Millions wiped out! Inside the fall of Rory Campbell’s betting syndicate

Sankunni K January 9, 2025

SiGMA news

In 2017, a football betting syndicate was launched in the United Kingdom. Rory Campbell, the syndicate’s founder, who is also the son of former UK political advisor Alastair Campbell, promised lucrative returns for its investors. The venture claimed to use advanced mathematical models to place bets on football matches, offering an average annual return of 8.5 percent. Investors from various backgrounds were drawn to the syndicate, contributing sums ranging from £10,000 to £500,000. Campbell’s family also backed the operation, with his parents reportedly investing £288,000.

Millions invested, trust broken

By 2023, cracks began to appear. Investors noticed delays in returns, and by December 2024, the syndicate had collapsed. Rory Campbell informed investors that unpaid debts from Asian bookmakers were to blame, asserting there was “no hole” in the fund and promising full repayment by mid-2024. However, this timeline shifted, and Campbell later stated that investors could expect to recover only 50-65 percent of their funds.

Allegations of mismanagement

Investor frustration has mounted over Campbell’s lack of transparency. One investor told , “He has provided absolutely zero evidence of where it has gone, and we want a proper explanation of where all the millions of pounds have gone.” Reports also revealed that a staff member responsible for placing bets had not been paid since January 2024, raising further questions about the syndicate’s financial management.

Legal actions and fallout

At least one investor has filed a lawsuit seeking to recover £266,000, with potential bankruptcy looming for Campbell if the case succeeds. Other investors are considering submitting evidence to the Serious Fraud Office and involving the police to investigate the missing funds. Despite attempts at mediation, including efforts by Lord Falconer of Thoroton, no resolution has been reached, according to The Times.

Family support amid financial turmoil

Alastair Campbell and Fiona Millar have stepped in to cover £454,000 of their son’s debts. Speaking to media outlets, they expressed their own disappointment while trying to support their son during the crisis. Rory Campbell’s representative claimed that ongoing negotiations were disrupted by a “desperate briefing campaign” against him and his family, but insisted they were working in good faith to resolve the matter.

Mounting investor frustration

Investors are demanding accountability. “He assured us repeatedly that everything was under control, but now we are left in the dark,” one investor told . With over £5 million at stake across more than 50 individuals, trust in the syndicate has evaporated.

Calls for accountability in betting ventures

The collapse of Campbell’s syndicate highlights broader issues in the betting industry, where high-risk ventures often operate with limited oversight. Experts are calling for stricter regulations to ensure transparency and protect investors from similar failures.