Ben Affleck Shuts Down Son’s $100 Sports Bet Request

> At a Glance

> – Ben Affleck refused when 13-year-old Samuel asked for $100 to gamble on sports

> – The teen claimed friends get the money but lose it and move on

> – Affleck, whose dad was a bookie, cited family history: “There’s a reason your grandfather’s broke”

> – Why it matters: A Hollywood A-lister draws a hard line on teen gambling and financial discipline

Ben Affleck isn’t folding on under-age betting. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live January 5, the Oscar winner revealed the moment Samuel, his youngest child with Jennifer Garner, pitched a $100 sports wager-and got a swift reality check.

The Ask That Never Had a Chance

Affleck recalled the conversation:

> “My son asked me like a month ago, was like, ‘Hey, um, can I get like 100 bucks to bet on sports?’ It’s like, what?”

Samuel tried to sweeten the deal, noting friends “get $100, but if they lose it, then that’s it.” Affleck shot back, mocking the logic:

> “Oh, that’s a real standard, what discipline!”

A Family History Lesson

The actor linked the denial to childhood memories of his father, Timothy Affleck, a one-time bookie:

• Their first washing machine came from Patriots bets
• A VCR arrived after quarterback Steve Grogan failed to cover the spread
• Affleck joked, “Thank Steve Grogan’s knees” for the electronics

He acknowledged the obvious:

> “It was straight-up illegal. It was criminal… I mean, the statute of limitations has run out. Sorry, Dad!”

Pricey-Sneaker Saga

This wasn’t Samuel’s first big-ticket plea. Months earlier he requested $6,000 sneakers. Affleck’s retort then:

> “What are you gonna do, mow lawns? You got $6,000?”

When Samuel argued the family could afford them, Affleck clarified:

> “I have the money. You’re broke.“

Key Takeaways

Affleck’s message is clear: earn it yourself, risk it yourself, but don’t expect a celebrity parent to bankroll either habit.