professional gambler

Tony Bloom Pro Gambler – Timeline of a Billionaire’s Net Worth

Tony Bloom Pro Gambler - Timeline of a Billionaire's Net Worth Have you heard of Tony Bloom, professional gambler?

If you love gambling: horse racing, poker or football then I’d be very surprised if you haven’t heard of this private figure. I’ve written many articles about professional gamblers and few have achieved millionaire status. An even smaller number billionaires.

Bloom was inspired to gamble by his grandfather who enjoyed a bet and owned greyhounds.

However, that initial seed or enthusiasm led to a professional gambler of the likes few have seen before. He may even be the greatest of them all. To many, he is a modern-day hero.

He’s nicknamed The Lizard due to his ice-cold persona at the poker table.

It’s interesting that Bloom enjoys all forms of gambling. A successful poker player winning $3.5 million in live poker tournaments including the Australasian Poker Champion (2004). He’s had his share of winning racehorses including Energumene who has total earnings of £1M winning back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Notwithstanding his love of football, and major shareholder and Chairman at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club since 2009. They gained promotion to the Premier League in the 2016-17 season. He invested £93 million in the clubs new ground, Amex Stadium, located in Falmer.

Bloom, born and bred in Brighton, a 1970’s child, didn’t start with a silver spoon in his mouth, from a Jewish background.

Let’s take a look at Bloom’s timeline from a 70s child to gambling billionaire.

1970 (20th March) born, Brighton.
1980s: Influenced by his grandfather who like a bet, owned greyhounds and enjoyed a night at the casino. At 7 or 8 Tony used to go to the local arcades and as a teenager faked an ID to bet at the local bookies, his interests mainly football and horse racing. However, in these early years he admitted he was a ‘hopeless gambler’ and guessing.
1988: Mancester University reading Mathematics. Graduated with Degree in 1990. He got involved with sports and spread betting making his hobby pay.
1991: Trainee Accountant with Ernst & Young. Lasted two and half years, punting in his spare time, winning £20,000.
1993: City trader learning how to trade options on the London International Financial Futures Exchange. The job lasted six months as he was winning much more money betting.
1994: Professional gambler spread-betting far more aggressively. He remembers losing £5000 betting the England v West Indies Test match. He said he was ‘ridiculously bullish’ and could have lost his whole bank. The loss felt like a triumph. Insightfully he said: ‘I believe in betting aggressively and, occasionally, to win big, you have to risk losing.’
1997: Contacted by Victor Chandler bookmaker to break into Asian football market. First time he learned about Asian handicap betting. Spent six month in Bangkok betting for himself and Chandler.
1998: Worked for Chandler in Gibraltar operation.
2002: Started bookmaker business Premierbet on eve of World Cup bring Asian handicap betting to an English audience. He sold the company for £1M.
2003: Reverted from professional gambling to private betting syndicate using data analytics and algorithms.
2006: Founded Starlizard sports betting consultancy, primarily football, providing data-driven insights to high-stakes gamblers (a large team based in north London: analysts, statisticians and researchers). The biggest betting operation in the world. Starlizard doesn’t place bets for itself and acts as an advisory service for private clients. They reputably place bets worth hundreds of millions each year. Later billions per annum.
2009: Major shareholder and Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.
2011: Blooms investes £93M Amex Stadium (Premier League Ready).
2016/17: Brighton promoted to Premier League.
2020: Rise of Brighton to Premier League and investments see net worth £1B.
2023: Brighton qualifies for European competition.
2024: Appointed an MBE in New Year Honours for services to association football and to the community of Brighton

Photo: Freepik

5 Must-Try Restaurants in Las Vegas for Scrumptious Tasting Menus

Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

5 Must-Try Restaurants in Las Vegas for Scrumptious Tasting Menus Las Vegas is a place with bright lights, big shows, and top-notch food. People love coming here to try all kinds of food. One great way to eat here is to try tasting menus. They let you try lots of small dishes made by really good chefs. Here are five spots in Las Vegas with tasting menus you should not miss. Each one gives you a special food adventure.

1) Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand:

This is one of the best French places to eat in the whole world. It’s in the MGM Grand hotel. They have a fancy menu with lots of courses that show off fancy French cooking. The place looks fancy, too.

Some really good dishes here are:

French lobster with a smooth sauce and greens on top. It’s a big hit and shows how well they cook seafood.

Caviar with a creamy cauliflower sauce. It’s fancy and tastes really good.

