“There’s probably been seven times that I won a million dollars. But there’s probably been 25 times I’ve lost a million.” Charles Barkley’s confession of his gambling outcomes was a clear indication of how risky this addiction can be. Millions won. Millions lost. For NBA legends like Barkley, gambling was a high-stakes thrill – until the losses piled up. But unlike those who became cautionary tales, Tracy McGrady is making sure the next generation knows the risks before it’s too late.
Tracy McGrady now serves as BetVictor Canada’s Safer Gambling Ambassador. The company has launched a fresh campaign in Toronto to spread awareness. If you’re anywhere near Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, or other major sports hotspots, don’t be surprised to see his face on two mobile digital trucks rolling through the city. The campaign strategically schedules these ads during home games of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays. When sports excitement is at its peak.
This initiative is crucial, as gambling often begins as harmless entertainment but can quickly escalate beyond control. Just look at Antoine Walker’s story. A 3x NBA All-Star who earned over $108 million during his 12-year career. More than enough to set him up for life. But within just two years of retirement, he was drowning in over $12 million in debt, forcing him to declare bankruptcy.
Even though Walker’s downfall wasn’t just about gambling, his reckless spending and bad real estate investments, paired with gambling, only made things worse. His experience, though painful, turned into a lesson he now shares to help others avoid similar mistakes. In many ways, that’s exactly what McGrady is doing now.
To take the campaign even further, BetVictor Canada teamed up with Clear Media Group, putting digital taxi tops across Toronto. With 100 taxis flashing messages about responsible gambling, the initiative ensures the message reaches the streets, particularly during peak evening hours. The organizers will continue this push until April 5, 2025.
BetVictor is participating in the National Council of Problem Gambling campaign, to help increase public awareness of problem gambling.
Safer Gambling Ambassador, Tracy McGrady helps raise awareness about BetVictor’s safer gambling tools.#PGAM2025 pic.twitter.com/L45v46cift
— BetVictor Canada (@BetVictorCanada) March 26, 2025
“In using our Safer Gambling Ambassador, Tracy McGrady, to raise awareness about BetVictor’s safer gambling tools… We are dedicated to ensuring all players have a safe gambling experience,” said Mark Harper, Head of Emerging Markets at BV Group.
For McGrady, it’s not about stopping people from gambling—it’s about making sure they do it responsibly. Because even the best of the best are not immune to the risks of gambling. Case in point: the experiences that legends like Michael Jordan and other NBA legends had.
Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley & The $25 Million Betting Pitfall
Michael Jordan didn’t just crush his opponents on the court—he also carried a competitive streak into gambling. Whether it was betting on golf tournaments or rolling the dice at casinos, his love for high-stakes action was no secret. Some reports even claim he lost millions in a single night in Atlantic City.
To put things into perspective, San Diego businessman Richard Esquinas once claimed that Jordan lost a jaw-dropping $1.252 million to him over a 10-day golf spree. The number was so high that Jordan allegedly negotiated it down to $300,000.
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 28: Phoenix Suns forward Charles Barkley (34) laughs at a foul call with Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) in the first half 28 January 1996 at the United Center in Chicago. The Bulls won 93-82. Jordan scored 31 points, and Barkley scored 20 with 16 rebounds. (Photo credit should read BRIAN BAHR/AFP via Getty Images)
Then there’s Charles Barkley, another NBA icon who took some massive financial hits due to gambling. At one point, he admitted to losing around $10 million before later adjusting the figure to a staggering $25 million. From placing bets on sports to trying his luck at casinos, Barkley’s gambling habits made headlines. Chuck has, however, insisted he has no regrets.
But one player who might’ve regretted it all could be Allen Iverson. Known for his electrifying moves on the court, AI had his fair share of gambling troubles. Despite once having a reported personal wealth of $200 million, he lost huge sums in casinos and was even banned from several for disruptive behavior.
And sports betting isn’t just prevalent amongst established stars. The NCAA conducted a survey of more than 3,500 18- to 22-year-olds in 2023. The results were eye-opening. Out of those surveyed, 58% admitted to having engaged in a sports betting activity at least once. And 41% of those betting bet on their school’s athletic teams, while 35% bet through a student bookmaker.
With a significant percentage of young adults admitting to betting on sports, the cycle threatens to perpetuate. Tracy McGrady’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling serves as a crucial intervention.
The post Unlike Charles Barkley & More Who Lost Over $25 Million to Addiction, Tracy McGrady Takes Vocal Stance For Public Safety appeared first on EssentiallySports.
