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Why Tony Bloom Wins: Inside the Mind of the World’s Sharpest Gambler

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Why Tony Bloom Wins: Inside the Mind of the World’s Sharpest Gambler The secrets of pro gamblers—and what makes Bloom, Nevison, and Findlay untouchable.

Betting Isn’t About Luck—It’s About Edges

Most people think of gambling as luck-based. But professional gamblers like Tony Bloom know it’s anything but. Instead of chance, they focus on edge—where data, discipline, and decision-making meet. Bloom isn’t just lucky. He’s strategic. His journey from casual bettor to billionaire owner of Brighton & Hove Albion is a masterclass in how professionals outthink, outplan, and outperform everyone else.

The Data Edge: Numbers, Not Nerves

While casual gamblers bet on instinct, pros use information. Tony Bloom’s betting empire, StarLizard, is built entirely on statistical modeling. His team of analysts and data scientists crunch mountains of data—from player fitness to weather patterns—to assess probabilities better than the bookmakers themselves.

This approach sets professionals apart. Gamblers like Alan Woods (who influenced Bloom) and Bill Benter built fortunes using similar models in horse racing. What they all share is a belief: numbers don’t lie, and the market can be beaten if you’re smarter than the average bettor.

Bankroll Management: The Art of Staying in the Game

Amateurs go broke chasing losses or betting big on a “sure thing.” Professionals know better. They live by bankroll discipline. Bloom and other top-tier gamblers use systems like the Kelly Criterion, which calculates optimal bet sizes based on value and risk. This avoids emotional swings and ensures long-term survival.

This principle was also mastered by Michael “The Wizard” Nevison, a legendary gambler who focused on small advantages compounded over time. He understood that smart staking, not just picking winners, was key to profitability.

Emotional Control: Feelings Cost Money

Gamblers lose when emotions take over—when fear, greed, or tilt cloud judgment. Tony Bloom, once a high-stakes poker player, learned to stay calm under pressure. That mindset carried into his betting life.

Like Harry Findlay, another iconic UK gambler known for massive wagers and bold calls, Bloom detaches emotion from outcomes. Findlay, despite his flamboyance, always emphasized strategy over impulse. Both men illustrate that professional gamblers don’t just manage money—they manage themselves.

Specialization Wins: Know One Thing Deeply

Another hallmark of pros? Narrow focus. While casual bettors jump from sport to sport or game to game, Bloom zeroed in on football. His deep understanding of the sport, combined with data analysis, created consistent long-term profits.

Nevison, by contrast, specialized in U.S. horse racing, while Findlay made his mark on both horses and rugby. Each carved out a niche. Each knew that spreading too wide meant weakening their edge.

Betting Models: Algorithms Over Anecdotes

Pro gamblers are part-data scientist, part-psychologist. They don’t just look at stats—they build models. Bloom’s StarLizard operation runs simulations and mathematical models that mirror bookmaker systems. But they go deeper, identifying mispriced odds where value exists.

This is the biggest advantage pros have. They’re not guessing. They’re measuring. And when they find an edge—no matter how small—they exploit it relentlessly.

Treating Gambling as a Business

What truly separates Bloom from others is his businesslike approach. Every bet is a decision. Every loss is analyzed, strategy is refined. Bloom isn’t gambling to entertain—he’s running an investment portfolio with risk managed and returns optimized.

He kept detailed records. He built infrastructure. And he scaled. This is what most casual gamblers never do. They play. He invests.

Bloom used his gambling fortune to fund his ownership of Brighton & Hove Albion, a club he took from the brink of collapse to the Premier League. It wasn’t just luck—it was strategy, vision, and execution.

Conclusion:

Tony Bloom Isn’t Lucky. He’s Better.

Tony Bloom, like Nevison and Findlay, shows that professional gambling is a world away from casual betting. It’s not just about who wins or loses—it’s about how you think, what data you use, and how disciplined you are.

Bloom is the best not because he gambles more—but because he gambles smarter. He treats betting as a business, not a thrill. He invests in edges, not hopes. And he plays a long game built on logic, not emotion.

If you want to gamble like a pro, don’t chase wins. Chase value. Manage risk. Know your niche. And most of all—treat it like a business.

That’s what Tony Bloom did. And that’s why he wins.

Photo: Freepiks

Nick Mordin: The Horse Racing Author of Gambling Books

Nick Mordin: The Horse Racing Author of Gambling Books Nick Mordin isn’t your average horse racing writer. Before becoming one of the most respected names in racing journalism and betting systems, Mordin worked as an advertising copywriter. That creative background laid the foundation for a sharp, engaging writing style that would later revolutionize how punters approach horse racing analysis.

From crafting compelling advertising lines to building complex speed ratings, Nick Mordin’s journey is as fascinating as his betting theories.

