Tony Bloom Admits Third-Party Betting Accounts Scheme in Court

^{Pictured: Tony Bloom, owner of Brighton & Hove Albion FC}

British entrepreneur and Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has formally acknowledged that his betting syndicate StarLizard placed wagers through third-party accounts, according to iGaming outlet Casino.org, citing documents filed with the High Court in London.

The disclosure comes in connection with a lawsuit worth about $17,5 million filed against Bloom by former syndicate employee Ryan Dudfield.

Court documents show that an agreement between Bloom, Dudfield and betting account holder George Cottrell set out a profit-sharing arrangement from betting activity. Under the terms, Bloom and the syndicate were to receive 60% of profits, Cottrell 33%, and Dudfield 7%. Dudfield claims he was not paid his share of profits generated through Cottrell’s accounts.

Bloom confirmed that such an arrangement existed but said in court filings that Dudfield exited the agreement in December 2022 and later received a one-off payment of £60,000 ($82,020). According to the defence, that payment settled all potential financial claims from the former employee.

The court filings state that betting through Cottrell’s accounts continued after Dudfield left the arrangement. Bloom said the syndicate had generated profits of $2,4 million by October 2025. Dudfield, however, argues that total turnover amounted to around $250 million, which would make his 7% share equivalent to about $17,5 million.

The documents also state that the bets were placed on the Sportsbet.io platform and that the use of third-party accounts was based on internal agreements between the parties. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and no final ruling has yet been issued.

However, Gambling Park previously reported that player at Ryan Reynolds – owned club fined for football betting violation.