Dana White’s Alcohol Mistake That Cost Him $3 Million While Gambling

UFC CEO Dana White reveals how he lost $3 million while being intoxicated at a casino in Las Vegas the next morning.

Dana White’s Alcohol Mistake That Cost Him $3 Million While Gambling

Dana White reveals gambling story (via Bloody Elbow)

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High-stakes gambling can be unpredictable, and even those accustomed to large wagers are not immune to surprising outcomes. For UFC CEO Dana White, however, one night in Las Vegas became a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift, demonstrating the volatility inherent in high-limit casino games. White recently spoke about losing a substantial amount while being intoxicated in Sin City.

White built the UFC from a small organization into a global sports powerhouse and has earned vast amounts of money through the promotion’s growth and his business ventures. The UFC head honcho has amassed an impressive net worth of almost $500 million as of 2025. His financial success has allowed him access to the gambling world, where substantial wagers and exclusive casino amenities are standard.

White recently spoke to popular podcaster Lex Fridman about how, one evening, he visited the Rio Hotel & Casino and entered the high-limit blackjack room after dinner and drinks. Initially, his losses were estimated at around $80,000. However, when he woke up the next day and went to work, the casino officials revealed and made it clear that the actual loss was far higher.

So, I’m at work the next day, and the host over there calls me and he says, ‘Hey Dana, are you coming back? Do you still need the room that you guys had…? And I said, ‘No, I don’t need the room, but don’t get too comfortable with my ******* 80 grand, I’m coming back for it.’ Dead ******* silence on the other end of the phone, and he’s like, ‘Dana, you lost $3 million last night.’. And I went, ‘Yeah, no, that sounds like something I would do.

Dana White via Lex Fridman

White’s gambling activities are well-known within the UFC community. He has shared stories of his experiences, highlighting the amounts involved in his gambling endeavors. On one such instance, White revealed that he had lost almost $6 million in a game; however, he backed up the claim and indicated that whenever something like that happens, he would already be up by a substantial amount.

White has participated in games such as blackjack and baccarat, frequently playing in high-limit rooms across major Las Vegas casinos. Stories from the likes of Mike Tyson and Joe Rogan indicate that White has been recognized as a skilled player, with some casinos even noting his consistent success at specific tables. The UFC CEO has also been seen sharing tables with popular streamers such as Adin Ross.

While his gambling ventures have made him a veteran and added substantial amounts to his wealth, many of his close circle, such as Rogan, have been concerned regarding his gambling addiction. As the UFC continues to expand globally, Dana White’s presence in Las Vegas casinos remains a recurring topic, highlighting that his life outside the octagon attracts attention alongside his achievements within it.

Dana White believes that storytelling is a selling point for a successful career

Creating compelling UFC matchups involves more than just the promotion’s planning; fighters themselves play a key role in building anticipation. The way athletes present themselves and share their personal stories can influence how fights are perceived. An example of such a fighter is Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose story from the mountains of Dagestan to the pinnacle of the MMA world has left many inspired.

Dana White
Dana White (via The Boston Globe)

UFC CEO Dana White highlighted storytelling as a central element in selling fights, pointing to Nurmagomedov’s faith and the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, as a prime example. These personal elements help create a narrative that extends beyond physical competition, making bouts more compelling to the audience.

You don’t get fined for doing certain things. I mean, the guys [in the UFC] are talking smack about me most of the time. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, that’s what I’m selling. When you look at Khabib and how faithful he is, and his father, who got him started, everybody has a great story. What makes sports great is when you’re good at telling these stories.

Dana White via Saudi General Entertainment Authority forum

While trash talk and rivalry remain a staple of fight promotion, White emphasized that authentic personal stories often resonate most with fans. Fighters such as Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, and Jon Jones have leveraged their personalities, stories, and media presence to elevate themselves to superstar status. However, Dana White believed that personal background and faith can make global icons within the sport.

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