Lewis Hamilton was caught up in casino row as ban enforced ahead of F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton F1 Las Vegas Grand prix

Lewis Hamilton has been banned from visiting any casinos ahead of this weekend's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

GETTY
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/11/2023

- 11:49

The 38-year-old is set to take part in the event this weekend

Toto Wolff has banned Lewis Hamilton and other Mercedes team members from visiting any casinos as Sunday's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix creeps closer.

And while the 38-year-old does enjoy the occasional flutter, he'll probably be secretly relieved.


Wolff has never been to Vegas before and wants Mercedes to stay focused as they target second in the Constructors' Championship.

"As I said, I've never been to Las Vegas, but we'll do our best to make sure everyone in the team stays away from the casinos," he told Motorsport.com.

Lewis Hamilton casino ban

Lewis Hamilton clashed with staff at the SkyCity casino in New Zealand back in 2016

GETTY

"I don't gamble and I'll make sure no one else gambles either!"

Hamilton has been spotted at casinos in America and Monte Carlo in previous years.

But not every trip has been successful for the Stevenage-born star, however.

Back in 2016, Hamilton was left enraged after clashing with staff at a New Zealand casino over what he was wearing.

The Mercedes star accused the staff in question of treating him 'like dirt' after he was forced to remove his sunglasses and hat.

He raged on social media: "Don't ever go to the sky city casino in Auckland, they treated me like dirt.

"Can't believe how rude they were. Worst casino experience ever!"

The Skycity Casino then issued a response, saying: "So sorry to hear @lewishamilton didn't have a good time with us last night.

"We pride ourselves on being good hosts - we're following up with him."

The Mirror said at the time that Hamilton was seemingly unaware he had broken the casino's dress code

The Auckland-based business required all guests to remove hats and sunglasses for security and gambling reasons.

Hamilton is believed to enjoy the odd game of poker.

And had he been wearing his shades, his opponents would likely have been able to see his cards - therefore jeopardising his chances of winning.

Hamilton later deleted his angry post.

And he instead wrote: "Thank you for having me Auckland even though it was way too short, I'll be back tho!"

Fast-forward to now and Hamilton is out to finally end his agonising wait for a race win.

Max Verstappen has been too hot to handle this year, winning 16 races from a possible 19 so far.

Hamilton is looking forward to the event in Vegas.

But he also knows he's entering unknown territory, having never competed in Vegas before.

"I just don't understand how we're gonna move around that place," he told Sky Sports.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Lewis Hamilton F1 Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton is set to compete in this weekend's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix as he looks to finally win a race this season

GETTY

"I don't even understand how we're gonna get from the track to the hotel.

"It's going to be such a compact spot with so many people, but it's gonna be a wild experience.

“The best thing is just to go with an open mind and not have any pre-determined ideas of what it's going to be like and just take it all in when you get there.

"Driving in the nightlights I'm going to feel like I'm in the Casino movie! It’s pretty cool.”

You may like