(Video) Dana White Plays Fun Blackjack Game With $10K On The Line

UFC CEO Dana White enjoys a game of Blackjack with TMZ founder Harvey Levin to raise money for charity.

(Video) Dana White Plays Fun Blackjack Game With $10K On The Line

Dana White plays high stakes blackjack (via Variety, X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

CEO Dana White is often seen traveling worldwide while promoting the UFC and overseeing its growth. He is also heavily involved in developing Zuffa Boxing and expanding his Power Slap league. White maintains a hands-on role across both ventures. When not working, he is frequently seen at major poker and blackjack tables in Las Vegas, recently reflected during a charity game with TMZ founder Harvey Levin.

White is currently in Las Vegas ahead of the upcoming UFC 324 card, which is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena. The event will feature an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. In addition to UFC 324, White is also overseeing the inaugural Zuffa Boxing event. That card will be headlined by Callum Walsh against Carlos Ocampo and is scheduled for the Meta UFC Apex.

The blackjack game between White and Levin was played under a first-to-five-wins format, with $10,000 awarded to the winner’s chosen charity. During one hand, White was dealt a pair of eights while the dealer showed a four. Instead of standard blackjack strategy by splitting the eights, White chose to take a hit. The decision reflected a high-risk approach rather than conventional probability-based play.

White is widely regarded as an experienced blackjack player with a long history of high-stakes play in casinos. He is known for employing advanced strategies that have resulted in significant winnings over time. White has frequently been linked to major wins at private tables. That reputation was reinforced when he was previously seen winning $120,000 during a session at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

White’s frequent presence in casinos has raised concerns among some observers about the amount of time he spends gambling. Individuals close to him, including UFC executive Hunter Campbell, have been linked to discussions about those habits. Longtime friend and host Joe Rogan has also addressed the issue publicly. Rogan once stated he saw White gambling from nighttime into the early morning.

Dana White’s long-standing connection to gambling is now being documented as part of a Netflix series centered on his life outside the UFC. The series follows the UFC CEO as he moves through Las Vegas and visits various casinos across the city. It highlights how gambling has become a visible part of his public routine in Sin City. That portrayal was recently underscored by his blackjack game with Harvey Levin.

Dana White reveals the reality behind making a career in the UFC

There is no doubt that a fighter largely steers their own career after signing with the UFC. The most prominent example of this is former two-division champion Conor McGregor. Although he last competed in the UFC in 2021, his net worth as of 2026 is estimated at $200 million. The ‘Notorious One’ remains one of the most recognizable and marketable UFC fighters worldwide.

Dana White talks about opportunities in Power Slap
Dana White (via Bloody Elbow)

UFC CEO Dana White has often emphasized the importance of building a fighter as a brand and using the UFC as a platform. He has remained vocal about how stories and personalities often sell fights more than performances. White has consistently encouraged fighters to leverage media, and public appearances to expand their reach. He reinforced this perspective during an interview with NFL legend Shannon Sharpe.

I tell them, this isn’t a job. This isn’t a career. This is an opportunity for you to become as famous as you can possibly become and make as much money as you can possibly make. Conor is one of the unique few that was able to capitalize on his fame, personality and everything else outside the Octagon. It’s fun having Conor in this company and in this sport in general.

Dana White via Club Shay Shay

This philosophy ties back to Dana White’s criticism of those questioning fighter pay. He maintains that the UFC provides exposure and opportunities beyond the Octagon. Earnings are not limited to fight purses, but can include endorsements, media deals, and personal branding. White’s comments highlight that financial success in MMA often depends on how fighters leverage the platform he provides.

Also Read: