Premier League owner accused of operating secret £600m gambling syndicate

Brighton and Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom stands accused of leading a secret £600million gambling syndicate.

Bloom, who became Brighton’s chairman in 2009, is alleged to have used the syndicate to bet on football matches.

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The 55-year-old also allegedly struck a deal with George Cottrell, a former aide of Reform leader Nigel Farage, to place bets via the latter’s offshore gaming accounts.

Details of the claim filed at London’s High Court and revealed by The Times include a former Starlizard employee, Ryan Dudfield, alleging they are owed £17.5m in profits made.

Starlizard is a betting advisory company owned by Bloom.

It is also revealed how Bloom and his syndicate, which is said to include more than 100 members who he personally invites to join, place bets.

In the claim, Dudfield alleged he was owed the eight-figure sum having been the one who introduce Cottrell to the syndicate.

Dufield also alleged the Brighton owner’s syndicate worked via ‘secret exotic accounts’ in which Bloom and the syndicate waged their bets.

It is also claimed Cottrell was used as a ‘whale’, a term used to describe a front for the syndicate to place bets through.

Cottell was previously imprisoned for eight months in the United States eight years ago having admitted he offered to help drug dealers launder money via the ‘dark web’.

Although Bloom is claimed to have never met Cottrell face-to-face, the latter was brought into the syndicate by Dudfield in 2022.

Dudfield also alleged Bloom and the syndicate would use betting accounts of ‘well-known footballers, sportsmen and businessmen’ to make bets, although The Times claims no ex-footballers are believed to be involved in the group.

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Bloom received special permission from the Football Association (FA) in 2014 to remain involved with Starlizard and keep placing bets on football via his syndicate.

Matthew Benham, who owns Brentford and made his fortune through gaming, was also given the exemption.

However, the Times’ report adds Bloom cannot bet on Brighton, Premier League fixtures or a knockout tournament in which a Premier League team is involved.

Every bet wagered by Bloom are screened by the FA and a prominent accounting firm every year.

To date, Bloom has not breached his agreement with the FA.

In the claim, accepted at the High Court on November 20, Dudfield is suing Bloom and the remaining members of the Starlizard betting syndicate.

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Dudfield also alleges his role at Starlizard was a ‘placer’, where he would decide when and where to wager a bet on behalf of Bloom and the syndicate.

Bloom’s net worth is estimated to be £1.3b.

Under his stewardship, Brighton have risen from League One to the Premier League.

The Seagulls also reached the knockout stage of the Europa League in the 2023/24 season.