The Hangover director faced gambling problems during Las Vegas shoot

The Hangover director Todd Phillips knew he was in control of his gambling problems while making the third movie in the film's trilogy because he returned to Las Vegas and didn't spend night after night at the card tables.

The comic genius behind the smash-hit films admits his addiction became a huge issue when he was trying to balance the budget and keep the first film on schedule back in 2008.

He tells The Hollywood Reporter, "I had a gambling problem... I was always in my pajamas, downstairs gambling every night, smoking.

"All the pit bosses knew me. I was getting in fights."