Political Roulette
A UK High Court document claims a prominent member of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party served as a front for a VIP gambling syndicate with ties to Brighton & Hove Albion FC owner Tony Bloom.
As Reform gains influence in UK politics, a lawsuit targeting George Cottrell, filed by Ryan Dudfield, implicates Starlizard Betting Syndicate (SBS) and billionaire Bloom, drawing unwanted attention to the right-wing party.
used the name “The Lizard”
Dudfield’s 19-page document asserts Cottrell acted as a “stalking horse” for SBS. Bloom reportedly used the alias “The Lizard” and engaged individuals like Cottrell, alongside “footballers, sportsmen, and businessmen” known as “whales,” to place significant bets on their behalf.
As a former SBS associate, Dudfield’s lawsuit seeks a portion of the syndicate’s £189m ($250m) profits. SBS is alleged to earn about £600m ($792m) annually in winnings.
Added Pressure
The documents emerge in a challenging time for the gambling industry, facing significant tax increases. Despite raising online taxation to 40%, MPs have called for further hikes, fueled by reports of the sector’s substantial profits in the last fiscal year and its £2bn ($2.3bn) in advertising expenditure.
SBS allegedly operates via successful figures like Bloom, who must often place large bets in others’ names.
The document states that Cottrell “relinquished control of his betting accounts to Bloom and the Syndicate, eliminating the need for sending bets to Cottrell for placement.”
“substantial profits” on mostly soccer games.
Sports bets were placed through accounts with offshore crypto casino giant Stake, reportedly yielding “substantial profits” primarily from soccer games.
Awaiting a Response
Dudfield claims entitlement to £13.2m ($17.5m) from a profit-share, granting him 7% of SBS’s winnings. He alleges deception by Bloom’s associates, who falsely informed him of the closure of Cottrell’s betting accounts.
According to The Guardian, Bloom has yet to respond with any defense against these allegations.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
