Did Charles Barkley Cross a Line With Quip About Bet Limits?

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
05/24/2025
Responsible Gambling
Photo by Gallery 2 Images, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Gallery 2 Images, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • Barkley mentioned that he uses a bookie to circumvent FanDuel’s betting caps
  • Bookies remain illegal in many US states
  • Prediction markets, bookies, and offshore sportsbooks still operate across the US

Charles Barkley drew the ire of responsible gaming advocates this week.

The former NBA star and current analyst discussed sports betting on Thursday when discussing the NHL playoffs. Barkley mentioned using FanDuel and a bookie to circumvent daily betting caps. While the former superstar has always been relatively open about his gambling habits, some feel he went too far.

The comments and reaction have us asking if Barkley crossed a line with his comments.

Barkley Boasts of Bookie

Barkley's controversial comments came as he discussed betting on the playoff matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers. 

“FanDuel only lets me bet so much, so I got to have a bookie on the side,” Barkley said during an alternate game broadcast.

The comment from the star was referencing FanDuel’s daily betting limits, which are meant to help prevent problem gambling. The use of bookies remains illegal in many states, primarily due to concerns over problem gambling. 

Dangerous Advice for Gambling Addicts

Charles Barkley had no intention of promoting problem gambling when he made the quick comment, but that hasn’t stopped some from labeling it as dangerous.

The rise of gambling addiction in the US continues to spin wildly out of control, and regulators and sportsbooks have desperately been looking for solutions. Setting daily betting limits has been one of the key initiatives in fighting the issue. Some believed the NBA star’s comments normalized the idea of working around these safeguards.

While Barkley has the money to absorb significant losses, most Americans do not. That means they could open themselves up to serious financial danger if they look to follow his lead and find ways to circumvent responsible gaming initiatives.

Illegal Betting Options Still Thriving

The comments about Barkley’s use of a bookie show that bettors still have options outside of regulated markets. Offshore sportsbooks have begun to be forced out, but many still operate in markets across the US. Unlike finding a reliable bookie, finding an offshore sportsbook online is easy.

In addition to bookies and offshore platforms, sports prediction markets offer a way for people to bet on sports outside the regulated industry. Since these markets are considered to be trading and not gambling, they can operate in states where sports betting remains illegal.

With so many ways bettors can get around using a regulated sportsbook, it's no surprise that responsible gaming advocates are taking Barkley’s offhand comment to heart. 

Michael Savio covers the US online casino industry, giving readers insights and information they won’t find anywhere else. He has followed the retail industry since his time living in Las Vegas and has continued to do so as the online industry has taken off. Michael covers everything from online casino reviews to industry news, making him one of the most trusted insiders in the business. Check out Michael’s latest articles at casinos.com to see what he has to offer!