Charles Barkley Owes Wynn Las Vegas a Lot of Money

[I Heart Gambling Online]

Sometimes, news comes across the Bodog Beat desk (that's a lie - we don't have a desk) that almost demands attention. Namely, when the world of sports and casino collide. This, friends, is one of those times.

It turns out that retired NBA star Charles Barkely wasn't lying when he claimed to have something of a gambling jones. A Las Vegas-based prosecutor claimed Barkley owes the Wynn Las Vegas $400,000 in unpaid markers. Barkley received the markers on October 18th and 19th of last year.

"We're in the process of sending Mr. Barkley notice that we're considering filing a criminal complaint," Clark County District Attorney David Roger said. "He'll have an opportunity like anybody else to make restitution to the hotel."

Barkley, 45, played 16 seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. He was named MVP in 1993 and was an 11-time NBA All-Star. Barkley also played on the USA Olympic "Dream Team" in 1992 and 1996.

Barkley estimated during a May 2006 interview with ESPN that he'd gambled away about $10 million over the years.

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- Bodog Beat

[Cutler]

Barkley estimated during a May 2006 interview with ESPN that he'd gambled away about $10 million over the years.

How does that happen! I guess if you can afford, by all means go ahead. But if he's gambled that much away it doesn't seem like he should be trying to get away with not paying a casino. I thought I heard that he ended up paying them, so maybe it's all good again.