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In some circles, yes. Tony Bloom is often named among the very best. But “best” depends on how you measure it: profit, consistency, scale, secrecy, or breadth of activity. Bloom scores highly on all those. Let’s unpack his journey, what he knows that many gamblers don’t, and whether one can aspire to reach his level.
Timeline of Successes
- 1970 – Born in Brighton, England.
Childhood and teenage years – Early exposure to gambling through family ties to greyhound racing and Brighton FC. He played in arcades and even used fake IDs to place bets at bookies. - University years – Studied mathematics at the University of Manchester. After graduating, worked as a trader while continuing to bet, gaining experience in spread betting and other markets.
- Early 1990s – Transitioned from casual betting to more serious gambling. Worked for bookmaker Victor Chandler, gaining exposure to Asian betting markets and handicaps.
- 2002–2005 – Founded Premier Bet, one of his first major betting businesses, using statistical modelling to identify value. Eventually exited these ventures.
- Mid-2000s – Enjoyed success in poker, winning major tournaments such as the Australasian Poker Championship in 2004 and other high-profile events.
- 2006 – Established Starlizard, a betting consultancy that applied data and analytics on a large scale with a team of experts.
- 2009 – Became majority owner and chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, investing heavily in the club’s infrastructure and long-term success.
- 2017 – Brighton promoted to the Premier League, marking a milestone in his ownership journey.
2020s – Continued success both through his betting operations and as an owner. Also took ownership stakes in other clubs such as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. His net worth grew into the billion-pound range, while his influence in both gambling and football deepened.
What Bloom Knows That Many Gamblers Don’t
Bloom combines several qualities and advantages that most gamblers lack. He has a strong mathematical foundation and treats gambling as a science rather than a guessing game. His strength lies in probability, statistical modelling, and data-driven analysis.
Unlike the average bettor, Bloom built scale and infrastructure. Starlizard employs analysts, statisticians, and researchers who find tiny market inefficiencies that only matter when exploited with very large sums of money.
He diversifies across poker, sports betting, horse racing, and football club ownership, spreading risk and securing long-term returns. He also manages risk with discipline, avoiding reckless bets in favor of systematic, sustainable strategies.
Perhaps his greatest edge is discretion. Bloom is famously secretive. His firms use non-disclosure agreements, and his methods remain hidden. This secrecy prevents competitors and bookmakers from adapting to his approach, protecting the edge that makes his operation profitable.
He also has deep domain knowledge, particularly in football markets, understanding Asian handicaps, betting lines, and team dynamics in ways most bettors cannot.
Why He Is So Secretive
Bloom’s secrecy is not eccentricity but strategy. Revealing his methods would allow bookmakers and other gamblers to copy or counter them, shrinking his advantage. Confidentiality keeps his strategies hidden and his profits secure.
The gambling world is adversarial, and bookmakers are constantly on the lookout for sharp bettors. By operating quietly and behind the scenes, Bloom avoids being limited or targeted. Legal and regulatory concerns may also play a role, as discretion helps reduce risk in an industry where scrutiny is high.
Simply put, secrecy is one of his greatest assets.
Is He the Best?
Whether he is the best gambler in the world depends on definition. In terms of sustained profits, scale, and long-term consistency, he is among the very top. Few have matched his ability to blend mathematics, strategy, risk management, and secrecy over decades.
Others may outperform him in specific areas, but few can claim success across poker, sports betting, horse racing, and football ownership simultaneously. On balance, he has a strong claim to being the most complete professional gambler alive.
Pointers for the Budding Gambler
For those inspired by Bloom, there are lessons to take away. Learn mathematics and probability. Start small and test your models before risking larger sums. Find an edge where others are not looking. Manage risk carefully with bankroll discipline.
Consider building or joining a team of experts to cover more ground. Keep your strategies discreet to avoid being countered by bookmakers. Develop emotional control and resist the urge to chase losses or let wins cloud judgment. Finally, remember that success takes decades of persistence and refinement, not overnight luck.
Conclusion
Is Tony Bloom the best gambler in the world? Possibly. He has combined mathematics, infrastructure, diversification, and discretion to produce extraordinary results. While “best” can mean different things to different people, Bloom’s sustained success puts him in a category very few can touch.
For aspiring gamblers, the lesson is clear: gambling is not about chasing luck. It is about discipline, data, risk management, and patience. Those are the real secrets behind Bloom’s success.
Photo: Freepik
