Fitzdares
 | |
| Formation | 17 March 2006 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London |
| Services | |
Key people | |
| Website | Homepage |
Fitzdares is a British bookmaker established in 2006 by Balthazar Fabricius, with financial backing from Zac Goldsmith, Ben Goldsmith and James Osborne.[1][2]
History
[edit]Fitzdares’ founder Fabricius worked in the different departments of Ladbrooks' betting business for three and a half years after qualifying for their graduate scheme.[1][3]
In 2005, Fabricius approached Zac and Ben Goldsmith with his idea, proposing a bookmaker that would emphasise exclusivity and personal relationships. At the time, the majority of large bookmakers were moving their operations online, and Fabricius felt that a high-spending minority of sports fans would favour a upmarket bookmaker over a mass-market betting shop.[1][4] The Goldsmiths liked the idea and backed it financially. Fitzdares obtained its gambling license in December 2005 and became operational in March 2006.[1]
In 2016, Fitzdares acquired telephone bookmaker Sunderlands, who had previously bought T Guntrip, dating back to 1882.[5][4] Fitzdares appointed William Woodhams as its CEO in 2018.[2] Previously, Woodhams had worked for the French luxury goods conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and a marketing consultancy advising other luxury brands.[2] Since Woodhams’ appointment the company launched a sports betting app.[2][6][7]
In 2020, Fitzdares opened a private sports and betting venue on Davies Street, London's Mayfair area. The club served approximately 2,000 members.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Foulkes, Nick (2013-10-29). "Raising the stakes". GQ.
- ^ a b c d Reid, Jamie (2020-10-12). "Inside the world's poshest bookies". Financial Times.
- ^ Fabricius, Balthazar (2017-11-17). "Fitzdares: a safe bet". The Week.
- ^ a b Oakley, Robin (2016-09-03). "Old-fashioned values". The Spectator. Retrieved 2016-03-09.
- ^ "The bookmaker's new home: 'the world's most luxurious sports bar'". Country and Town House. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- ^ Lawler, Danielle (2020-08-14). "Inside Fitzdares - The world's most luxurious sports club". Tatler. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- ^ a b Griffiths, Robbie (2023-01-05). "'World's poshest bookies' Fitzdares on the hunt for new home". The Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-17.