Canadian rapper Drake’s gambling habits have become a staple in news updates, rampant speculation, and the occasional joke. Recently, his gambling activities were brought into the spotlight during his feud with fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar, who labeled Drake a gambling addict and problem gambler.
Whether these accusations hold any truth is beside the point. What’s undeniable is that Drake has accumulated significant gambling losses. His betting misadventures have made him a target of jests from athletes he bet against and the broader internet community.
Today, we delve into Drake’s gambling losses, exploring the rapper’s most notable and painful betting mistakes. We aim to discern whether the so-called “Drake gambling curse” is merely a catchy phrase or reflective of his actual betting acumen.
Drake’s $565,000 bet on Fury vs. Usyk
Drake is no stranger to high-stakes gambling and doesn’t hide his bets. One notable instance is his $565,000 wager on the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, which he shared on Instagram. Betting at 1.77 odds for Fury to win, Drake stood to make over $1 million. However, Fury lost to Usyk by points. Although a rematch is scheduled for December 2024, Drake hasn’t confirmed another bet.
Lamar has mocked Drake, suggesting his betting losses are a “curse,” but this particular bet was nearly a win, with Fury losing by just one point according to the judges.
$700,000 on Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Drake’s $700,000 bet on Sean Strickland to defeat Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 sparked considerable social chatter. The fight was close, ending in a split decision favoring Du Plessis. This narrow loss cost Drake his wager, with Du Plessis even thanking Drake on social media for betting against him.
$550,000 on Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland
Another significant loss came when Drake bet $550,000 on Israel Adesanya to beat Sean Strickland. Drake had a good relationship with Adesanya, making this a more emotional bet. Despite previously winning a $136,000 bet on Adesanya, this time, Adesanya lost by decision. This loss added to the perception of a “Drake curse.”
Misses in Formula 1
Drake also ventured into Formula 1 betting. He wagered $230,000 on Charles Leclerc to win the 2022 Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Unfortunately, Leclerc suffered a power failure, and Max Verstappen took the victory. Drake’s F1 betting exploits seem to have cooled off since then.
$890,000 on Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis
Drake bet $890,000 on Logan Paul to win against Dillon Danis. He wagered that Paul would win by knockout, but Paul won by points instead, rendering Drake’s bet unsuccessful. Danis’ erratic behavior before and during the fight, which almost led to his disqualification, highlighted the volatility of betting on such events.
More UFC gambling losses
Drake’s involvement with UFC betting has led to several losses. He lost $430,000 betting on Justin Gaethje to beat Charles Oliveira and another $275,000 on Jorge Masvidal to defeat Colby Covington. These losses contributed to the growing superstition around Drake’s betting “curse.”
Losses in the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals
Drake is a passionate hockey and basketball fan, often seen at NBA games. His recent bets in these sports have also led to significant losses. He lost $1 million worth of Bitcoin after betting $500,000 each on the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA Finals and the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup in 2024. Both teams fell short, fueling further skepticism about Drake’s betting prowess.
In conclusion, while Drake’s betting losses have been substantial, they have also been part of his public persona and the source of much speculation and amusement. Whether he is genuinely cursed or simply experiencing the highs and lows of gambling remains a topic of debate.
