Over the past several years, there has been a growing interest in how much athletes make in their career with fans comparing athletes’ pay to their own income.
At the same time, more people are playing casino games like slots, poker and blackjack with the hopes of getting some type of casino jackpot. In this context, let’s profile whether athlete salaries or casino jackpots pays more.
The Link Between Athleticism and Casino Activities
The public interest in athletes’ careers has surged in recent years for various reasons. Firstly, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have generated a buzz around these high-profile figures, with people becoming invested in their training schedules and even their personal lives. They have become almost like influencers, collaborating with brands and taking part in campaigns.
On top of this, there are now more leagues, tournaments and sports events for athletes competing in sports such as football, basketball and tennis. These events are made accessible to fans worldwide on online platforms, increasing global engagement.
Among fans, this fresh interest in athletes has sparked discussions about their net worth and contracts, leaving them curious about how much they make in their field.
Similarly, casino activities have soared in popularity with the advent of online casinos which has made it possible to take part in iGaming activities from the comfort of your home on a mobile device. Players can even check out check out BonusFinder and compare the latest promotions and bonuses.
While the majority of people play card games to enhance their skills and strategy or simple games like slots for fun, there are some that are intrigued by the possibility of casino jackpots.
These jackpots give players the opportunity to win a sum of money with a single spin or hand. People who follow athletes’ salaries are often drawn to casino jackpots as they see them as a way to gain similar monetary success.
Athletes’ Salaries vs. Casino Payouts
Earnings in both sports and casino activities can reach big amounts. For example, athletes earned an estimated $6.2 billion in total income in 2024, including $4.8 billion in salary and prize money, as well as $1.4 billion off the field, court, course or track.
However, the method of gaining these payouts differs slightly. Athletes receive money from a range of things including their base salary which is their guaranteed payment for playing with a team or taking part in a league for a certain period of time.
However they are also able to receive bonuses when they achieve specific milestones such as scoring goals or winning matches. Beyond their sport, these individuals can earn money through endorsements and sponsorships as they promote brands or feature in advertisements.
Additionally, in 2023, $66.5 billion was spent in US casinos and $10.92 billion in revenue on sports betting. With people engaging more in these types of casino games, there are also more payouts. These payouts and winnings rely a lot on chance as players spin slots to see if the numbers match up.
For instance, with most progressive jackpot games, the outcome is determined by a random number generator (RNG). However, some professional players who win jackpots in tournaments apply a lot of strategy and experience which can play a role in if they come out on top.
Furthermore, the time you play and the games you choose can also influence your chances in certain casino contexts. Certain games have higher return-to-player (RTP) percentages and in tournaments or competitive events, your odds may decrease if more players are participating at the same time.
Highest Paid Athletes and Casino Payouts in the World
In 2025, there are many athletes who are earning in the top income brackets, with salaries and endorsements reaching many millions of dollars annually. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo’s earnings headline a record year for athlete income.
In 2024, Ronaldo earned a total of $275 million mainly because of his salary from a contract with Al-Nassr and endorsements from brands like Nike and Armani. Other highest-paid athletes in 2025 include LeBron James, Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry, whose combined salaries and endorsements place them as some of the world’s most financially successful sports figures.
In 2024 to 2025, some of the highest casino payouts included $2,018,742.30 on a Spanish 21 side bet at Mohegan Sun and $1,075,996 on a Dragon Link slot at MGM Grand Detroit. However, it’s worth noting that these are singular, one-time winnings, whereas athletes’ earnings are typically distributed annually.
Ultimately, the amount of money athletes and casino players may receive from their career or iGaming activities differs according to skill, experience, performance and in the case of casino games, the role of luck and game selection.
So, if you want to know more about casino jackpots, why not sign up to a reputable platform to check out the latest offerings?
