It's no coincidence that the most successful athletes are the most competitive. That's what makes them so rich.

Unfortunately, the only thing that comes close to duplicating that rush of their athletic exploits is putting that money on the line.

A lot of money.

That's why it's not surprising so many athletes love to gambling ... and develop gambling problems Risking it all on one play is what these ultra-competitors live for.

Of course, it usually doesn't end the way they imagine it will. We gathered some of the most legendary tales involving prominent athletes and their wagers, ranging from the insane, to the silly, to the tragic.