Have you ever stepped into the Crown Casino in Melbourne on a night out and wandered past a stray tennis player checking out the vibe between games at the Australian Open? Or perhaps a comedian popping in for a few rounds of blackjack on their Aussie tour? Melbourne’s Crown Casino is no doubt still the jewel in the crown (pun intended) of Australia’s contingent of casinos – although the new Crown Sydney, perched atop Barangaroo on Sydney Harbour and set for completion in 2021 could well be a very valid contender.
Not only are Australia’s casinos known for being a fun place to have bet or ten, they’re also surrounded by some amazing luxury hotels, which is why it’s no surprise you’ll often catch a celeb or two on the gaming floor.
But some Aussie personalities have more than a passing interest in casino gambling. While some people find it is incredible to discover their real passion and talent for gambling at casinos online and off, others take it a step too far. Do you think these Aussie personalities might be problem gamblers, or are they just having a bit of fun?
Karl Stefanovic
Ex Today show presenter Karl Stefanovic has never been one to let anybody tell him what to do – which may be the reason he was famously dumped from the TV show. Speaking about the exit a year on from his departure, Karl admits that he wasn’t top of his game, and with a surely large salary it’s no wonder the network decided it was time to cut him loose – even though it was a bit of a shock to receive the news on honeymoon with his new wife.
Karl’s no stranger to the Aussie tabloids, with famous incidents including hosting the Today show still drunk the morning after Australian TV’s ‘night of nights,’ the Logies, a hasty divorce and marriage to a younger woman, and apparently ‘creepy’ interview with Kylie Minogue.
However, he’s also a bit of a fan of a bet or two, spotted hitting the pokies after his exit from Today, as well as being a mate of James Packer, owner of the Crown brand, even hosting his 40th birthday party at the Crown back in 2014.
Currently Karl’s on a new radio gig, and trying to maintain a cleaner image out of the public eye.
Brendan Fevola
If we’re talking infamy in the AFL bad boys club, then you can be sure to count Brendan Fevola among the top 5. An ex Carlton and Brisbane player, Brendan was a star full forward on the field, but often up to no good behind the scenes.
Brendan’s personal life included scandals that he cheated Alex Cheatham with model Lara Bingle (leading to a divorce no less), theft, bar brawls (including an incident at the Crown Casino!), and claims of flashing.
Fevola has also openly admitted to being addicted to gambling on The Footy Show back in 2011, and mere hours later was asked to leave the Crown Casino after staff caught him at the poker tables. A couple of months after the Crown incident, he was spotted out and about at the Tasmanian casino.
Seemingly putting his woes in the past, Brendan now works for Fox FM alongside Fifi Box on the Fifi, Fev, and Bryon breakfast radio show.
Shane Warne
Larger than life cricket star Shane Warne is last on our list of Aussie personalities who love to have a bet at the casino.
Shane Warne, or Warnie, as he is affectionately known, has often been labelled one of the best bowlers in cricketing history, and was once titled the best cricketer in the world. But what made our mate Warnie tabloid fodder wasn’t his huge successes on the pitch, it was what was happening off the pitch that proved amusing to the Aussie public.
Warnie’s sexting antics were once seemingly a daily news occurrence with a string of women around the world. He famously dated Liz Hurley and suddenly had a serious new facial look plus plenty more hair, couldn’t give up the smokes to save himself, and was papped at Royal Ascot in 2013 with his whole mouth wrapped around a schooner glass.
As far as his affinity for the tables, Warne was famously ambassador for Club 23 at Crown Casino Melbourne, hosted charity poker events on the gaming floor, and even still has fun with other celebs at private games – as witnessed on his Instagram!
These days, Warnie is a respected commentator who has turned down the trouble-making and instead puts in plenty of time doing appearances and hanging out with his kids. Though he definitely has a slightly different and more polished look than the beachy zinc-ed up boy we first saw strut onto the pitch, he’s still got that Warnie cheeky humour about him.
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