Tony Bloom Defends Himself in Dispute Over High-Stakes Betting Profits
Tony Bloom Denies Owing Money to Former Business Partner
UK billionaire and owner of Brighton & Hove Albion, Tony Bloom, has strongly refuted claims that he owes millions to a former associate linked to a high-stakes betting syndicate they were both involved in. This legal dispute has brought attention to some of the secretive tactics used by professional gamblers to maintain an advantage over bookmakers.
The Dispute Over Profit Sharing and Legal Claims
Recently filed documents in the UK High Court reveal Bloom admitted that the syndicate placed sizable bets through accounts under the name of George Cottrell, a former political adviser and close associate. There was a profit-sharing deal between Bloom, Cottrell, and another key figure, former employee Ryan Dudfield. Despite this, Bloom denies owing Dudfield any outstanding funds.
Dudfield, a professional gambler within Bloom’s operation, is pursuing a $17.5 million lawsuit, accusing Bloom of excluding him from profits earned after Dudfield introduced Cottrell to the syndicate. Meanwhile, Bloom’s defense argues that Dudfield left the partnership in 2022 and accepted a settlement payment of £60,000 (approximately $82,200) in mid-2023, concluding all prior business matters between them.
Bloom’s legal team states that the settlement definitively ended their business relations and that Dudfield’s lawsuit violates a prior agreement preventing further legal claims. However, Bloom notes that Dudfield could pursue claims against Cottrell directly if he believes additional money is due.
Dudfield Maintains He Is Owed Additional Profits
This case has attracted interest due to the rare glimpse it offers into the operations of one of the world’s leading gambling syndicates. Bloom, whose wealth stems from data-driven betting strategies, runs Starlizard—a syndicate known for placing large quantities of football bets. Court records reveal that to circumvent betting limits, members often placed wagers via accounts held by third parties.
George Cottrell allegedly served as a front, receiving a significant portion of winnings while being shielded from losses. The main contention is whether Dudfield is entitled to profits made after his exit. Bloom states that betting continued through Cottrell until late 2025, generating millions more, which Dudfield believes he should partially receive.
Bloom also challenges claims about the scale of his betting enterprise, rejecting reports that it turns over around £600 million ($822 million) annually. While not disputing Starlizard’s success, Bloom’s legal team emphasizes that membership terms differ and that previous settlements with Dudfield—including a £405,000 ($555,000) payment in 2018—already compensated him beyond his rightful share.
