Dele Alli, full name Bamidele Jermaine Alli, broke into big-league football from the academy and first team at MK Dons, but his true breakthrough came after transferring to Tottenham in 2015. At Spurs, he became one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League — winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award two years in a row (2015/16 and 2016/17) and making it into the PFA Team of the Year both seasons. He earned 37 caps for the England national team and was part of the squad for EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals. His club pinnacle arguably remains the unsuccessful 2018/19 Champions League final with Tottenham. According to recent reports, his poker ventures seem to be equally unsuccessful.
Nights at the Tables that Sting
According to media reports from the reputable Daily Mail, Alli has been frequenting London's Victoria Casino in the early hours, joining games with stakes that are more sci-fi than reality for the average player. Reports suggest losses of around £25,000 per session, and a total deficit nearing £150,000 in a short span of time.
What raises questions aren't just the amounts but the context — anonymous witnesses claim that Alli repeatedly appears in the casino at night and doesn't exactly look thrilled at the tables.
A Thin Line Between Sports and Cards
It's important to note that these claims are based on anonymous sources and media reports, not on official statements from the player or the casino. Nevertheless, it's the kind of story that frequently emerges in poker: success, pressure, escape, adrenaline — and a game that can be both beautiful and brutal at the same time.
While one camp talks about a “whale” every cash game regular dreams of having at their table, others point to successful poker-playing footballers. Take Neymar, Ronaldo, or Gerard Piqué, who have become excellent marketing tools in collaboration with poker brands. Perhaps Alli will join their ranks...
Sources – DailyMail, PokerScout, Wikimedia
