Casino-goers watched on as the late entertainer, who was found dead in a London hotel on Tuesday, fed two 50p-a-time slot machines for 24 hours.
Friends revealed to The Sun how he would regularly spend £10,000 in marathon casino binges across the country.
Related articles
One unnamed friend told the publication: "He would spend 24 hours a day chasing the jackpot. David wouldn't think twice about spending £10,000 in one sitting.
"His losses didn't seem to affect him but in a 12-month period it was a substantial amount, it was six figures. It was an addiction."
It is believe his company, David Gest Limited has debts of £474,000, while an accountant who examined his accounts revealed: "His company has been insolvent for some time."
The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate was spotted by casino-goers and happily posed for selfies.
One gambler who shared a snap of himself with the late star tweeted: "Just met David Gest in the casino haha ledge."
While another added a snap of their mother with David and wrote: "Mum met David Gest in new Brighton casino #funny #gambling #davidgest."
Another user tweeted: "Actually met David Gest in the casino noooo way."
A spokesperson for David explained: "David enjoyed gambling and was a popular figure at casinos around the world. He loved to tell stories of his casino triumphs.
"As far as we are aware, David has left no gambling debts anywhere."