Dana White

Dana White, the president and CEO of the UFC empire, is once again in the headlines. Only this time it has nothing to do with the UFC, new fights or new events.

According to Bloody Elbow, White’s right-hand man Hunter Campbell has publicly expressed great concern over White’s continued gambling habits, specifically a $3 million dollar session that allegedly made Cambell ‘feel sick'.

White’s gambling habits are not new, but the story has renewed interest in White’s long and tumultuous relationship with gambling. Apparently White doesn't see his gambling as a problem, but some sources close to White believe it may be more dangerous than it appears.

In this article, we'll explore White’s longstanding relationship with gambling, as well as the public perception and potential impact of gambling on the UFC and the MMA industry.

Dana White, the Face of UFC

The UFC CEO was born and raised in Manchester, Connecticut. He became interested in combat sports at a young age and started boxing at the age of 17.

After two unsuccessful attempts to finish college, Dana turned to boxing full time, which ultimately led him to Las Vegas.

In Las Vegas, White reunited with his childhood friends Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta while training jiu-jitsu. It was at this training that White also met Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, which was his ticket to UFC royalty.

Together with the Fertitta brothers, White bought the struggling UFC for 2 million dollars in 2001.

Under their watch, the UFC grew into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse, all with White at the helm.

Today, White is known as the face of the UFC, serving as both president and CEO of the organization. Over the past 25 years, White has amassed a fantastic net worth of around 500 million dollars. Dana White isn’t just a businessman — he’s a mogul with incredible influence in combat sports, a public image built on tenacity, and a notorious penchant for gambling risks.

White’s fierce, no-nonsense approach to business has been instrumental in the UFC’s success. However, it’s not just a persona he cultivates when it comes to business; it’s reflected in all facets of his personality.

A self-proclaimed “absolute degenerate” gambler, White’s penchant for high-stakes gambling is more than just a hobby.

A History of High Stakes

For years, Dana White has been a fixture at the best casinos in Las Vegas. He’s been to them all, but his favorite is Caesars Palace. However, as he himself revealed a few years ago, he is not banned from the casinos in Vegas, the casinos simply prefer it when he plays… elsewhere.

Over the years, he has had many adventures and anecdotes while gambling, such as renting entire casino sections and playing high limit blackjack for hours on end. Some even say he would play for days on end.

And indeed, his gambling stories are legendary.

White is known as someone who would rather go big than go home, as he once bet 1 million dollars on boxer Jermain Taylor. Unfortunately, he lost that bet when Taylor was knocked out by Kelly Pavlik.

But it’s a story of losses and wins, as White is known for losing millions – but also winning millions – at casino tables.

Big Wins & Big Losses

In 2024, White admitted in an interview that he probably lost about $6 million gambling over the course of 20 years, —but also won more than $10 million.

He also recently spoke with Noah Kara about the early days of the UFC and what it took to get to where he is now. During the interview, White also touched upon his gambling habit and revealed a startling detail: he won between 26 and 27 million dollars in less than 6 months playing baccarat at Caesars Palace.

But here’s the thing: Dana White never tried to hide his gambling activities. It’s almost as if it’s practically a part of his brand.

Over the years, he’s made several public comments emphasizing that he doesn’t see it as a problem because he can afford the losses.

But now he’s slowly starting to accept the extent of his gambling. In an interview with Flare in 2024, he described himself as a “degenerate”. He later repeated the term again using the same words.

“I like to gamble. That’s what I do. I’m an absolute degenerate.”

— Dana White on Instagram

But critics may disagree. Many argue that his confidence borders on denial. So, here’s a question: when does being a “high roller” cross into unhealthy obsession?

And how long can his wealth really protect him from the consequences?

Is It Business or Pleasure Now?

White’s gambling habits intersect with the UFC’s growing betting partnerships.

Think of it this way. White has been in the MMA business for a very long time, and Vegas is the center for most combat sports.

Coincidentally, Vegas is the nexus for land-based gambling in North America, making it a prime location not only for gambling, but also for networking and business.

So who's to say when the lines between pleasure and business will blur? From DraftKings to official betting sponsors, the lines between personal entertainment and business strategy are not very easy to see anymore.

Dana White Gambling History

Other Famous Gamblers in Sports

White is famous, but he's far from the only celebrity gambler. There are many other well-known actors, singers and athletes who participate in gambling from time to time (or more often).

Some of the more famous athletes who like to play at the gambling tables are:

Hollywood is not immune to gambling either. Some of the most famous names often seen and heard at the gambling tables are Ben Affleck and his buddy Matt Damon, as well as Toby McGuire.

Dana White, Gambling Addiction, and the Problem of Labelling

Problem gambling is one of the main problems in the industry. One of the main reasons why it is such a difficult problem to solve is that many do not understand that problem gambling is not just about losses. It’s a compulsion, so it’s about obsession, denial and the inability to stop.

We must also point out that we are not experts in gambling psychology and are not authorized to speak with conviction on this subject. Therefore, we cannot label anyone as a problem gambler – not even a celebrity like Dana White.

Although Dana’s behavior, such as frequent and high betting, public justifications, and now concern from inner circle allies, clearly checks several boxes, we are not the ones who can claim that he has a gambling problem. What we can say is that he is definitely a regular gambler with a tremendous appetite for gambling, and that recent reports suggest that even those close to him have been concerned about his welfare.

All this just highlights the importance of responsible gaming and safety of the players.

You should gamble and have fun, but if you notice any signs that you are no longer enjoying gambling, don’t be afraid to seek help or advice from professionals.

To Sum up: Should Fans and Investors Be Concerned?

Say what you will about the man, but Dana White built the UFC into an empire through courage, hustle and a willingness to take risks.

At the same time, those same traits made him a great casino player. Maybe even too great for his own good?

Realistically, gambling, especially at his level, is not just a side hobby. And while it hasn't affected his image and business – yet – no one can say for sure that it won't in the future. We do hope it won’t, though.