Tony Bloom Stands His Ground in High-Stakes Betting Dispute

UK billionaire gambler and Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has denied allegations that he owes his former business partner millions of pounds in relation to a betting syndicate that both men were part of. This evolving case has exposed the hidden methods used in high-stakes sports gambling as pro players seek to gain an edge over operators.

Bloom Denied Owing Any Funds to His Former Partner

According to a recent report by The Guardian, documents filed with the UK High Court revealed that Bloom confirmed that his betting syndicate placed large wagers through accounts held in the name of George Cottrell, a political adviser and former associate. He also revealed that a profit-sharing agreement existed between himself, Cottrell, and former employee Ryan Dudfield. However, Bloom disputed owing any money to Dudfield.

Dudfield, who worked as a professional gambler in Bloom’s operation is suing for $17.5 million, claiming he was cut out of profits generated after he helped introduce Cottrell to the syndicate. Bloom’s defence argues that Dudfield exited the agreement in 2022 and then accepted a settlement worth GBP 60,000 ($82,200) in July 2023 to finish all unresolved matters.

Bloom’s filing states that the payment clearly ended all business relations between the two parties. According to the defense, Dudfield’s legal action is in breach of a covenant not to sue, as the previous agreement settled any and all claims. Bloom asserts that Dudfield may seek his legal claim against Cottrell if he believes further money is owed.

Dudfield Asserts He Should Receive an Additional Share

The case has attracted public interest because it sheds rare light on the methods used by the world’s most successful gambling operations Bloom, whose fortune is rooted in data-driven betting, runs Starlizard, a syndicate known for placing vast volumes of football wagers. Filings reveal that pro gamblers used third-party accounts to place bets, bypassing limits imposed on successful players. 

Cottrell reportedly acted as a frontman, receiving a substantial share of profits without exposure to losses. The main conflict centers on whether Dudfield was entitled to profits generated after his departure. According to Bloom, the syndicate continued betting through Cottrell until late 2025, generating millions more. Dudfield insists he should receive a share.

Bloom also disputes claims about the scale of his operation, rejecting suggestions that it generates GBP 600 million ($822 million)a year. While the defense team did not hide Starlizard’s success, they insisted that membership arrangements vary and that past payments to Dudfield, including a GBP 405,000 ($555,000) settlement in 2018, already exceeded his later entitlement.