Published on: October 15, 2025, 06:34h.
Updated on: October 15, 2025, 06:34h.
- Rory Campbell’s £8 million betting fund faces collapse amid fraud investigations
- High-profile investors lose substantial amounts as inquiry escalates
- Police detain suspect following alleged fraudulent activities
Authorities in the UK have detained an individual linked to a failed £8 million (US$10.7 million) sports betting operation led by Rory Campbell, the son of former government communications chief Alastair Campbell.
On Wednesday, London’s Metropolitan Police announced the arrest of a 37-year-old man, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, on suspicions of fraud involving false representation. He has been released on bail as investigations continue.
Campbell, aged 37, assured investors that he utilized predictive mathematical models to gain an advantage in the betting field. However, in December 2024, he announced that the operation had failed due to non-payments from Asian sportsbooks.
Informed Investors
Campbell’s investors were far from inexperienced individuals gambling their life’s savings on a whim. They included seasoned professionals from the gambling and racing sectors, such as a former executive from The Racing Post, a senior figure at the British Horseracing Authority, and a popular television racing presenter.
Alastair Campbell, who held significant influence as Tony Blair’s director of communications and chief strategist, also contributed personally, investing £300,000 (US$400,000), as reported by The Times of London.
Some initial investors were reportedly incentivized with commissions to bring in additional backers, as per sources who spoke to The Times.
Ultimately, about 50 investors experienced losses ranging from £10,000 (US$13,400) to £500,000 (US$670,000) through the fund, which concentrated on Asian handicap betting and over/under goal markets.
Downfall
Issues began to emerge in 2023 as investors reported challenges in withdrawing their funds, despite assurances that the fund was generating an average annual return of 8%.
Campbell reassured investors that there were “no holes” in the fund and promised full refunds by July 2024. By mid-July, this promise was downgraded to a return of “approximately 50%-65%,” according to affected investors.
After negotiations for a resolution completely failed in January 2025, investors turned to the police for assistance.
One investor, a notable figure in British horseracing, tragically passed away from cancer in February before receiving his funds. He reportedly confided in friends that he felt “at the end of his tether” with the situation, as per The Times.
Another investor filed a civil lawsuit against Campbell seeking to recover £266,000 (US$356,000). It is believed he eventually settled out of court for a much smaller amount.