactions.
Archie Karas: The Legendary Fall from Grace
While not technically a celebrity in the traditional sense, Archie Karas became a gambling legend through his incredible run known as “The Run.” Between 1992 and 1994, reports suggest that he turned $50 into over $40 million during “The Run”, as it has become known. He defeated some of the best in the poker world during that time, such as Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese, and Stu Ungar.
However, Karas’s story took a dark turn. Almost two decades later, his fall from grace grew even more intense, as he was placed on the list of Nevada’s Excluded Persons. A vote by the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) members produced a unanimous decision to have his name as the 33rd added to the list. His ban was related to multiple cheating allegations, including incidents at the Barona Casino.
The Business of Celebrity Bans
Casino bans serve multiple purposes beyond just maintaining security and fairness. They send a clear message that no one – regardless of fame or fortune – is above the rules. However, the reality is more nuanced. Most casino owners are loyal to the antics of celebrities. Popular people bring them a lot of money, which makes up a huge share of the profit. It is necessary to try very hard in order to get a ban on visiting the casino.
