Rap superstar Drake has landed another knockout punch to Ontario online sports betting. Following a pair of wins by Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann at UFC London, Drizzy walked away $3.7 million richer.
Per the Canadian’s screenshot, the ‘Hotline Bling’ singer placed a $2,296,211.30 total stake on the duo to win their bouts on July 23 (all figures in US dollars unless otherwise noted).
That risk panned out, netting Drizzy $3,723,077 – approximately $1.5 million in profit. And it’s just the latest windfall to continue a trend for the hip-hop legend. Drake’s high-profile wagers – across multiple sports — have re-energized the sports betting world of late.
Unfortunately, all those bets are happening on a sportsbook that’s illegal in Ontario.
Drake’s ‘scousers parlay’ sat at 1.62 odds
Drake loves betting – that’s no secret.
But when it comes to sportsbooks, he seemingly prefers moneyline wagers over everything else. His latest cash-out dubbed the ‘scousers parlay’ – references Pimblett’s and McCann’s Liverpool heritage – was no different.
Here’s the rapper’s official betting slip:
- Pimblett to defeat Jordan Leavitt: 1.34 European odds, -294 American odds
- McMann to defeat Hannah Goldy: 1.21, -476
- Total parlay odds: 1.62, -161
- Total stake: $2,296,211.30
- Estimated payout: $3,723,077
Drake’s trust wasn’t squandered by the fighters either, said McCann when speaking to ESPN post-fight.
“Can I just throw out there to ESPN, Drake… did I say before? I know, I’m drunk… Drake is buying me and Paddy a new Rollie each.”
Is Drake’s online sports betting curse over?
While Drake may be walking away from UFC London a winner, that’s not always the case. In March, the entertainer went all in on Jorge Masvidal defeating Colby Covington, which cost him $275,000. Two months later, Drake lost over half a million ($550,000, to be exact). The culprit? Charles Oliveira choking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.
Mix in some bad NBA and NHL picks, and you have the “Drake Curse.” Yes, that’s a real thing in the sports betting world.
But, seemingly, that is changing.
Earlier this month, Drake staked a reported $1 million bet on Israel Adesanya to defeat Jared Cannonier at UFC 276. That hit. Then came Saturday’s ‘scousers parlay.’ Drake even cashed out on his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL playoffs.
Drake wins $25 million at online roulette before losing it all
Outside of sportsbooks, the award-winning artist has also been busy at the online casino. On July 11, the rapper pulled in a whopping $25 million playing online roulette. However, by the end of the session, he was left with just $1,879. That trainwreck was all captured via live stream.
Fans, Twitch and rapper French Montana all got in on the act. Some viewers even (allegedly) went home with $25,000 if they won live draws during the stream.
Ontario sports betting legend continues to tantalize gambling world
Regardless of what he is betting on, Drake’s high-roller style has energized the betting world like no other.
It’s one thing to have operators promoting their in-house products. It’s another phenomenon entirely when one of the world’s most iconic entertainers is so much a part of the industry. Wherever Drake goes, people follow.
That’s why it is even more difficult for many Canadians to accept Drake’s partnership with the offshore operator, Stake.
With so many high-profile operators to choose from in Ontario’s regulated market, one would think Drake would consider crossing over. Nonetheless, that remains wishful thinking for the time being. If his latest betting exploits are any indication, an onshore move won’t be happening for Drake anytime soon.