A puffy French dessert with a sweet orange flavor. It ends the meal on a light note.

The menu at Joël Robuchon changes with the seasons. They always use fresh stuff in their dishes. People who love French food should really go here.

2) é by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan:

This secret spot is behind a door in another restaurant called Jaleo. It’s in The Cosmopolitan hotel. Here, they make fun Spanish food. The menu has 10 to 15 courses. They are all about playing with food and making new things from old Spanish recipes.

Some cool dishes are:

Sea urchin with truffle on a rice cracker. It mixes different tastes and feels in your mouth.

Olive oil turned into jelly with tomato. It’s fun to eat and tastes great.

Sweet fried milk with a bit of citrus. It’s crispy and nice.

The menu here makes you think while you eat. It’s great for people who like trying new things.

3) Bardot Brasserie at ARIA Resort & Casino:

This place is by a famous chef named Michael Mina. It’s more laid-back but the food is still amazing. Bardot Brasserie is in the ARIA hotel. They mix old French cooking with Las Vegas style. The menu is fancy but friendly.

Some dishes to try are:

Smooth foie gras with pickled veggies and a bit of brioche. It’s rich but not too heavy.

Duck with a tangy orange sauce. It’s cooked just right and the sauce makes it even better.

A puffy French dessert with raspberries. It comes with vanilla cream on the side.

Bardot’s menu is all about classic French tastes with a twist. It’s perfect if you want something fancy without being too formal.

4) Sushi Kame on Spring Mountain Road:

If you want amazing sushi, go to Sushi Kame. They have a special menu called omakase. It means the chef picks what to make for you. It’s a really good sushi style from Japan. Sushi Kame is a bit off the main roads, but it’s worth finding.

Some must-have dishes are:

Really soft beef called A5 wagyu with fresh sea urchin on top. It’s super rich and tasty.

A kind of fish called striped jack that’s very smooth. It comes with a tiny bit of wasabi and soy sauce to make it taste even better.

A warm, slightly sweet omelette that ends the meal in a comforting way.

When you eat omakase at Sushi Kame, the chef tells you about each piece of sushi. It’s like a class on sushi while you eat.

5) Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas:

Wing Lei is the first Chinese place in the U.S. to get a really special award. They make fancy Chinese food. You can find it at the Wynn hotel. They use modern cooking ways and the best stuff to make dishes that are really good.

Some dishes you have to try are:

Crispy duck with thin pancakes, sweet sauce, and veggies. It’s crunchy, meaty, and a bit sweet.

Stir-fried lobster with chili and garlic. It’s spicy and smells amazing.

Spring rolls with chocolate and coconut inside. They come with mango sorbet, which is cold and sweet.

Wing Lei has a tasting menu that changes old Chinese dishes to make them new and fancy. It’s a good choice if you want to eat Chinese food in a new way in Las Vegas.

Who Doesn’t Love Sushi Omakase?

To wrap it up, Las Vegas is a great place for people who love food. These tasting menus give you a chance to eat really creative and high-quality food. Whether you like French, Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese food, there’s something for everyone in Las Vegas.

Photo: Freepik

by Las Vegas las vegas taster menu professional gambler top 5 online slots 0

Fearless Freddie Williams: The Bookmaker Who Took On Giants

Image by freepik

Fearless Freddie Williams: The Bookmaker Who Took On Giants Freddie “Fearless” Williams, an iconic Scottish bookmaker, was renowned for his audacious betting strategies and unwavering presence at the Cheltenham Festival, where he famously took on legendary gambler J.P. McManus. Williams’ life was a blend of grit, business acumen, and risk-taking that made him a celebrated figure in British horse racing and a symbol of the old-school bookmaker tradition.

Early Life and the Rise of a Bold Bookmaker:

Born in the mining community of Cumnock, Ayrshire, Williams grew up in a modest environment. His family’s background in mining and their involvement in pitch-and-toss games influenced his path into bookmaking. As a boy, Williams would act as a lookout for illegal gambling sessions among miners, sharpening his instincts early on. Illness prevented him from entering the mines, pushing him instead into other fields. He began his career at a local lemonade factory, rising to a managerial position before eventually taking ownership following a staff buyout. Later, he launched Caledonian Bottlers, a successful alcopop manufacturer, which provided him with the financial foundation to pursue his true passion: bookmaking.

