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When you think of professional gamblers, most people imagine smoky casinos and risky bets. But Tony Bloom is far from the stereotype. Known as “The Lizard” in gambling circles, Bloom has built a fortune through data-driven betting and strategic investments. Today, he isn’t just a professional gambler — he’s also the owner of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion and Belgian club Union SG. His story is as fascinating as it is inspiring.
Who Is Tony Bloom?
Tony Bloom is a British sports bettor, entrepreneur, and football club owner. Born in Brighton in 1970, Bloom’s love for numbers and sports started at a young age. After studying mathematics at the University of Manchester, he ventured into the world of betting, where he found his true calling.
What sets Bloom apart from typical gamblers is his disciplined, analytical approach. He doesn’t rely on gut feelings. Instead, he uses complex statistical models and large-scale data analysis to beat the bookmakers.
The Early Days of Gambling Success
Bloom’s gambling journey began with traditional sports betting. He quickly realized that to win consistently, he needed more than just sports knowledge. He started developing sophisticated algorithms to identify profitable bets.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bloom made significant sums from poker as well. He became a well-known figure on the poker circuit, appearing in high-stakes tournaments worldwide. He finished fourth at the Poker Million in 2004 and reached the final table of several other prestigious poker events.
Despite his poker success, Bloom always focused primarily on sports betting. He is widely considered one of the most successful professional sports bettors in history.
The Secret Behind His Betting Empire
Tony Bloom runs a secretive betting syndicate, often described as the largest in the world. While little is publicly known about its inner workings, it’s believed that his team consists of skilled analysts, statisticians, and traders.
They crunch vast amounts of data, looking for edges in football, tennis, and other sports markets. Once they identify value bets, Bloom’s network places millions in wagers, often moving betting lines around the world.
Bloom’s operations are discreet, but their scale is immense. Many in the betting industry believe his syndicate places hundreds of millions in bets annually.
From Betting to Football Ownership
In 2009, Bloom became the chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, the club he supported since childhood. At the time, Brighton was struggling
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