Drake, the Canadian rap superstar, has built a reputation as one of the most high-profile gamblers in the world. Known for his willingness to place massive bets, Drake has made headlines both for his spectacular wins and dramatic losses. From roulette to high-stakes sports betting, his activities have captivated fans and critics alike, sparking debates about luck, strategy, and the so-called "Drake Curse." This article delves into his most notable wins and losses, examining their impact on gambling culture and his public persona.
Drake’s Infamous Big Wins on Roulette
Drake’s gambling exploits have been widely documented, particularly his sessions on Stake.com, a cryptocurrency-based casino. These sessions are often live-streamed on Twitch, allowing thousands of fans to witness the excitement in real-time.
One of his most famous wins occurred during a session in July, where he won an incredible $12 million. Clips from the stream circulated widely on social media, showing the rapper's first roll earning $5.73 million, followed by subsequent wins of $5.13 million and $5.73 million. Despite some losses during the session, Drake’s balance skyrocketed to $12.96 million at one point before dropping dramatically, leaving him with just $1,879.83 by the end of the stream.
In another remarkable session in May 2022, Drake reportedly won $17.9 million on a single roulette spin. This live-streamed event solidified his reputation as a gambler who plays at the highest stakes.
The thrill of such massive wins highlights the appeal of roulette and similar games for both players and viewers. It also demonstrates the volatility of gambling, where fortunes can rise and fall in moments. These events have contributed significantly to the popularity of Stake.com, which leverages Drake’s celebrity status to attract a global audience.
Drake’s $800,000 Loss on Football
While roulette has brought Drake significant success, his sports betting ventures have often been less fortunate. One of his most notable losses came during the recent El Clásico, where Barcelona faced off against Real Madrid in La Liga, Spain's premier football league. Drake placed a CA$833,333 (approximately $500,000 USD) bet on Barcelona to win, partly motivated by the team's decision to feature his OVO logo on their jerseys. This remarkable gesture celebrated Drake’s milestone of becoming the first artist to achieve 50 billion streams on Spotify.
Despite Barcelona's strong performance leading up to the match, the team suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat to their arch-rivals. Goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo ensured Real Madrid’s dominance, while Barcelona managed only a late consolation goal from Ferran Torres. To make matters worse, Drake also bet on Arsenal to win their Premier League match against Leeds United. While Arsenal secured a narrow victory, Drake’s parlay bet failed, costing him a chance to win $3.9 million.
These losses have reignited conversations about the "Drake Curse" with fans joking that his association with teams or athletes often spells doom for their chances of success. Despite the setback, Drake's willingness to bet big remains a defining aspect of his public image, showcasing his fearless approach to gambling.
The "Drake Curse": Fact or Fiction?
The "Drake Curse" has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans and critics attributing losses by teams and athletes to Drake’s involvement or public support. The curse allegedly began in 2013 when the Toronto Raptors named Drake their global ambassador, only to develop a reputation for choking in critical games. Since then, the curse has been linked to numerous high-profile losses, including:
- Conor McGregor: Lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov after Drake appeared in his corner.
- Anthony Joshua: Suffered a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr.
- Liverpool FC: Lost critical matches following public support from Drake.
- Serena Williams: Lost in the US Open semi-finals after Drake attended the match.
- PSG: Suffered their heaviest league defeat in decades, losing 5-1 to Lille.
- Toronto Raptors: Struggled in playoffs following Drake's appointment as ambassador.
Despite these incidents, there are exceptions. Tyson Fury notably posed with Drake before a critical boxing match and went on to win decisively, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the curse. Nevertheless, the idea persists, fueled by memes and social media, and adds an element of intrigue to Drake’s bets.
Drake’s Gambling Legacy
Drake’s gambling activities have made him a unique figure in the entertainment and gaming worlds. His high-profile wins, like the $12 million and $17.9 million roulette jackpots, inspire awe and envy, while his losses, such as the $800,000 El Clásico bet, provide fodder for humor and speculation. Regardless of the outcomes, his involvement with Stake.com has brought increased attention to cryptocurrency-based gambling, highlighting its growing popularity and potential rewards.
For fans and gambling enthusiasts, Drake’s exploits offer entertainment and cautionary tales about the risks and rewards of high-stakes betting. Whether or not the "Drake Curse" is real, his fearless approach ensures he remains at the center of conversations about gambling culture. As he continues to place bets and stream his sessions, fans will undoubtedly stay tuned to see what the rapper’s next big wager brings.
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Sources:
https://www.xxlmag.com/drake-betting-losses
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