Tony Bloom is known as a very private man. However, when you are a professional gambler and a self-made billionaire the pursuit of others inquisition must slowly creep into your psyche. People ask: Who is that guy? Did you hear about The Lizard?
What’s his secret?
A psychologist may ask Bloom a very introspective question: Who are you?
Or from his perspective: Who am I?
Human. Husband. Father. Businessman. Gambler. Poker player. Football club owner. Billionaire.
I just thought I’d add that last one because I’m sure Tony Bloom would be far too modest.
I’m sure you know the likelihood of me knowing any secrets about the man himself are slim. For someone who is in the business of keeping his cards close to his chest you wouldn’t expect anything different. Starlizard, his betting consultancy, sees wealthy subscribers become even more flush.
We have a general idea about data-driven analysis, research and a suitcase full of algorithms. However, that only tells us so much and like most knowledge the devil is in the detail.
My ‘secrets’ about Tony Bloom are just basic insights if not bullet points of pivotal moment in a career that has seen great success. For a man with untold wealth, he is well liked if not viewed as a modern-day hero for many punters.
Let’s take a look a 5 pivotal moments (‘secrets’) in his life:
- Was influenced by his grandfather to gamble. He loved a bet and owned greyhounds which Bloom enjoyed.
- Graduated from Manchester University reading Mathematics. His interest in maths saw him appreciate gambling probability and analysis to become a better gambler. In those early years he admitted he was far from accomplished.
- In 1997, he was contacted by Victor Chandler to learn about Asian handicap betting specifically to open up the football market. This proved to be pivotal in his learning and future success.
- In 2006, founded Starlizard, a secret betting consultancy where wealthy subscribers bet on privileged information via data-driven analysis, research and algorithms.
- Awarded an MBE for services to association football and community of Brighton.
Tony Bloom, a man who can do no wrong.
Photo: Freepik
