Having ‘Lost And Won’ Millions, ‘Serial Gambler’ Michael Jordan Rejected The Idea Of Greed And Claimed To Enjoy Losing Money

Nithin Joseph | 25/05/2023
Having ‘Lost And Won’ Millions, ‘Serial Gambler’ Michael Jordan Rejected The Idea Of Greed And Claimed To Enjoy Losing Money

Michael Jordan is known worldwide as the GOAT of basketball. But, there is a lot more to Jordan’s life than just putting a ball into a hoop. His Airness is also an avid gambler, known for betting in more places than just the blackjack table. But, having lost millions thanks to it, one has to wonder why he continues to fuel this vice. Well, according to him “greed” isn’t a factor. The six-time NBA Champion would bet on anything. From hitting up casinos to a round of golf to even something as simple as a game of table tennis. There was nothing he wouldn’t put money on.

However, being the high-profile figure that he is, Jordan was constantly under the spotlight. So, to no one’s surprise, the media easily sniffed out his gambling “addiction”. And, although he has found himself in quite a few pickles because of it, he refuses to agree with that sentiment.

Michael Jordan claims “greed” was and is never a factor when he gambles

Everyone knows that Michael Jordan loves to gamble. The Bulls legend loves it, some may even say he is addicted to it. But, while he does disagree with that, he is aware of the repercussions associated with his habit, and it doesn’t really bother him.

In fact, as he mentioned in an interview with the Cigar Aficionado, he knows that gambling can initiate greed. However, he finds that he is not greedy whatsoever. To him, it’s about picking a “number” you are comfortable with. And, this number can differ from person to person.

Of course, in this case, the “number” in question refers to how much money one is willing to lose. Given, this is Michael Jeffrey Jordan we’re talking about, the number must be pretty high. But, to hear him say it, he has both lost a lot and won a lot at the same time, and for him, gambling is nothing more than enjoyment.

“I’m not greedy. Gambling can initiate greed. You want more, or you want to get it back. You have to pick a number, and that’s my number. It’s all relative to what you feel comfortable with. Mine may vary from yours, and ours may vary from a lot of people. It doesn’t take much to beat my head in. Have I lost a lot? Sure. Have I won a lot? Sure. What’s considered a lot? I have satisfied myself both ways. For me, that’s my enjoyment.” 

It certainly is an interesting way of assessing his habits. But, there is truth to what he is saying, after all, he has won big and has lost big as well. Even once racking up $1.2 million in debt on golfing bets.

MJ owed Richard Esquinas $1.2 million but the latter was too afraid to collect

If there is one thing to know about Michael Jordan, it’s that when he bets, he usually goes big or goes home. Just ask his former golfing buddy Richard Esquinas. MJ and Esquinas usually bet on their games every time they hit the courses. But, when he lost, Jordan wasn’t exactly an honorable loser.

In fact, he apparently owed Esquinas $1.2 million thanks to their bets. However, he refused to pay it, even jokingly threatening to shoot Esquinas rather than pay him.

This is just one of the many bets MJ has lost, and his losses aren’t limited to golf. One has to wonder though, if anyone was able to collect after winning against His Airness.

Post Edited By: Utathya Ghosh
Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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