Image source: Freepik
What would Tony Bloom say to his younger self?
This is how you become a successful gambler.
Yes, Tony Bloom is a professional gambler —and so much more.
Tony Bloom, born 20 March 1970 in Brighton, England, is widely recognised as one of the world’s most accomplished professional sports bettors. Nicknamed “The Lizard” and often called the “Godfather of Gambling,” he’s not just a gambler—he’s a strategist, a data whiz, and a master of risk.
Early Bettings and Beginnings
Bloom’s fascination with gambling began young. As a teenager, he would sneak into betting shops using a fake ID, soaking up odds and probabilities. Amusement arcades on the Brighton seafront further honed his early understanding of chance.
Then he studied mathematics at the University of Manchester—an education that shaped his methodical gambling approach.
From City Trader to Poker Table
At first, Bloom worked in accounting (Ernst & Young) and traded derivatives in the City of London. But gambling won him over. Soon, he became a full-time professional gambler.
Poker followed. He earned the moniker “The Lizard”, thanks to his calm, cold-blooded demeanour. He won tournaments such as the Australasian Poker Championship (2004) and the VC Poker Cup in London (2005), amassing well over $3.8 million in live earnings by 2022.
A notable resurgence came in September 2022, when he won the $25,000 Poker Masters Pot-Limit Omaha Event, taking home $360,000.
The Betting Empire: Starlizard & Beyond
In 2006, Bloom founded Starlizard, a covert, London-based data-driven betting consultancy. Far from ordinary bookmakers, Starlizard operates like a hedge fund—powered by mathematicians, analysts, and proprietary algorithms. Revenue is estimated at roughly £100 million annually.
This operation is extraordinarily exclusive. Only high-net-worth clients—often needing at least £2 million to participate—can access its insights. Employees sign stringent NDAs, ensuring secrecy and discipline.
Starlizard’s methods yield precision far beyond average punters. Bloom’s empire leverages statistical models to find edges across sports markets.
To expand his analytics reach, Bloom also launched Jamestown Analytics—focused on football data and working with clubs across Europe.
Billionaire Owner — Brighton & Hove Albion
In 2009, Bloom bought a 75% stake in Brighton & Hove Albion, his boyhood club, investing about £93 million for the new Amex Stadium.
Promotion followed swiftly. Brighton rose from League One to the Premier League by **2016–17**, marking their first top-flight return in decades.
By the 2022–23 season, Brighton finished 6th, earning their first-ever European qualification.
Financially, the club posted a staggering £122.8 million profit in 2022/23, driven by smart transfers and efficient recruitment.
Bloom has also invested in European and Scottish clubs: a stake in Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium) and, in June 2025, a £10 million non-voting stake in Hearts FC of Scotland.
Bloom was honoured as an MBE in 2024 for his services to football and community.
Racing Success & Gamble Highs—and Lows
Tony Bloom is a top-tier racehorse owner. His star—Energumene, trained by Willie Mullins—wowed at Cheltenham and Punchestown, capturing back-to-back Champion Chases in 2022 and 2023.
Other triumphs include Venetian Sun, who won the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot (2025) at 12/1 odds, a high-stakes win for Bloom.
But not every bet is a winner. In March 2024, Bloom lost £100,000 backing his own horse Atlantique at Cheltenham.
Still, the victories often outweigh the losses. Betting coups—like the famous Withhold and Penhill gambles—reinforce his reputation as one of the sharpest punters alive.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- Early Years: Fake IDs, arcades, probability instincts.
- 1990s: Maths degree, trading, professional gambler career.
- Early 2000s: Poker wins—including Australasian Championship (2004) and VC Poker Cup (2005).
2006: Launches Starlizard. - 2009: Buys Brighton & Hove Albion.
- 2016–17: Promotion to Premier League.
- 2022–23: Brighton finishes 6th and profits soar.
- 2022: Wins Poker Masters PLO event.
- 2024: MBE awarded.
- 2025: Venetian Sun wins Royal Ascot; invests in Hearts FC.
Net Worth & Legacy
Tony Bloom’s net worth hovers between £1 billion and £1.3 billion, depending on the source. Estimates in dollars place him at around $1.7 billion.
His wealth stems from:
- A proprietary betting empire, Starlizard.
- High-stakes poker success.
- Strategic ownership and leadership in football (Brighton & others).
- Racehorse triumphs.
Diversified investments (analytics, property). - Philanthropic work through the Bloom Foundation —notably funding a synagogue and community centre in Hove.
Final Word
Is Tony Bloom a professional gambler? Undoubtedly. But that label only scratches the surface. He is an analytical genius who turned risks into structured strategies, building a multi-sector empire across gaming, football, and community.
A gambler? Yes. A visionary? Absolutely.
Photo: Freepik