From Copywriting to Horse Racing Expertise

Mordin’s early career in advertising honed his ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. But it wasn’t long before his passion for horse racing overtook his commercial career. Swapping ad agencies for racecourses, he began writing for Odds On magazine and eventually for The Sporting Life Weekender. That’s where he built a cult following, thanks to his deep analysis and innovative ideas.

Unlike many racing columnists of his era, Mordin approached racing with a scientific mind. He believed in systems, data, and pattern recognition—not just instinct. His background in writing helped him translate complex betting strategies into accessible, entertaining prose. It’s this unique mix of creativity and logic that made his books stand out.

Betting for a Living (1992): A Classic is Born

In 1992, Mordin released what would become a British bestseller: Betting for a Living. This book wasn’t just a guide—it was a manifesto. It offered readers the tools to approach horse racing like a professional. From evaluating pedigrees to creating custom speed ratings, the book delivered serious methodology in a digestible format.

“Betting for a Living” taught bettors how to think like bookmakers, not just gamblers. It was revolutionary in its time and is still referenced today by serious punters.

The Winning Look: More Than Just Numbers

Mordin followed up in 1994 with The Winning Look. While his first book focused on data, this one emphasized the importance of visual cues—how horses look in the paddock before a race. He believed that spotting physical signs of fitness or nervousness could give punters an edge.

This approach struck a balance between intuition and analysis. It showed that even the best systems benefit from on-the-ground observation. For fans who wanted to learn how to spot “the winning look” at the track, this book became a trusted guide.

Mordin on Time: Mastering Speed Ratings

In Mordin on Time, published in 1996 (and reprinted in 2003), Nick turned his attention to one of the most misunderstood elements in racing: speed. He argued that most official times didn’t account for critical variables—like wind, race tempo, and going conditions.

The book taught readers how to build their own sectional timing systems. Mordin broke down how small margins in time could make the difference between profit and loss. He also introduced concepts like pace collapse and finishing speed percentage, which are now commonly used in race analysis.

Winning Without Thinking (2002): His Magnum Opus

Mordin’s final major work, Winning Without Thinking: A Guide to Horse Race Betting Systems, was the result of over 30,000 hours of research. Published in 2002, the book analyzed both his own betting models and those of academics and professional gamblers.

It went deeper than ever before into the psychology of betting markets and the patterns behind race results. The title hinted at its key insight: that successful systems work best when they remove emotion and overthinking from the equation.

The book blended statistical theory with street-smart racing experience. It’s still one of the most respected texts for anyone looking to build or evaluate betting systems.

A Lasting Legacy in the Betting World

Nick Mordin’s influence can’t be overstated. His writing style—clear, engaging, and rooted in data—transformed how racing fans think about betting. He popularized the use of speed ratings in the UK and helped many punters transition from casual bettors to systematic thinkers.

Even today, his books are quoted in betting forums, discussed in racing columns, and studied by sharp-minded punters. Mordin helped elevate horse racing journalism into something more serious—more analytical, and ultimately, more profitable.

Where to Find Nick Mordin’s Books

While some of his titles are now out of print, you can still find Nick Mordin’s books through:

Amazon

eBay

Specialist racing bookstores

Online forums and trading groups

Popular titles like Betting for a Living and Winning Without Thinking often fetch premium prices, a testament to their enduring value.

Conclusion: Nick Mordin, the Thinking Man’s Racing Writer

Nick Mordin was more than just a horse racing author—he was a pioneer. He taught readers how to use logic, data, and observation to beat the odds. From his start as a copywriter to becoming a legend in racing circles, Mordin has left an indelible mark on the sport.

If you’re serious about racing—or just curious about what it takes to turn betting into a science—Nick Mordin’s books are essential reading. His work proves that horse racing isn’t just about luck. With the right tools and mindset, anyone can tip the scales in their favor.

Photo: JC 2025

Nick Mordin: Professional Gambler

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Nick Mordin: Professional Gambler Nick Mordin is a name that resonates with horse racing enthusiasts, punters, and betting analysts alike. A unique voice in a noisy industry, Mordin carved out a legacy as one of the most influential minds in British horse racing. He wasn’t just a writer. He was a researcher, a thinker, a man obsessed with data before it became fashionable. Yet, for all his intellect and insight, Mordin’s journey into the world of professional gambling was ultimately one of isolation and exhaustion. He later vanished from public life entirely, leaving behind a trail of work that still gets referenced—but no sign of where he went or why he left.

Writing for Sporting Life Weekender and Beyond

Mordin first made his mark as a horse racing writer. For years, his work appeared in the Sporting Life Weekender, a must-read publication for serious punters in the UK. His articles were rigorous. He examined horses with a forensic lens, using data, time ratings, and form analysis long before these tools were widely adopted by the mainstream. He wasn’t just guessing winners—he was building models.

