Former NBA Player Randy Livingston Reveals Decade-Long Gambling Addiction
Former NBA player Randy Livingston disclosed this week that he battled a gambling addiction for eleven years, losing his earnings each summer at riverboat casinos despite a promising basketball career.
Livingston detailed how he would earn substantial income during NBA seasons, only to lose it all during the off-season. “Every year, I would make a lot of money during the season… I would lose all the money in the summer basically,” Livingston said. “Whatever I had made, I would go to the casino boat and by the time it was over with, I’d have enough just to pay the bills. Then the race was on again to get an NBA job. Then the same thing would happen for 11 years straight.” His addiction contributed to the end of his professional basketball career in 2007.
After a decade of struggle and a particularly low point at a casino he’d vowed to avoid, Livingston sought help and completed a 30-day inpatient treatment program, achieving sobriety eight years ago. He now resides in Australia with his wife, Anita Smith, and both serve as responsible gambling ambassadors for FanDuel. The National Council on Problem Gambling offers resources for those struggling with similar issues. Livingston emphasized the importance of sharing his story, stating, “They basically just helped amplify the message, and that’s what I was looking for in a partner… I’m excited about all the things that we’re doing now, but that is my story and that’s how I changed and it was not easy.”
Livingston’s openness about his addiction comes as awareness of problem gambling and its impact on athletes continues to grow, prompting increased discussion about support systems and preventative measures within professional sports. He and his wife are actively working to raise awareness and provide support through their ambassadorship, hoping to help others find recovery, as detailed on FanDuel’s responsible gaming page.
Livingston continues to share his story through speaking engagements and advocacy, aiming to strengthen his own recovery and assist others facing similar challenges.