Building His Bookmaking Empire:

Williams started his bookmaking career with a pitch at Ayr racecourse in 1974, where his willingness to take large bets earned him a reputation. His fearless nature attracted attention from both casual punters and high-stakes gamblers, and he eventually expanded to own multiple betting shops across Ayrshire. However, it was his dream to secure a coveted bookmaker’s pitch at Cheltenham that became a turning point in his career. After waiting for decades on a transfer list, he seized the opportunity to buy a pitch when the rules changed in the late 1990s, becoming the first bookmaker to make such a purchase. His entry into the Cheltenham Festival marked the beginning of his high-profile betting battles.

The Epic Rivalry with J.P. McManus:

Williams’s rivalry with J.P. McManus, one of the sport’s biggest bettors, captivated racing fans. McManus, known for his daring wagers, saw in Williams a bookmaker willing to match his boldness. Their encounters at Cheltenham became legendary, where McManus often placed large sums against Williams. Their most notable face-off occurred in 2006, when McManus won a staggering £1 million from Williams after betting on two horses, Reveillez and Kadoun, both of which claimed victory.

Despite the financial toll, Williams maintained a respect for McManus, and the rivalry was characterized by mutual admiration rather than animosity. While such losses could devastate other bookmakers, Williams took these setbacks in stride, viewing them as part of the thrill of the betting world. His resilience and sportsmanship only added to his popularity among punters and within the racing community.

Legacy and Family Tradition:

Freddie Williams’ legacy continues through his daughter, Julie, who described her father’s influence on her and his role as a mentor in their family’s bookmaking business. Julie fondly recalls her experiences at Cheltenham, where Williams’ “Fearless” moniker was solidified. Freddie’s audacity not only set a high standard in the betting industry but also inspired his family to continue his approach to bookmaking, balancing respect for tradition with a keen eye for innovation. Today, the Williams name remains synonymous with bold and fair betting practices, and Julie has taken up her father’s mantle, keeping their two remaining shops active and cultivating a loyal customer base in an era increasingly dominated by online betting.

Freddie Williams’ life was one of tenacity and calculated risk, rooted in his working-class upbringing but marked by ambition and courage. His rivalry with J.P. McManus is a testament to the audacious spirit that defined him, ensuring that he remains a cherished figure in the history of British horse racing.

Photo: Freepik

by Freddie Williams bookmaker J.P.McManus professional gambler 0

Nick Mordin: The Data Pioneer Who Changed Betting Forever

Image by freepik

Nick Mordin: The Data Pioneer Who Changed Betting Forever Nick Mordin is a name synonymous with innovation and a fearless approach to horse racing analysis. For decades, his work reshaped how punters approached betting, moving from gut feeling and conventional wisdom to a more systematic, evidence-based process. Mordin’s influence stretches across multiple facets of racing, from his iconic books to his highly regarded articles that appeared in The Weekender and other publications. His insights into speed ratings and his detailed analysis of horses’ sectional timings set him apart as a pioneer.

His seminal book, Betting for a Living (1992), was the gateway for many bettors to think about racing in a whole new light. Rather than simply focusing on form or intuition, Mordin advocated for a data-led approach that relied on patterns and timings. This book was unique in that it introduced a full-blown system, not just tips or anecdotal advice. For many, it was an eye-opener on how to treat betting as a serious, consistent profit-making activity rather than a hobby.

Mordin on Time (1996) is perhaps his most significant contribution to the sport. He was among the first to suggest that sectional timing—breaking down a race into smaller segments to analyze horses’ speed—was a more accurate way of assessing a horse’s ability. This insight came at a time when UK racing paid little attention to speed ratings, making Mordin a trailblazer in this respect.

In Winning Without Thinking (2002), he took his methodology even further, analyzing thousands of races and crafting systems that would stand the test of time. He examined betting from both a mathematical and psychological angle, demonstrating how bettors often sabotage themselves with emotional decisions. The result was a blueprint for strategic betting that has inspired countless professionals.

His writing in The Weekender also became legendary, where he would dive deep into niche topics, such as how to spot future top-class two-year-olds. Articles like “In a Class of Their Own” still resonate today and continue to be referenced by punters looking to gain an edge.

He wasn’t afraid to go against the grain, even if it meant taking on big names in racing or making predictions that seemed bold or controversial, like his disagreement with Harry Findlay over Denman’s Gold Cup chances.

