Drake makes $500,000 bet on Dallas Mavericks to win NBA Finals: ’cause I’m a Texan’

In his Instagram caption, he noted his reason for betting on the Mavs to win the NBA Finals: “Dallas ’cause I’m a Texan.” 

Drake’s sports betting history

The artist has a history of sports betting. Even his recent foe — Kendrick Lamar — used it as fodder in his diss song at Drake, “Meet the Grahams.” 

Here’s a look at some of his previous bets. 

What is ‘The Drake curse’?

Is Drake cursed? The artist also has a history of losing sports outcomes, which people dub on social media “The Drake curse.” 

Here is a timeline of his picks being wrong, according to FanDuel Research. 

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (April – May 2019): Vladimir Guerrero Jr., one of the most anticipated MLB prospects entering 2019, made his MLB debut in April. Starting his career with a decent 2-for-8 performance at the plate, the Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman also had the opportunity to meet his favorite recording artist, Drake. However, Guerrero soon encountered a rough patch, hitting just 2-for-15 over his next four games.
• Toronto Maple Leafs (April 23, 2019): Following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Drake’s hometown team became the latest addition to the rapidly growing list of sports teams falling victim to the rapper’s infamous curse.
• Alabama Crimson Tide (Jan. 7, 2019): Drake supported then-No. 1 Alabama ahead of the Crimson Tide’s 44-16 loss to Clemson in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. 
• Connor McGregor (October 2018): McGregor brought Drake out during the weigh-in before his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. On fight night, Khabib destroyed McGregor and added another loss to the rapper’s record. 
• Serena Williams (August – September 2015): Drake and Serena used to date. Williams was on the verge of a historic achievement, aiming to complete the tennis Grand Slam. Having already secured victories in three major tournaments, she entered the U.S. Open—the season’s final major—under immense pressure and with Drake cheering her on from the stands. However, in one of the most shocking upsets in women’s tennis history, Williams was defeated, ending her Grand Slam aspirations and fueling the narrative of the “rapper’s curse.”