Mordin believed in objectivity. His writing was known for stripping away bias, hunches, and emotion. He focused on what the clock said. Speed figures. Sectional timings. Ground conditions. Draw bias. He brought a scientific approach to a sport dominated by folklore and “gut feelings.”

His work influenced a generation of bettors. If you were serious about betting in the 1990s or early 2000s, chances are you read Nick Mordin.

Author of Groundbreaking Horse Racing Books

Mordin’s talents weren’t confined to newspaper columns. He authored several books that are still considered essential reading for racing students and betting professionals. His most famous title, Betting For a Living, was a landmark publication. Released in the early 1990s, it provided a rare, detailed look into the mind and methods of someone trying to make a full-time living from betting.

He followed this up with Mordin On Time and Winning Without Thinking, both of which further explored his theories on speed ratings, pace angles, and how to find value in a market saturated with randomness and hype.

These books weren’t just practical guides—they were philosophical. Mordin made punters think differently. He showed that long-term success wasn’t about finding winners. It was about finding value.

Life as a Professional Gambler

But Nick Mordin wasn’t just a theorist. For a period, he walked the walk. He became a professional gambler. This was a time before Betfair. Before online bookmakers. Before the luxury of apps, instant deposits, and computer bots.

To get his bets on, Mordin had to go to the racecourses. He had to mix with on-course bookmakers. Often, he had to disguise his intent so prices wouldn’t collapse the moment he placed a bet. It was a physically and mentally demanding task.

The lifestyle took its toll. Unlike today’s digital punters who can work from a laptop anywhere in the world, Mordin had to chase prices with shoe leather and persistence. He often worked alone. There were no betting syndicates or data-sharing forums like there are now. Just one man, his stopwatch, and reams of handwritten notes.

Eventually, the grind wore him down. In interviews and later writings, he described professional gambling as a “tiring and lonely” endeavour. While he had the skills to win, the process of winning was not the fulfilling life he had hoped for.

A Mysterious Disappearance from Public Life

Then, something strange happened.

Nick Mordin disappeared from public view. His columns stopped. No new books. No interviews. No website updates. No social media presence—not even in today’s hyper-connected world.

Nobody knows where he went.

Some speculate he moved abroad. Others believe he left the racing game entirely, perhaps to find peace or pursue other interests. A few think he simply wanted anonymity after years in the spotlight. Whatever the reason, Mordin left no clues.

In an era where everyone documents their every move online, Mordin did the opposite. He vanished. Just like that.

Legacy of an Innovator

Despite his disappearance, Nick Mordin’s impact on horse racing remains. His books are still cited. His theories on speed, pace, and bias have become part of the mainstream. Betting analysts use tools he popularised decades ago.

He was ahead of his time. A data man before the data revolution. A pro gambler before the age of Betfair. A voice of reason in a game that often rewards chaos.

In the end, Nick Mordin didn’t just write about horse racing. He changed how people think about it.

Wherever he is now, his legacy gallops on.

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Tony Bloom: The Journey of a Billionaire Gambler

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Have you heard of Tony Bloom? Known as “The Lizard” for his ice-cold composure at the poker table, he’s not just another gambler—but one of the wealthiest bettors on Earth, and a private legend across horse racing, poker, football, and financial markets.

From Arcade Dreamer to Teenage Gambler

Born on 20 March 1970 in Brighton, England, Anthony Grant Bloom grew up influenced by his grandfather—a greyhound racing enthusiast who introduced him to the thrill of a wager.

Applying Math to Money: University & Early Career

Tony went on to study mathematics at the University of Manchester from 1988 to 1990. After graduation, he worked as a trainee accountant at Ernst & Young and later briefly traded financial derivatives in the City—yet his betting during this time outperformed his day job by miles. By the early ’90s, he was a full-time professional gambler.

Undeterred by big swings—once daringly staking £5,000 on an England–West Indies test match and losing it all, yet celebrating the lesson learned.

Mastering Spread Betting & Building Asian Markets

In 1997, Bloom was recruited by Victor Chandler bookmaking syndicate to break into the Asian football market and spent time in Bangkok and Gibraltar honing his skills in Asian handicap betting.

The Rise of “The Lizard” in Poker

At the poker table, his uncanny calmness earned him the moniker “The Lizard”. Bloom’s live tournament winnings topped $3.8 million, including victories at the Australasian Poker Championship in 2004 and multiple high-stakes final tables.

Starlizard: Betting Analytics Powerhouse

In 2006, he founded Starlizard, a data-driven sports betting consultancy employing analysts, statisticians, and researchers. Rather than wager for itself, the firm advises high-rollers, placing hundreds of millions—and today even billions—worth of bets per year .

