Barney Stinson's Gambling Addiction is a recurring aspect of his character in How I Met Your Mother, particularly explored in Season 2. His struggles with betting and games of chance often lead to humorous yet self-destructive situations.
Origin[]
The origin behind Barney’s addiction to gambling was explored in a flashback sequence set in 2004 in Monday Night Football despite him showing no interest in the subject the prior year. When Marshall offers to place a wager during Barney initially resists betting, stating, "I don't bet. Betting's for suckers." However, after winning a one dollar bet against Marshall, he becomes enthusiastic about betting, indicating the onset of his gambling habit. His obsession with betting heightens each year at the Super Bowl, foreshadows his later struggles with controlling this habit and losing big in 2007.
Notable Mentions[]
- In Atlantic City, Barney reveals his deep-rooted gambling problem when he confidently states, "It's not betting when you know you're going to win." His familiarity with Chinese gambling games and his ability to communicate with the casino staff highlight the extent of his addiction. Near the end of the episode, when Lily and Marshall call off elopement, Barney hysterically lies to claim he had bet someone would call off their wedding. Ted confronted him, saying, "We need to have a little talk about this."
- In Slap Bet, the The Eight Slaps are offered to Marshall after another bet of Barney's going chaotic. Barney insists that Robin used to do porn while Marshall says she used to be married. Barney tries to raise the bet to $20,000 before settling for slap bet, "the ultimate wager."
- In Monday Night Football, during 2006 Super Bowl, he asks Marshall to make a bet worth $500 but settles for $50. He also places a wager with Robin at her suggestion worth a grand. He loses big time during 2007's event and is frequently seen trying to contact his bookie.
- In Lucky Penny, Barney tries to bet Marshall $10,000 that he can complete the New York City marathon before once again settling for $50. He wins the bet. Moreover, Ted explains that Barney could resort to anything to win a bet, mentioning how when Barney wagered him that Men At Work sang "Hungry Like The Wolf" – when it was actually sung by Duran Duran – he tried to hire Men At Work to sing it.