Canadian musician Drake is a global icon who needs little by the way of introduction. The 37-year-old rapper who took his first step into the limelight portraying Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001 has sold over 170 million records and has an estimated net worth of $250 million.
Widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in modern music, Drake has also had a significant impact on another industry, one that many might find surprising – online casino gambling.
Interested in finding out how and why one of the world’s best rappers has had such a seismic impact on the world of online casino gambling? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Drake and online blackjack, roulette and slots…
Drake’s Love of Gambling
Unsurprisingly for a multi-millionaire celebrity, Drake enjoys a lavish lifestyle and is no stranger to spending money. Some celebrities love to spend their evenings being seen at expensive restaurants and drinking Dom Perignon, Drake it appears, would rather spend his time playing at an online casino. His high stakes bets make the headlines, and as a native Canadian he’s aware of the convenience of playing online rather than being hounded in a casino. It’s for that reason that some of the best online casinos are available in Ontario and they attract everyday people as well as the big names, the operators online offer bonuses and promotions so it’s no wonder many opt for the online option.
Why? Because he simply can’t get enough of gambling, whether that be spinning the virtual reels of an online slot, wagering seven figure fee on a sports game or hopping in his private jet to play cards at one of the world’s most prestigious land-based casinos.
Don’t believe us? Below are some of Drake’s most famous/infamous betting exploits:
- The High Stakes Roulette Game: In 2022 Drake and French Montana collaborated on a live roulette stream. When it begun the Canadian superstar had $9.2 million in his account and kicked things off with a $645,000 spin. After a couple of wins, Drake’s bankroll had grown to a staggering $27 million, but after upping his stake to $950,000 and losing one too many times, he finished the stream with just $1,879.
- The Cheerful Chiefs: As alluded to above, it isn’t just casino gambling that captures Drake’s imagination, he’s also a big fan of sports betting. In 2023 and 2024 he backed the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, winning $1.48 million and $1.15 million respectively.
- The Drake Curse: Unfortunately for Drake those big wins were one-offs, with his run of sports betting losses getting so bad that the term “The Drake Curse” began to be used to describe a team of person that he backed. The best example of this was the $1.2 million he lost backing Jake Paul to beat Tommy Fury in 2023.
Drake Makes a Stake
Drake’s name has become so synonymous with gambling, particularly on social media, that gambling companies have been queuing up to partner up with him. In 2022 Australian-Curacaoan online casino company Stake offered Drake a staggering $100 million to become the face of their business.
The Canadian gladly accepted and the partnership has proved to be mutually beneficial for both. Not only has Drake benefitted financially, but the partnership has also allowed him to indulge his love of online casino gambling more freely and readily than ever before.
The company have also benefitted enormously, with their revenues for the last financial year growing to a mammoth $2.6 billion. The “Drake Effect” it seems, isn’t just confined to the world of fashion and musical collaborations then…
(Since signing an endorsement deal with Drake it’s been lucky sixes for Stake.)
Drake’s Long Term Impacts on Online Casino Gambling
It’s undeniable that Drake is an icon. Whether you like his music or not, you have to admit that the man has an element of the Midas touch and as such, his fans follow what he does. The rappers love of gambling in all its form and the way in which he communicates that to his fans is undoubtedly going to increase the numbers of gamblers in younger demographics.
It’s a widely accepted fact that when uber famous celebrities are seen wearing an item of clothing, the next day there is a shortage of that item in stores around the world. As Drake continues to publicly endorse online casinos, there is sure to be a surge in their playing numbers, particularly amongst younger demographics who adore his music.
If you’re an investor, it could be worth keeping an eye on the companies that Drake plays with and buying yourself some shares!
