Charles Barkley's Childhood Home Doubled Up as Underground Casino

NBA legend Charles Barkley, known for his larger-than-life personality and remarkable basketball career, recently shared a fascinating glimpse into his past.

In his authorised biography by Timothy Bella, titled "Barkley: A Biography," he reveals that his childhood home in Leeds, Alabama, doubled as an underground casino and bootlegging operation.

Born in February 1963, Barkley grew up in a time and place where economic opportunities were scarce, especially for African American families.

His family, determined to make ends meet, turned to hosting card games and selling bootlegged booze from their home during the weekends.

This setup provided a much-needed financial lifeline, albeit through illicit means. Barkley recalls the house being akin to a casino, bustling with activity from Friday through Sunday.

This cool revelation adds a new layer to Barkley's rags-to-riches story, illustrating the lengths to which his family went to support themselves and just how far he moved up the ladder in life.

Despite the illegal nature of their activities, Barkley's mother, Charcey Barkley, expressed no regrets, feeling that to provide for the family they would do whatever it took.

“Why the hell should I be embarrassed? Everybody already knows I was a bootlegger … I did what I had to do to help my child.”

Barkley's history with gambling doesn't end with his family's underground casino. Throughout his career and beyond, he has been open about his own gambling habits, admitting to significant losses but also to the thrill it brings him. His love for poker is well-known.

In 2007, he admitted losing more than $10 million to his habit, including $2.5 million in a single six-hour blackjack session. He added that there must have been more than 20 single-day losing sessions that cost him seven figures.

“It’s stupid. It’s a bad habit. But I can afford to gamble. I didn’t kill myself when I lost $2.5 million. I like to gamble and I’m not going to quit.

“I’d get up to $300,000, $400,000, $500,000, and then lose it all and then a $1 million. You can never break the casino. I went to Vegas a bunch of times and won $1 million. Probably 10 times.”

This penchant for gambling is a trend seen among many other NBA stars.

Basketball and poker share some similarities. Both require strategic thinking, a competitive edge, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

It's no surprise that many NBA players find poker appealing. The game offers a mental challenge and an alternative kind of adrenaline rush compared to the one experienced on the basketball court.

NBA players Michael Jordan, Paul Pierce, Shawn Marion, and Tony Parker have all been known to indulge in poker, both casually and in more competitive settings.

The camaraderie and competition found at the poker table often mirror the dynamics of a basketball team, making it a natural fit for players looking for an off-court pursuit that keeps their competitive juices flowing.

Charles Barkley is currently signed up to a multi-year deal as a brand ambassador for American sports betting platform FanDuel.