Hollywood gamblers. Celebrities such as Tobey Maguire and Shannon Elizabeth play poker too.

Who would have thought that Edward Norton, having played such aggressive characters (such as his role as a Neo-Nazi in the film 'American History X'), would feel threatened by the young actor Tobey Maguire? The reason: Maguire, the star of 'Spiderman', is a true baddie when playing poker.

"I've heard that Tobey is really good, almost professional, which intimidates me a little," Norton recently admitted in an interview with the New York paper Daily News.

Actually, five years ago Maguire won exactly 96,480 dollars (71,121 euros!) in the national poker tournament "Phil Hellmuth Invitational – No Limit Hold’em", which took place in the Hollywood Park Casino in Los Angeles (USA).

Even those who make a living playing poker, like Andy Bellin and Phil Hellmuth, believe Maguire - even with his 'butter wouldn't melt' looks - could become a professional poker player and win many more tournaments. "The speed at which he's learnt the secrets of poker is impressive," said Hellmuth in an interview with blogdepoker.com.

And speaking of celebrities, the ladies aren't far behind. The stunning actress Shannon Elizabeth, who rocketed to fame after her extremely sexy role in the comedy "American Pie", is also a notorious gambler. The international press have quoted her more than once saying that poker is her "second career".

"I am trying to become a professional (poker) player and hoping that people will take me seriously," said Elizabeth in an interview with the news agency American Press (AP).

But becoming an established gambler takes a lot of practice and many hours of game time, as explained by another screen star, Ben Affleck, when interviewed by AP: "Poker takes a lot of time if you really want to be good. I didn't want to be a bad player. I was good; I'm still good, but spending time with my family is better". (And who wouldn't want to spend time with family when their wife is the beautiful Jennifer Garner?)

When it comes down to it, according to Fran Pinchot (an established gambler with over 50 years' experience), only a "small minority" of actors and actresses have the practice and experience necessary to be professional poker players. Most of them just play cards to have fun, socialise with friends and keep up with the trend.

"For me, (playing poker) is like taking part in the New York marathon (...) You know you're not going to win, but at least you're having a go," said Jason Alexander, who played the pathetic (but hilarious) George Constanza in the famous TV series 'Seinfeld' and who took part in the Poker World Series two years ago, in an interview with AP.

For others, like the actress Drew Barrymore (known for her rebellious youth), poker is "a non-discriminatory activity. Anyone can play, from professionals to housewives and teenagers playing online," as reported in an Aragón newspaper.
 - - Poker fever has gripped Hollywood. Only a small minority of actors and actresses have the practice and experience necessary to be professional poker players. Tobey Maguire and Shannon Elizabeth are show-business gamblers. - More and more actors and actresses are playing poker.