Terry Watanabe on Spending $800M Gambling, Casino Not Cutting Him Off, Reveals He's Gay
Terry Watanabe, infamous for spending nearly $800 million at Harrah’s casinos between 2005 and 2007, recently revealed intriguing details in an exclusive interview. Despite his massive gambling losses, Harrah’s didn’t cut him off; instead, they created a unique “chairman” status just for him, offering lavish perks like front-row Rolling Stones tickets, $500,000 in gift store credit, and personal bartenders. Remarkably, Watanabe admits he wasn’t skilled at games like blackjack and mainly played for fun, often gambling for up to 24 hours straight. He also disclosed struggles with substance abuse during this period and came out as gay, sharing that his lifestyle included gay parties and generous gestures towards partners.
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NBA Hall of Famer Michael Cooper Tells His Life Story
Michael Cooper, an NBA Hall of Famer and five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, discussed his journey from Pasadena to the NBA. He recounted his early life, including his father abandoning him and his stepfather's attempted murder of his mother. Cooper detailed his basketball journey, starting from building his own hoop to playing for the Lakers. He highlighted key moments, such as being drafted in 1978, developing the "Coop-a-Loop," and winning five championships from 1980 to 1988. Cooper also touched on the rivalries with the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, and the end of the Showtime era. Michael Cooper discussed his NBA career, highlighting his final game in 1990 and his subsequent coaching journey. He praised Dr. Jerry Buss for his support and noted his overseas stint in Rome. Cooper reflected on the rise of the Chicago Bulls and Magic Johnson's HIV announcement. He shared his coaching experiences with the Los Angeles Sparks, including Lisa Leslie's historic dunk, and his transition to the Denver Nuggets and USC. Cooper also addressed the controversy surrounding Chauncey Billups' gambling charges and expressed pride in his Hall of Fame induction and Lakers jersey retirement.
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Tommy The Clown Tells His Life Story
Tommy the Clown, born in Detroit and raised in South Central LA, transitioned from a troubled youth involved in narcotics to becoming a pioneer of hip hop clowning and krumping. He started performing at children's parties and evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing music videos by Madonna, Missy Elliott, and Kendrick Lamar. Despite challenges, including a five-year prison sentence and a house robbery, Tommy's positive influence on youth through dance and entertainment has endured for over 30 years. His legacy continues with the Battle Zone competition and a nonprofit foundation supporting underprivileged kids.
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Fitness Influencer Wes Watson Tells His Life Story
Wes Watson, an ex-convict-turned-inspirational speaker and fitness influencer, discussed his journey from San Diego to becoming a millionaire. Starting at 14, he was dealing marijuana to avoid buying it. By high school, he owned luxury cars and made thousands. However, his lifestyle led to a 9-year prison sentence. Post-release, he leveraged his story into a successful fitness brand, Watson Fit, and a YouTube channel, earning $150,000 monthly. Despite facing a potential 25-year sentence for new charges, Watson remains defiant, emphasizing discipline and success. Wes Watson discussed his views on fighting, emphasizing that he is not a fighter and would retaliate if attacked. He criticized UFC personalities for their behavior and highlighted his own experiences with violence. Watson shared his daily routine, waking up at 2:45 AM, and his approach to self-mastery through diet and exercise. He also talked about his business model and his success in building a loyal client base. Watson mentioned his recent breakup and its impact on his workouts. The conversation concluded with reflections on personal growth, authenticity, and the importance of maintaining a positive public image.
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Terry Watanabe on His Gambling Being 20% of Caesars Palace's Revenue, Spent $5M in 1 Day
Terry Watanabe, a legendary high-stakes gambler, once accounted for an astonishing 20% of Caesars Palace's gambling revenue. During his peak, Harrah’s Entertainment (Caesars’ parent company) revealed that nearly 6% of its total gambling revenue came from Watanabe alone. Known for both his massive bets and generosity, he frequently handed out huge tips—sometimes up to $50,000 at once—to casino staff and slot machine attendants.Watanabe’s gambling sessions were jaw-dropping. On one notable day, he reportedly spent $5 million, split between slots and blackjack, with average daily betting reaching around $2.25 million. His biggest win on the slots was a staggering $2 million on the Cleopatra machine, which he hit twice in just two days. Despite the randomness of slot machines, Watanabe consistently maxed bets, creating a legendary presence on the casino floor and leaving a lasting impact on Las Vegas gambling history.
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