Tony Bloom Fights Back Against £600m Betting Claims
Brighton owner Tony Bloom has strongly denied reports claiming he placed bets on his own team and ran a secret £600 million betting syndicate. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
The accusations suggested Bloom was the mystery gambler behind £52 million in winnings and that he may have used accounts linked to a former political staffer. These claims quickly circulated, raising questions about possible rule breaches.
Bloom, however, responded immediately through a statement released by the club. He insisted the suggestions were “entirely false,” calling the reports misleading and damaging. The club emphasised that Bloom has never placed any bets on Brighton since taking control in 2009 something strictly forbidden under FA rules.
While club owners are banned from betting on competitions involving their own teams, Bloom is one of several approved to gamble on other football events under a 2014 FA policy. This rule change allows him to continue his professional gambling career under strict monitoring conditions.
Bloom Labels Report as ‘Inaccurate and Misleading’
Following the allegations, Brighton issued a detailed statement on Bloom’s behalf. It reiterated his absolute compliance with FA betting regulations and clarified that all his football-related wagers are audited annually by a major global accounting firm. These audits ensure full adherence to the rules and provide transparency around his gambling activities.
Bloom called the report published by The Guardian “inaccurate and misleading,” expressing frustration at what he views as baseless claims. Lawyers acting for him have already contacted the newspaper to challenge the story and demand clarity. The club also confirmed it has been in communication with both the Premier League and the FA regarding the situation.
The statement sought to reassure fans that Brighton’s integrity remains intact. For Bloom, who has built a reputation on professionalism and careful management, protecting his credibility is crucial not just for himself, but for the club he supports and operates.
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The Rise of Tony Bloom: From Trader to Top-Level Owner
Before becoming Brighton’s owner, Bloom worked in accounting and options trading before moving into professional gambling. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname “The Lizard,” particularly for his poker expertise. In 2006, he founded Starlizard, a data-driven sports betting consultancy now valued at around £600 million.
His business success allowed him to expand into sports ownership. Besides Brighton, Bloom holds stakes in Union SG in Belgium, Melbourne Victory in Australia and Hearts in Scotland. Under his leadership, Brighton climbed from League One to the Premier League and even reached the Europa League for the first time.
Bloom’s influence reaches far beyond football. He owns racehorses, supports charity foundations and is widely respected for his investment strategies. The current accusations threaten to overshadow that legacy, but his firm response aims to shut down doubts quickly.
Brighton Focus on Football Amid the Noise
Despite the controversy, Bloom remains focused on the pitch. Brighton, sitting tenth in the Premier League, prepare to face West Ham in a crucial match. A victory could launch the Seagulls into the top five, depending on other results across the weekend.
Bloom, a lifelong supporter of the club, is known for staying closely involved in Brighton’s long-term planning. The team’s progress from nearly collapsing in the late 1990s to competing in Europe reflects his steady leadership and investment in sustainable growth. As the investigation into the claims continues, Brighton aims to keep distractions minimal. For Bloom and the club, the priority remains clear success on the field and stability off it.
