Tony Bloom is one of the most fascinating figures in the modern gambling world—a man whose journey from arcade-loving child to billionaire betting mastermind continues to captivate enthusiasts in 2026. Known for his cool temperament, relentless analytical mind, and extraordinary success across multiple gambling disciplines, Bloom stands as a unique blend of gambler, entrepreneur, data genius, and football club visionary.
If you’re a fan of horse racing, poker, or football betting, you’ve almost certainly heard his name. And if you haven’t, his story is one worth exploring. Few gamblers reach millionaire status. Even fewer ever come close to becoming billionaires. Tony Bloom did both—and changed the betting landscape in the process.
Bloom’s first spark of interest came from his grandfather, who enjoyed greyhound racing and a night at the casino. That early influence planted a seed that grew into one of the most remarkable gambling careers ever documented. Today, Bloom’s legend continues to evolve, making him a defining figure in both sports betting and professional gambling circles.
Often referred to by his poker nickname “The Lizard”—a nod to his ice-cold demeanor—Bloom has succeeded everywhere he’s turned. As a poker player, he earned $3.5 million in live tournaments, including being crowned the 2004 Australasian Poker Champion. In horse racing, he owns top-level racehorses such as the brilliant Energumene, who won back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chase titles and earned over £1 million. And in football, he has transformed Brighton & Hove Albion into a Premier League and European competitor through smart investment and long-term strategy.
Born into a modest Jewish family in Brighton in the 1970s, Bloom didn’t grow up with luxury. His success was built on sharp mathematics, intelligent risk-taking, and a lifelong willingness to bet on himself. Below is his updated timeline—reshaped for 2026—to reflect his journey from small-stakes gambler to billionaire betting pioneer.
Tony Bloom Timeline: From 1970s Childhood to 2026 Billionaire Icon
1970 – Born on 20 March in Brighton.
1980s – Bloom discovers gambling through his grandfather. As a child, he visits arcades; as a teenager, he sneaks into betting shops with a fake ID to wager on football and horses. He later admits he was a “hopeless gambler” at first—guessing more than analyzing.
1988–1990 – Studies Mathematics at Manchester University. This period shapes his analytical approach. He also begins experimenting with sports and spread betting, turning a hobby into a side income.
1991 – Starts as a trainee accountant at Ernst & Young. In his spare time, he bets seriously, winning £20,000. After two and a half years, he leaves the job to pursue betting full-time.
1993 – Begins trading options on the London International Financial Futures Exchange but quits after six months, finding he earns more—and enjoys life more—through betting.
1994 – Fully commits to professional gambling. After losing £5,000 on an England vs. West Indies Test match, he reflects on the moment as important growth. “To win big, you have to risk losing,” he says.
1997 – Victor Chandler contacts him to help crack the Asian football betting market. Bloom spends six months in Bangkok learning the Asian handicap system and refining his football expertise.
1998 – Moves to Gibraltar to continue working with Chandler.
2002 – Launches Premierbet, bringing Asian handicap betting to the UK mainstream. Sells the company for £1 million.
2003 – Shifts from solo professional gambling to running a private betting syndicate powered by data and mathematical modeling.
2006 – Founds Starlizard, now known as the largest sports betting consultancy in the world. Using analytics, algorithms, and a large team of researchers, Starlizard advises high-stakes clients whose combined bets reach billions annually.
2009 – Becomes major shareholder and Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion.
2011 – Invests £93 million into the Amex Stadium, building a Premier League–ready home for Brighton.
2016–17 – Brighton win promotion to the Premier League.
2020 – Bloom’s investments and betting empire push his net worth to approximately £1 billion.
2023 – Brighton qualify for European competition for the first time in their history.
2024 – Bloom is appointed MBE for services to football and the Brighton community.
2026 – Now widely regarded as the most successful gambling strategist of his generation, Bloom’s net worth continues to rise, driven by Starlizard’s data-driven model, Brighton’s continued Premier League presence, global betting market expansion, and smart long-term investments. His wealth is estimated in the multi-billion range, solidifying his place among the richest figures ever to emerge from the gambling world.
Tony Bloom’s story is a rare blend of risk, intellect, and vision. From a boy sneaking into bookies to a billionaire shaping modern sports betting, his journey proves that with clarity, discipline, and fearless strategy, the gambling world can produce legends.

Starlizard is a London-based sports betting consultancy renowned for its data-driven approach to predicting sporting outcomes. Founded by
Tony Bloom, a renowned figure in the world of sports betting and football club ownership, is the mastermind behind Starlizard, a highly secretive and data-driven betting consultancy. Founded in 2006, Starlizard has revolutionized the sports betting landscape by leveraging advanced statistical models and comprehensive data analysis to predict match outcomes with remarkable accuracy. This approach has not only yielded substantial profits but has also influenced football club operations, notably Brighton & Hove Albion, which Bloom owns.
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