Tony Bloom Denies Betting Allegations on Brighton Matches
Tony Bloom has firmly denied allegations that he placed bets on Brighton matches since becoming the club's owner.
This week, a report in The Guardian claimed that the British billionaire was the anonymous gambler behind $70 million (£52 million) in winnings, which purportedly included bets on Brighton.
The report suggested that Bloom, a professional gambler, is the individual referred to as "John Doe" in a legal case in the United States seeking to identify an anonymous gambler on a successful betting streak.
According to Football Association (FA) regulations, club owners are prohibited from betting on matches or competitions involving their own teams.
Bloom is among a select group of owners who, under a 2014 policy, are allowed to continue gambling on other competitions and matches.
In a statement on behalf of Bloom, Brighton asserted, "I can categorically assure our supporters that I have not placed bets on any Brighton & Hove Albion matches since becoming the owner of the club in 2009."
Bloom emphasized his adherence to regulations, stating, "I have always fully complied with these conditions, and all of my bets on football are audited annually by one of the world’s leading accounting firms to ensure full compliance with the FA's policy."
Bloom, who also holds a 29% stake in Scottish club Hearts, revealed that lawyers have contacted The Guardian regarding the "entirely false" allegations.
He added, "Separately, our club is in direct communication with both the Football Association and the Premier League regarding this matter."
Bloom has a long-standing history in the gambling industry, having founded the online gambling site Premierbet in 2002, which he sold for approximately £1 million in 2005. He also manages a private betting syndicate through his company, Starlizard.