Despite disappearing from the public eye in recent years, Nick Mordin’s legacy continues to inspire and educate a new generation of punters. His approach—rooted in analytical thinking, skepticism of accepted norms, and constant refinement of betting strategies—has stood the test of time. In a world where data has become more valuable than ever in betting, Mordin’s work feels prophetic. His absence from the scene only adds to his enigmatic aura, but his ideas continue to thrive in the hands of those willing to think critically about racing.

Nick Mordin’s contribution to the sport will forever be remembered as pioneering, thought-provoking, and ahead of its time. He transformed the landscape of betting, not just by offering tips, but by teaching bettors how to think, analyze, and ultimately win. Wherever he may be today, his impact on the world of horse racing remains undeniable.

Photo: Freepik

by horse racing nick mordin professional gambler 0

Professional Gambler Banned from Casinos

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mikki Mase (@dirtygothboi)

Mikki Mase, a controversial figure in the world of professional gambling, has made headlines for being banned from 95% of casinos across the U.S. Known for his flamboyant personality, high-stakes lifestyle, and claims of winning millions, Mase has built a reputation that few in the gambling world can match. However, his success in gambling has also come with significant consequences—most notably, being blacklisted from nearly all major casinos.

Early Life and Entry into Gambling:

Mase’s journey into gambling began at a young age. Born in South Carolina, Mase had a troubled upbringing, which included run-ins with the law. He spent time in prison during his youth, an experience that would later shape his bold approach to life and gambling. After his release, he began gravitating towards high-stakes gambling, initially focusing on poker before turning to more lucrative games like baccarat and blackjack.

His natural talent for reading the flow of games, combined with a fearless approach to risk, quickly set him apart from other gamblers. Mase began to attract attention for his massive wins, especially in baccarat, a game that he mastered by understanding both the mathematics and psychology behind it. His rise to prominence wasn’t without drama, as his aggressive playing style and brash personality often put him at odds with casino staff and management.

Big Wins and Rising Fame:

Mase’s gambling success is well-documented. He has claimed to have won millions at the baccarat tables, making him a standout in the gambling community. His social media presence also played a key role in building his reputation. Mase often posted photos of his winnings, lavish lifestyle, and daring bets, which helped him amass a significant following. As his fame grew, so did the attention from casinos—though not all of it was positive.

One of Mase’s most notorious claims is that he has been banned from 95% of casinos in the U.S. due to his extraordinary success at the tables. While this may seem like an exaggeration, there is truth to the claim. Casinos have strict policies in place to protect their bottom line, and players who win too consistently or who are suspected of counting cards or using other techniques to gain an advantage often find themselves blacklisted.

Mase himself has admitted that his unconventional methods and ability to predict game outcomes made him a target for casinos. In one interview, he revealed that his winnings had reached such a level that casinos could no longer tolerate his presence. They saw him as too much of a financial risk, prompting the widespread bans.

Controversies and Criticism:

Mase’s gambling prowess hasn’t come without controversy. Critics have questioned the legitimacy of his claims as being the man with the Midas Touch , pointing out that some of his high-profile wins may be exaggerated. Despite these accusations, Mase remains adamant that his success is genuine, attributing it to a combination of skill, strategy, and intuition.

His public persona—filled with bold claims, luxury cars, and stacks of cash—has also drawn criticism for promoting an unrealistic image of gambling. Some have accused him of glamorizing the darker side of the industry, where addiction and financial ruin are often the result of chasing big wins.

The Bans and What Comes Next:

Being banned from 95% of casinos is a rare achievement in itself. While Mase’s fame continues to grow, his options for playing in traditional casinos have become increasingly limited. This has led him to explore other avenues, such as online gambling and private, high-stakes games. He remains an enigmatic figure, with many in the gambling world watching closely to see what his next move will be.

Despite the bans and the criticism, Mikki Mase continues to stand as a polarizing figure in professional gambling—someone whose talent is undeniable but whose path remains filled with controversy and intrigue. Whether he will adapt to his new reality or continue pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in the gambling world remains to be seen.

Photo: Mikki Mase (Instagram)

by baccarat Mikki Mase professional gambler 0

professional gambler

Tony Bloom Pro Gambler – Timeline of a Billionaire’s Net Worth

5 Must-Try Restaurants in Las Vegas for Scrumptious Tasting Menus

Fearless Freddie Williams: The Bookmaker Who Took On Giants

Nick Mordin: The Data Pioneer Who Changed Betting Forever

Professional Gambler Banned from Casinos

Hello World

Recent Posts

Recent Comments