Michael Phelps Gambled at Baltimore Casino Ahead of DUI Arrest

Celebrity news website TMZ has revealed that famous US athlete Michael Phelps was gambling in a Baltimore casino prior to being arrested for driving under influence.

The 29-year-old was pulled over by the police outside of the Fort McHenry Tunnel’s toll station on interstate 95 in Baltimore on Tuesday morning, having exceeded the speed limit by 39 mph while driving his Land Rover.

He was subsequently charged with driving under the influence, excessive speeding and crossing double-lane lines, with Maryland Transportation Authority releasing a statement to confirm the arrest.

Phelps Spent Eight Hours in Horseshoe Casino

TMZ has since learned that Phelps had spent quite some time gambling at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore that he left shortly before getting pulled over by the police.

According to a source, the Olympic gold medalist arrived at the gaming establishment around 5pm on Monday, where he stayed in a private gambling room until 1am Tuesday morning.

Phelps reportedly mostly played Blackjack during the night in question, despite the fact that he is also an avid poker enthusiast. The swimmer, who is believed to be regular at the said casino, reportedly drank beer while gambling, which led to him being detained for DUI, having registered .14 percent on a breathalyser test, with legal limit in Maryland standing at .08.

Michael Phelps has since admitted his mistake and offered a public apology for his actions in a statement released to the US media.

“Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines,” the statement read.

“I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility. I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.”

Phelps is The Most Decorated Olympian Ever

Michael Phelps is one of the most successful US athletes of all times and he holds the record for most Olympic gold medals, having amassed 18 in total. The 2008 Summer Games in Beijing was his most successful competition, having won eight gold medals in China, five of those coming in individual events.

The 29-year-old decided to retire from swimming after the 2012 Olympics, only to come out of retirement in April this year with a view to taking part at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

However, his his latest incident could see him receive a ban from the USA Swimming, the national governing body that has over 400,000 members.