NBA star Kendrick Perkins reveals past gambling addiction

NBA veteran and TV analyst Kendrick Perkins recently opened up about his past struggles with gambling addiction, a deeply personal chapter in his life. The revelation came during an episode of the Road Trippin podcast, where Perkins connected his experience to the recent legal troubles of fellow NBA player Marcus Morris.

In doing so, Perkins shed light on the dark side of sports betting and casino culture among high-profile professional athletes. His honesty offers a window into how the seemingly glamorous habit can spiral into legal danger, especially when casino credit systems, known as “markers,” are involved.

Kendrick Perkins’ struggles with gambling

Perkins didn’t mince words when recalling his gambling days. He described himself as a “big time gambler at casinos” and admitted that around four or five years ago, he took it upon himself to sign a voluntary exclusion form at a casino, effectively banning himself from gambling.

“I actually had an addiction in gambling,” Perkins stated. “I actually went up to the casino and signed myself that I would never gamble again. Not that they made me, I did it. I was a blackjack type of guy.”

The voluntary self-exclusion process, available at many casinos and online in many states, allows individuals to identify as problem gamblers and bar themselves from entry. Perkins’ courageous move revealed the seriousness of his condition and the potential for financial ruin.

He elaborated on how easy it was to lose control: “You’re like, ‘Hey, let me get a line of credit for $20,000.’ They give you $20,000 and you smoke it… Then you say bring me $30,000 more. And next thing you know, you’re 100 bands in the hole.”

Perkins’ views on Marcus Morris’ gambling legal issues

Perkins’ comments were prompted by the recent arrest of Marcus Morris, who reportedly wrote $260,000 in bad checks to MGM Grand and Wynn Las Vegas. The checks were tied to casino markers: a form of short-term, interest-free credit that casinos provide, assuming the gambler can repay it within 30 days.

Perkins broke down how these markers operate and how easily they can lead to criminal charges if repayment isn’t made.

“When you take a marker out from the casino… if you don’t pay the marker back then it’s labeled as ‘fraud’ or you’re writing a bad check,” he explained. “Basically what they’re saying is that you knew you didn’t have the funds.”

Despite the seriousness of Morris’ charges, Perkins expressed sympathy. “I know what gambling could do to you,” he said, framing Morris’ situation as a cautionary tale rather than a moral failure.

Morris, who played 13 NBA seasons, was arrested in Florida and later released on bail. His case highlights growing concerns about gambling-related legal troubles among pro athletes, especially retired or transitioning players.

Gambling Addiction among athletes 

Research has shown that athletes are more prone to gambling addiction than the general population, with prevalence rates reaching as high as 8.2%. Performance pressure, public scrutiny, sudden wealth and idle time while not playing can create a risky environment.

For athletes, the blurred line between legal and illegal gambling makes the situation even more complex. While legal sports betting platforms are regulated and taxed, underground operations and illegal credit extensions increase the risk of fraud, match-fixing and personal ruin.

Perkins’ comments, along with scandals involving other top players, reinforce the urgency of protecting athletes with education, regulation and accessible treatment. The NBA and other leagues have taken steps to educate players, but Perkins’ testimony shows gaps remain.

Athletes are often discouraged or even forbidden from betting on certain sports (or sports betting in general), and most leagues have strict policies that bar betting on an athlete’s own sport. Enforcement is challenging, and online platforms make it easier than ever for players to skirt the rules.

Treatment for Gambling Addiction in the U.S.

While leagues and governing bodies have rules against sports betting, they at times lack the infrastructure to support athletes dealing with gambling addiction. Treatment options vary widely by state and provider, and many athletes delay seeking help due to stigma or fear of professional consequences. In fact, the NCAA is considering a “safe harbor” policy, with limited immunity or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering but seek help for problem gambling.

Birches Health aims to reduce the traditional barriers to treatment, offering confidential, evidence-based virtual care tailored to the athlete’s unique pressures.

If you, a fellow athlete or someone else you care about may be struggling with gambling, encourage them to reach out to Birches Health:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

Perkins’ willingness to talk openly about seeking help, and banning himself from casinos, is a step in the right direction. His story can help de-stigmatize addiction and encourage other athletes to ask for help before reaching a crisis point.

Without proactive education and intervention, stories like Perkins’ and Morris’ may become more common.