Tony Bloom: From Poker Tables to Brighton’s Boardroom
Introduction: Why Tony Bloom matters
Tony Bloom is a central figure in English football and local Brighton life. As majority owner and chairman of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion since May 2009, his decisions shape the club’s sporting direction and community impact. Bloom’s background as a successful gambler and investor, combined with recent honours and local philanthropy, make his activities relevant to supporters, local residents and observers of football finance.
Main body: Key facts and developments
Chairmanship and club role
Bloom became chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2009, succeeding Dick Knight, who moved on to become the club’s president. He is described as the club’s majority owner and chairman, a role in which he has overseen Brighton’s progress into the top tier of English football.
Investment beyond Brighton
Beyond Brighton, Bloom is an investor in Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (USG). Sources note he completed a takeover of the club in 2018 when USG were in the Belgian second division, and he is identified as an investor and minority shareholder in the team, which has attracted attention for its performance and ownership model.
Background, gambling and poker
Bloom made his fortune through gambling and has been publicly linked to high-stakes poker. In December 2010 he notably fell short of the million-pound grand prize in the Poker Million IX event held in London, underscoring his profile in competitive gambling circles.
Community work and controversies
Bloom’s local contributions include financing projects such as a new synagogue initiative in Brighton. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to association football and to the community in Brighton. At the same time, reports have recorded disputes and a public denial by Bloom that he owed millions to a former associate, demonstrating that his business dealings occasionally attract controversy.
Conclusion: Significance and outlook
Tony Bloom’s blend of sporting leadership, investment activity and local philanthropy makes him a prominent and sometimes polarising figure. With an MBE recognising his contributions and continued involvement in both Brighton and international clubs, his decisions are likely to remain significant for supporters, the local community and observers of football ownership models.
