Celebrity Gamblers: Ray Romano proves why everyone loves online casinos
By Cobus van Wyk
In the world of entertainment and gambling, there are certain names that have become synonymous with specific industries. One such name is actor Ray Romano – known for his comedic talents and acting skills. He first achieved stardom with his role as Ray Barone in the 1990s hit TV sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond. After nine seasons as the star of the show Ray moved on to a host of other successful roles in TV and film productions. Since his rise to stardom Ray Romano has also become known as a massively enthusiastic poker player at online casinos and an avid sports bettor.
Ray started playing poker as a teen and after completing the last episode of his hit television series, he felt burnt out and needed a break from acting. He turned his attention to his favorite hobbies – golf and gambling. He then made a name for himself in both arenas. As an avid golfer his ambition was to break 80 and thereafter play in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
Aside from golf, his energetic and highly competitive nature demanded he find something more to keep himself busy with. He found his teenage poker crush to be the perfect outlet. He accepted the challenge which prompted him to enter the annual World Series Of Poker championship for 7 years running.
However, after admitting to having a gambling problem he took a break from poker, but says he still enjoys betting on golf at online sports betting sites and playing poker at online casinos.
Ray Romanos statistics
| Stage Name | Ray Romano |
| Real Name | Raymond Albert Romano |
| Born | Queens, New York |
| Birthday | 21 December 1957 |
| Citizenship | USA |
| Spouse | Anna Scarpulla |
| Children | Alexandra (Ally) 1990 Gregory & Matthew (Twins) 1993 Joseph 1998 |
| Career | Stand-up Comedian, Film / Television / Voice Actor, Screen Writer, Television Producer, Director, Musician |
| Net Worth | Estimated @ $200 million |
| Claim to Fame | Highest paid TV actor in history Numerous Entertainment Industry Awards |
| Leisure Activities | World Series of Poker 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015. 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Pro-Am Annual American Century Golf Championship |
| Biggest Casino Win | $19,681 – 2008 at the 39th Annual WSOP |
| Most Popular Self Written Song | Home Again & The Biggest Fool |
Ray Romano’s favorite quote to guide him through the WSOP was “Survive and Advance”. It is an excerpt from his favorite documentary covering North Carolina State’s unlikely capture of the N.C.C.A. title.
His other one is pretty much an old poker cliché “It’s poker, anything can happen and it’s a new day on Saturday. Look, I play just once a year, and as long as I’m still in it, I can still win it.”, which one can easily see how his view still links to his previous quote!
Ray Romanos involvement with Online Casinos
Ray first got into poker as a teen, playing the game with his buddies back home in Queens. After the final episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, from 2009 to 2011 Ray produced and starred in another popular TV show, “Men of a Certain Age”. Reflecting much of his own life struggles, it followed the life of an average middle-aged guy, who on top of everything else was also addicted to gambling.
At the end of the show, aged 47 at the time, Ray said he felt elated but soon panicked emotions started milling through his mind, prompting him to question his position in life and where he wanted to do with his future. This unusual mental state hit him pretty hard, plus life did not spare the rod, delivering a double whammy with his father passing away in 2010.
But despite all this, to this day, Ray still loves playing poker at online casinos.
Ray Romanos Gambling pedigree
Once Ray had a better handle on his gambling problem he returned to his favorite pastimes, poker, and golf. From 2007 to 2015 he competed in the world’s largest and most prestigious annual poker event every year, the World Series Of Poker (WSOP). Once in 2008 Ray won $19,681 after managing to make it through to the money round of the 39th Annual WSOP, finishing in 8th place of the Ante Up For Africa Charity event was his best ever result in the competition. Making it to the final table in a No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament was a beautiful feat for him. He apparently enjoyed contesting pots with Jennifer Tilly who went on to finish in fifth. In Vegas the actress is recognized as a skilled poker professional.
In June 2013, Ray ended up 9th in the $500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Survivor of the CPPT – Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza, walking away with a winning total of $4,137.
Since he’s competed in numerous smaller events, Ray’s next and latest notable poker result came in June 2023 in the $1,500 buy-in No-limit Hold’em Bounty Super Turbo Freezeout of the 2023 WSOP.
Ray Romano and responsible gambling
In a later interview Ray admitted to seeking assistance from Gamblers Anonymous because after the show ended, he realized he had a gambling problem. When questioned about his continued participation in the WSOP despite his problem with impulsive betting, Ray jokingly said “it’s safe because poker is not really gambling”. With a fixed buy-in and set limits his view is not entirely too far off the mark either. Besides, Ray is a realist who knows that he stands little to no chance of winning and doesn’t even consider himself as one of the top celebrity gamblers, he just enjoys playing poker.
But since his last WSOP entry, he no longer frequents the bookmakers and casinos that he enjoyed so much in the past. Instead, he now prefers placing virtual bets on golf at online casinos and sportsbooks. As a member of the PokerStars network he visits online gambling platforms nearly every day, regularly participating in private tournaments online. Many online casino operator owners have come to know him by name, not only due to his celebrity status but also because of his regular high value deposits.
Why Ray Romano is a role model for online gamblers
One of the key reasons behind Ray Romano’s role model status for online gamblers is his authenticity and trustworthiness. Unlike many traditional celebrity endorsements, Romano’s involvement in the gambling industry is genuine and credible. Moreover, his down-to-earth demeanor and approachability contribute to a sense of trust.
In addition to his entertainment prowess, his openness about his own gambling problems and the potential risks associated with gambling reflects a conscientious approach that resonates with audiences.