Racing Royalty: Energumene and Venetian Sun

Bloom’s passion extends to ownership of champion racehorses. He co-owns Energumene, back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chase winner, and Venetian Sun, who claimed the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2025 at 12/1 odds.

Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion

In 2009, Bloom became majority shareholder and chairman of his hometown team, Brighton & Hove Albion, investing around £93 million in the new Amex Stadium in Falmer. Under his leadership, Brighton climbed from League One to the Premier League in the 2016‑17 season—their first top-flight appearance in decades . By the 2022–23 season, they finished 6th, qualifying for European competition for the first time.

Beyond Brighton, he holds minority stakes in Belgium’s Union Saint‑Gilloise, Australia’s Melbourne Victory, and Scotland’s Hearts—recently investing £9.86 million in Hearts to secure a 29% non‑voting stake in June 2025.

Net Worth & Awards

Bloom’s diversified empire—from poker and spread-betting to football and racing—has propelled his net worth to an estimates £1.3 billion.

What Makes Bloom a Modern-Day Hero?

Tony Bloom stands out not for flashy investments or ostentatious lifestyle, but for brilliance in systematizing risk and reward. He applies mathematical rigor to gambling, poker, and football—often ahead of the curve. Whether cracking Asian markets, building Starlizard, or transforming Brighton, he plays the long game.

He treats every venture like a poker hand—analyzing odds, managing bankrolls, and folding when necessary. That blend of discipline, analytics, and calm under pressure sets him apart from almost every peer in gambling and sport. Like a true champion, he lets results speak—and those results speak brilliantly.

Tony Bloom’s journey—from arcade kid in Brighton to billionaire gambler and football chairman—reads like a thrilling high-stakes tale. A modern hero in the world of numbers, risk, and high reward.

Photo: Freepik

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A Blast from the Past: The Sporting Life Weekender

If that title rings a bell, you’ve got a sharp memory—or maybe, like me, you’ve got an old copy tucked away somewhere, a relic from another time.

The Sporting Life – Weekender (1994)

Just saying it makes me feel my age. I doubt it’s top of your mind—unless you were there, in the thick of it, like we were. Back in those golden days of horse racing journalism, there was nothing quite like it. Especially if you were a fan of Nick Mordin and his legendary systems.

His insights were something else. Stuff you wouldn’t think to ask, let alone answer. Like: “Does backing the outsider of three actually make money?” That kind of outside-the-box thinking drew people in. You couldn’t help but read.

I remember his take on Denman and the Gold Cup—he wasn’t convinced. And then there was Harry Findlay on The Morning Line snapping back with: “And that Nick Mordin…” It made for great telly.

Around the same time, my brother Tony had a full-page feature in The Weekender. Years of research on Group-entered two-year-olds—five years’ worth, to be exact. At the time, it was the largest study of its kind in the world. And to this day, that work still informs what we do. Tony hasn’t been that excited since discovering casinocorner.ca and going on a bit of a winning streak. He’s 55 now, and it’s been a road full of highs, lows, and unwavering passion.

We’re twins, Tony and I. We’ve walked the same path, from those early betting days to now—still learning, still adapting. These days, we’re prepping for the 2025 Flat turf season. I’m deep into updating my 2YO trainer stats, which, to be honest, feel every bit as insightful as the old Mordin reads.

Back then, The Weekender was plastered with tipster ads. I remember Patrick Veitch even had one on the front page. Tipsters, free bets, systems—it was a punter’s paradise.

But here’s the thing about gambling: to do it well, you have to live it. You have to go the extra mile. Obsession isn’t a bad word in this game—it’s a necessity. And while you’re trying to beat the bookies, really, you’re trying to be better than you were yesterday.

It’s been 31 years since that iconic article: In a class of their own: How to spot and back potential top-notch two-year-olds. Feels like a lifetime. But it’s also felt like one long continuation, a story still being written, with more than a few incredible wins along the way.

This is more than a hobby. It’s who we are.

You’ll often find us at Great Yarmouth races, pint in hand, catching up with our good mate and fellow pro gambler, Jerry Banks. Afterwards, it’s tradition—a curry at the Savoy Tandoori, maybe a nightcap at the Grosvenor Casino on Marine Parade. Some things don’t change. Nor would we want them to.

Looking back, I’m proud Tony let Mordin publish his work. He said at the time, “Most people would want to keep it secret.” And he was right. But most people don’t want to put in the work to make their betting actually pay. Even when you hand them gold, most won’t dig.

It’s a shame Nick Mordin faded from the spotlight. He was one of the best minds in the game. If you happen to be reading this, Nick—I hope life’s treating you kindly. Your words sparked a fire that still burns.