The Heavy Metal Stars Who Take Their Chances At The Casino

It’s difficult for average music fans to imagine their favorite musician in the real world, but artists, like ordinary people, have other interests and hobbies which can include playing casino games. Some of the most influential Heavy Metal Rock Stars find that playing at a late-night casino is a great way to wind down. A few Heavy Metal Rock household names have recently been spotted in Las Vegas, the world’s gambling epicenter. Here are some celebrities you might see if you frequent popular casinos:

Godsmack’s Sully Erna

Salvatore Ema, better known as Sully Erna, is a member of the well-known American rock band Godsmack. Sully, the band’s lead singer, is known for his strong vocals and has built a successful solo career outside of the band. It is not surprising to learn about the star’s massive gambling success, as he has always been proud of his prowess at card games.

Sully, in fact, has a large tattoo on his back to express his love of card games. The tattoo includes the quote “No Justice,” which implies that poker is a game for the ruthless. Erna’s tattoo was inspired by one of his biggest wins, which was a gleaming royal flush. Sully has competed in two World Series of Poker and has twice cashed. In 2006, the star won $17,730 in a Las Vegas tournament where he finished 713 out of 8000. Before taking a break, he won $45,422 in 2007 and another $307,325 in the 2007 Five-Diamond World Poker Classic.

Ian Scott

Scott Ian, the vocalist, and guitarist for the band Anthrax is an outspoken gambler who once said in an interview with Bluff Magazine that poker players are “way more over the top” than rock stars. Scott’s passion for poker extends beyond the celebrity lifestyle, as he participates on multiple casino websites and has even joined the professional team of some online casinos. According to an expert analysis from casinobonusesnow.com, online casino platforms offer such celebrity gamblers an even better gaming environment with lesser distractions but with the same perks as traditional casinos such as live dealers and private rooms. 

Ian has won against hard metal rock competitors like Ace Frehley and Sully Erna, who have more experience gambling, and against casino professionals. In one of his heroic victories, the final card dealt gave him two eights on top of his pair of queens. He gambled on the lucky double and forced his opponent to fold. On the surface, the opponent appeared to have a better pair of queens and a pair of tens. Scott has won up to $200,000 in online tournaments and finished 700th out of 6000 players at the World Series of Poker in 2010.

Lemmy Kilmister

Lemmy Kilmister is the only artist on this list who managed to combine his musical creativity and gambling thoughts into a single project. PokerStars named Motorhead‘s “Ace of Spades” the greatest gambling song of all time in 2019. The conclusion was reached after polling 1000 European punters who were clients of the company. Lemmy Kilmister wrote the famous “Ace of Spades,” which was a straight hit in the gambling community. Unlike most musician gamblers, Lemmy Kilmister preferred slot machines over card games and other table games. His preferred gambling location was London, but he was also a regular at the Rainbow Bar and Grill near his home in Los Angeles.

Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley is the guitarist and founding member of the rock band KISS. He is an avid poker player who, unlike the other stars on the list, has not had outstanding gambling success. The rock metal star currently resides in Las Vegas and competed in the 2016 VH1 Celebrity Rock & Roll Tournament, which he and Sully Erna lost. Ian Scott also competed and won the tournament. Ace Frehley is a casino regular including the Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the years, Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, and Macau have served as the ultimate gambling meccas for numerous celebrities, including actors, musicians, and athletes. Entertainment cities have always been heavily influenced by popular culture, but the heavy metal genre has managed to carve out its unique niche within the market, largely due to the participation of rock stars in various gaming activities. While money may play a role in their involvement, it is often not the primary motivation for these celebrities. Rather, their participation is driven by their passion for the activity. Heavy metal icons such as Lemmy Kilmister will be remembered for their role in bridging the gap between the music and gambling industries.