Charles Barkley, the famous NBA superstar and legend in his own right, is also known for giving candid interviews. In a recent interview for Arizona Sports, he mentioned that when it is his time, he wants his cremated remains to be scattered in three places: in Phoenix, Alabama, and in a casino in Las Vegas (he didn't specify which one).

Charles Barkley, an NBA legend known for his larger-than-life personality and gambling habits, made headlines once again this week with a surprising revelation about his final wishes. The Basketball Hall of Famer, who has never been shy about sharing his opinions, humorously declared that he wants his cremated ashes scattered in three significant locations: his home state of Alabama, his adopted home of Phoenix, and inside a Las Vegas casino.

An iconic personality

Barkley, who received an NBA All-Star 11 times and who is a key member of the iconic US Olympic "Dream Team" in 1992, shared this with Arizona Sports ahead of the 2024 - 2025 NBA season. While discussing his love for Phoenix, where he has lived since being traded to the Phoenix Suns in the early 90s, the Alabama native jokingly looked ahead to his death and gave instructions for his remains.

"I'm never leaving Phoenix alive. I love living in Phoenix," Barkley quipped. "When I leave Phoenix, they're going to cremate my fat a**. My a** is so big, I want some ashes in Alabama, I want some ashes in Phoenix, and I want the rest in a casino in Vegas."

When it comes to which Las Vegas casino will receive this unique honor, Barkley hasn't yet identified a specific location, though his longstanding connection to the city suggests it will be a fitting final tribute to a place where he has spent many memorable moments.

Barkley's big bets and gambling history

Barkley's affinity for Las Vegas is no secret, as his gambling habits have been well-documented throughout his career. Alongside fellow sports icons like another basketball legend Michael Jordan and golfer John Daly, Barkley is notorious for his high-stakes gambling, a pastime that has seen him lose millions of dollars over the years.

In 2007, Barkley admitted to losing an estimated $10 million through gambling during his 16-season NBA career. One of the most infamous incidents occurred when he lost a staggering $2.5 million in blackjack in just six hours. Despite these significant losses, Barkley has repeatedly stated that he doesn't view his gambling as a major issue.

"It's not a problem," Barkley said at the time. "If you're a drug addict or an alcoholic, those are problems. I gamble for too much money. As long as I can continue to do it, I don't think it's a problem." He also acknowledged the bad habit, saying, "Do I think it's a bad habit? Yes, I think it's a bad habit. Am I going to continue to do it? Yes, I'm going to continue to do it."

However, Barkley's gambling history hasn't been without its setbacks. Wynn Las Vegas filed a civil lawsuit against him in 2008 over an unpaid gambling debt of $400,000. Barkley finally repaid Wynn Las Vegas, and at the time, he appeared to express regret, telling the world, "I've got to stop gambling. I am not going to gamble anymore."

Yet, staying true to his unapologetic style, Barkley added a caveat, explaining that while he might take a break from gambling, he didn't see it as a permanent decision. "I'm not going to gamble right now, the next year or two. Just because I can afford to lose money doesn't mean I should," he said.

A family legacy of gambling

Barkley's association with gambling runs deep, and it was revealed last year in his biography that his upbringing in Alabama played a role in shaping his attitude toward betting. According to the biography, his family sold bootlegged liquor out of their home and operated an underground gambling ring, making Barkley's immersion in the gambling world somewhat inevitable.

Despite his well-known gambling struggles, Barkley's iconic status and his humorous take on life made him a perfect fit for FanDuel, the sports betting and online gaming operator. In late 2020, FanDuel signed him as brand ambassador, using his name and persona to promote responsible gambling while also embracing the fun and excitement associated with sports betting.

As part of the deal, Barkley has appeared in multiple commercials for FanDuel, making him a key figure in the company's marketing efforts. His involvement in the gambling industry as an ambassador may seem ironic given his history, but for FanDuel, Barkley's fame and notoriety only serve to enhance the brand's reach and credibility in the online gaming sector.