New York’s Legendary Musicians Who Love a Good Casino Night

This content was produced in partnership with Bazoom Group.

New York City isn’t just known for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and vibrant arts scene—it’s also a hub for world-class musicians who have found their place in history. From the jazz clubs of Harlem to the rock venues in Greenwich Village, New York has shaped countless music legends.  

But there’s another side to some of these iconic artists: their love for the thrill of casino nights. Whether it’s the rush of placing a big bet, enjoying the high energy of a casino floor, or simply unwinding with friends, some of New York’s legendary musicians have turned to casinos as their favorite escape. 

Whilst the cut and thrust of the casino floor remains the domain of those in the building, there are places on the map where online gambling is legal too - in one form or another. So you would find numerous Philippine online casino sites that accept GrabPay for example, or Czech online casinos that accept PayPal and Skrill.  

Still, these digital platforms lack the glitz and glamor of real life casinos, which have attracted some of the legendary New York musicians. Let’s have a look at who they are.  

Frank Sinatra 

Sadly, the great man is no longer with us, but Frank Sinatra is in the eyes of many the original sultan of swing. Despite being born in neighboring New Jersey, Frank Sinatra was always synonymous with New York. He loved to indulge in the finer things in life – with gambling and casinos at the top of his agenda. 

A big player on the Las Vegas scene, Sinatra and his Rat Pack entourage enjoyed the thrill of spinning the casino wheel and the blackjack table in equal measure. 

Jay Z 

A modern day New York legend, Jay Z has transcended his humble beginnings rapping in Brooklyn, to become arguably the biggest rapper of all time. Gambling is a huge part of the fabric for Jay Z, a man who has been successful in every walk of life he has thrown himself into and his ‘all in’ approach has served him well – something he attributes to his success on the casino floor.  

Often spotted partaking in high-stakes gambling action in New York, Atlantic City and Las Vegas, he enjoys the skill and strategy that casino games offer, seeing them as an extension of his competitive spirit and few have been more successful in the game than Jay Z.  

Lady Gaga 

Few musicians are as globally recognisable as Lady Gaga and the creator of the iconic Poker Face song has long been present in the American casino scene, even before her breakthrough as one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. 

Intrigue, suspense and anticipation are at the heart of Lady Gaga’s brand, and her poker face keeps her followers transfixed on her activities, both on and off the stage and she continues to spend down time at land-based casinos, bringing her unmistakable flair and presence to the gambling scene. 

Billy Joel 

Though not a true gambler himself, a true New Yorker (yes, we all remember his song New York State of Mind) Billy Joel has a notable connection to casinos, particularly through his performances rather than personal gambling habits. The ‘Piano Man’ has been performing to sell-out audiences for the best part of 5 decades and with his residence at Madison Square Garden’s continuing to wow crowds on a monthly basis. Some of his concerts took place in casinos.   There were 10 concerts at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2008, and a concert at the reopening of Caesars Windsor in Ontario, Canada, the same year.  Joel also performed at the grand opening of the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 2023.  

50 Cent 

Born Curtis Jackson in Queens, New York, 50 Cent rose from a challenging upbringing to become one of hip-hop’s most successful and influential figures and his presence in casinos has long been noted. 

Known for his no-holds-barred approach to life, he embodies the daring, risk-taking attitude of the casino culture and he has lived by the mantra of ‘getting rich or dying trying’, 50 Cent remains synonymous with the successes and glamor that can come from successful gambling and decision making, in both New York and beyond. 

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.