When money is no object, the entire world is your oyster – but when you’re not jet-setting, enjoying luxury getaways and making yet more money, how do you fill your time? Keeping life interesting is key when everything is accessible to you, and if you’re feeling bored with all your usual go-tos then splashing out on some elite hobbies is a great way to ensure you can have some fun whilst continuing to move in exclusive circles and rub shoulders with like-minded and equally wealthy individuals.
From gambling and gaming to extreme and historic sports, there are several pastimes out there that are particularly popular amongst the rich and famous. While risk-takers may enjoy the chance to grow their fortunes with a game of poker, roulette or bingo with friends, others prefer to get their adrenaline fixes in other ways. Then, there’s the type who prefers spending their downtime in a more restful and restorative way.
Whatever your personal tastes, there’s a pastime out there just waiting for you to give it a try – and these are some of the most favoured amongst the affluent.
Enjoying a night at the casino
The glitz and glamour of a night at the casino has an allure that few can resist, and when you’ve got money to burn, it’s an obvious choice of pastime. The rich and famous regularly attend some of the world’s most iconic casinos, with the likes of George Clooney, Paris Hilton and 50 Cent all known to be fond of a flutter. Whether it’s crowding around the roulette wheel or practicing their poker faces, those who aren’t averse to a little risk seem to enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with high-stakes gambling – and if they should happen to win big, then it’s simply an added bonus.
Attending a polo match
A game that has long been associated with the Royal family, polo’s heritage and history goes back many years, and even today, matches are generally attended by the high society set who sip on champagne as they cheer on the contenders from the side-lines. Princes William and Harry are both known to be fans of the game, whether it’s playing or enjoying the action from the comfort of the VIP tent. Horses can be expensive to buy and keep, which goes some way to ensuring that uptake is mainly amongst the wealthy.
Playing a game of bingo
While there’s no denying that casino gaming is the most popular type of gambling amongst the affluent, few are averse to a good old game of bingo, and those seeking a relaxed and laid-back evening, away from the hustle and bustle, indulge in just that. Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow and Cristiano Ronaldo are all said to be fans, as are Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kate Moss – and with a growing number of online bingo sites like 888 Ladies Bingo offering the perfect girls’ night experience, it’s the excuse you need to get your friends round, pop open the champagne and splash some cash together from the comfort of your living room sofa.
Sailing a luxury yacht
When you have more money than you know what to do with, splurging on a luxury superyacht is the obvious way to put it to good use, and given their eye-watering prices, most owners do tend to be rather well off. Former England football captain and Inter Milan co-owner David Beckham’s yacht, Seven, is just one extravagant example, with tennis superstar Rafael Nadal’s ‘Great White’ Sunreef Power Superyacht and Giorgio Armani’s 65-metre Codecasa both some further great examples of what a sizeable bank account can get you. When you consider the exclusivity and privacy travelling onboard your own luxury yacht affords you, it’s easy to see why it has become such a popular pursuit amongst the rich.
Going skiing
Celebrities like the Beckham and Ramsay families, Heston Blumenthal and Bruce Springsteen are all known to enjoy taking to the slopes for a winter getaway each year, frequenting some of the most exclusive resorts in the French Alps in order to do so. From Val D’Isere to Courchevel, visitors can enjoy lavish serviced chalet accommodation and an après-ski scene that centres around some of the nation’s most expensive bottles of champagne after a hard day of extreme sporting. Drinks bills can easily make it into four or even five figures – after all, spending on extravagances like these is what the wealthy do best.
Car racing
Living life in the fast lane seems to have even more allure when you’re well off, but the richest don’t just enjoy watching Formula One and other supercar racing events from the VIP side-lines. The likes of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen have been so enthralled by the sport that they’ve each splurged on their very own classic cars, even competing in them themselves, and other less famous wealthy individuals are known to often follow suit.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
