Poker seems to be taking the world by storm, and not just us regular folk. Poker has even gotten hold of Hollywood superstars. Famous celebrities and personalities have been enjoying varied success at the poker table. But unlike the rest of us, they not only have the money to gamble, they also get their fair share of special treatment. These famous poker celebrities enjoy private rooms so they do not lose concentration from eager fans trying to get a sneak peak at their favourite celebrities.

Most of these celebs were bitten hard by the poker bug, with some even giving up their career in entertainment for one at the poker table. Movies like the Ocean’s series and 21 have developed a keen interest in gambling, with many celebrities partaking in special tournaments to raise money for different causes. Others, on the other hand, just gamble for the fun of it.

Here are some big names in both the entertainment and poker industries:

Leading the pack is Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 star George Clooney, who probably got into gambling starring in the series. Either that or the fact that he has the money to spend. Besides gambling, Clooney has also taken an active role in the gambling industry and has invested an unknown sum of money in a $3 billion resort in Las Vegas. He is also the co-owner of Las Ramblas, a casino-hotel-condominium complex since 2007.

Another Ocean’s star Brad Pitt invested $3 billion in a Las Vegas casino complex. Also, while filming Ocean's 12 in Rome, Pitt, along with co-stars Clooney, Matt Damon and husband of co-star Michael Douglas participated in late-night poker sessions, and are claimed to be as good as professional poker players.

Another Ocean's star Matt Damon is said to be very passionate about poker. He is a regular entrant in the annual World Series of Poker, with his most interesting experience occurring back in 1998. During the event both he and fellow Hollywood heavyweight Edward Norton when entered in the WSOP Main Event (with a $10,000 buy-in) to promote the upcoming movie Rounders. Damon is considered an excellent poker player and was rumoured to be offered a $1 million endorsement from online gaming giant Nine.com.

Ben Affleck, star of such Hollywood blockbusters Pearl Harbour, Armageddon and Daredevil, is considered to be one of the most accomplished celebrity poker players. He won $356,000 at the California State Poker Championship in 2004 and a $25,000 seat in the 2005 World Poker Tour Championship.

Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Tilly seems more interested in poker than acting these days. In June 2005 she won her first celebrity World Series of Poker bracelet and a cool $158,625 in the Ladies No-Limit Hold'em event. She also won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament and competed in Poker Royale, Poker Superstars, and Celebrity Poker Showdown.

Even Spidey got caught in the poker web. Tobey Maguire was one of the players that were beaten by Ben Affleck at the Commerce Casino's California State Poker Championship. Although beaten, Maguire made a comeback in October 2004 and won $186,000 at a $2,000 buy-in tournament at the Hollywood Park Casino and a $2,000 Phil Hellmuth Invitational at World Poker Tournament ad World Series of Poker.

Even music superstar Justin Timberlake brought sexy back by enjoying regular games of poker and blackjack. Smokey-voiced RnB singer Macy Gray also regularly hits poker tables and even made a surprise appearance in Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown, finishing in a respectable third place.

These are just some of the many celebrity gamblers in Hollywood.

Author bio

This article was written by All Africa Poker and offers information on celebrity poker players.