Charles Barkley to quit the Strip 'for now'

NBA star Charles Barkley was sued by the Wynn Las Vegas casino after he failed to repay $400,000 that he owed them from the previous year.  He claims it was merely an oversight and that Wynn took a heavy-handed approach by filing suit and involving the media.

Barkley says he has now paid the debt and decided he should stop gambling for a year or two.  He enjoys gambling and the excitement of Las Vegas, but admitted, “I’ve got to stop gambling.  For right now, the next year or two, I’m not going to gamble.”

The popular basketball player admits to a passion for gambling, and confesses that he lost approximately $10 million over the years, including $2.5 million in one 6 hour blackjack session.

However, he assures that he is not in any financial difficulty and can afford the losses, but realizes that it may be time to take a break. 

Charles Barkley, 34, was a significant player in the NBA in the 1990s, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets.  He also won Olympic Gold medals in 1992 and 1996.  Barkley has a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and is now an expert commentator at NBA games.