In a stunning turn of events that's set social media ablaze, Canadian music icon Drake has found himself on the wrong side of a monumental sports bet after baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani rejected the Toronto Blue Jays in favour of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Costly Wager That Went Wrong
The Grammy-winning artist placed a staggering £400,000 wager through the Stake sportsbook, backing his hometown Blue Jays to secure Ohtani's signature. The bet would have netted Drake an impressive £1.28 million payout had the Japanese superstar chosen Toronto.
Instead, Ohtani's decision to join the Dodgers on a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract left Drake empty-handed and sparked widespread discussion about celebrity gambling in professional sports.
Social Media Erupts Over Betting Blunder
The aftermath saw baseball fans and social media users mercilessly mocking the rapper's misfire. One viral post quipped: "Drake when he sees Ohtani is a Dodger," accompanied by a video of the artist looking decidedly unimpressed.
Another commentator noted the irony of the situation, given Drake's well-documented history of sports betting misfortunes, particularly involving Canadian teams.
Ohtani's Monumental Dodgers Deal
Shohei Ohtani's move to Los Angeles represents one of the most significant free agency signings in baseball history. The two-way superstar, who excels both as a pitcher and hitter, is expected to transform the Dodgers' World Series prospects for the coming decade.
The deal's magnitude was further emphasised when Ohtani personally announced his decision on Instagram, sending shockwaves through the baseball world and ending weeks of intense speculation about his destination.
Celebrity Betting Under Scrutiny
Drake's very public wager has reignited debates about the relationship between celebrity endorsements and sports gambling. As a prominent ambassador for Stake, the rapper frequently shares his high-stakes bets with his millions of followers.
This latest high-profile loss serves as a stark reminder of gambling's unpredictable nature, even for those with deep pockets and hometown loyalties.
While Drake can certainly afford the financial hit, the very public nature of this betting failure provides ample ammunition for critics of celebrity gambling promotions and their influence on sports culture.
