JAY-Z’s $1 million bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the NBA Finals 4-1 has ended in a loss. The Thunder dropped Game 3 to the Indiana Pacers, putting them behind 2-1 in the series and voiding the wager.
Before the Finals began, JAY-Z placed the bet through Fanatics Sportsbook, predicting the Thunder would win within five games. With the Pacers now having two wins, that outcome is no longer possible.
Had the bet succeeded, the Roc Nation founder would have earned over $3 million. While the financial loss is notable, JAY-Z’s business relationship with Fanatics founder Michael Rubin including a partnership in the sportsbook likely softens the blow.
JAY-Z is no stranger to high-stakes gambling. In September 2023, he and Meek Mill hosted a $100,000 buy-in blackjack tournament in Atlantic City to raise money for the REFORM Alliance, a justice reform group they co-founded. The 007-themed event featured appearances by Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, and performances by Quavo and Travis Scott.
Separately, JAY-Z is pursuing a casino license in New York City. Teaming up with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment, he’s proposed a boutique-style casino in the 1515 Broadway tower in Times Square. The plan includes overseeing entertainment programming at that location and others nearby.
However, he’s not alone in the race for the casino license Nas and his business partners have also submitted a bid.
