Former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Alli has reportedly experienced a significant financial setback away from the football pitch, with losses approaching £150,000 during a series of late-night poker sessions at a prominent central London casino.
High-Stakes Poker Sessions in London
The 29-year-old footballer, once celebrated as one of English football's most promising talents, has been regularly visiting The Victoria Casino in central London to participate in high-stakes poker games. According to detailed reports, Alli has been engaging in these gambling activities during the early morning hours, with his attendance becoming increasingly frequent over the past two weeks.
Substantial Financial Losses Documented
During these poker sessions, Alli is understood to have lost approximately £25,000 per night, with cumulative losses now nearing the six-figure mark of £150,000. The former midfielder has reportedly been playing for several hours during each visit, often arriving almost every other day and consistently departing with substantial financial deficits.
The 'Whale' Nickname Among Casino Regulars
Poker veterans at the casino have reportedly given Alli the nickname "whale"—a term used within gambling circles to describe inexperienced players who consistently lose large sums of money. One poker veteran told Daily Mail Sport that casino regulars eagerly anticipate Alli's arrivals, describing the scenario as "a serious player's dream."
The source elaborated: "We all look forward to Dele coming to the casino because snaring a whale is a serious player's dream scenario. As soon as he arrives, a message goes out that 'The Dele is open for business,' and there's a rush to join his table."
Emotional Detachment and Financial Position
Another poker player provided additional insight into Alli's demeanor during these sessions, noting: "It's actually quite sad because he doesn't really speak to anyone and doesn't appear happy. He clearly isn't short of money and doesn't seem bothered by losing such amounts, which is great for us. Poker is a tough game—there's no room for emotion. It's all about strategy and winning as much as you can."
This observation highlights Alli's apparent emotional detachment from the substantial financial losses, with the player reportedly showing little concern despite the significant sums involved. The former midfielder's estimated net worth remains substantial at approximately £20 million, which may explain his apparent indifference to these gambling losses.
Career Context and Current Situation
Dele Alli's current gambling activities come during a period of transition in his football career. Once regarded as one of England's brightest midfield prospects during his time with Tottenham Hotspur, Alli has faced challenges in recent years, including loan spells and reduced playing time at various clubs.
The reports of his substantial poker losses at The Victoria Casino represent another chapter in the footballer's off-pitch activities, raising questions about financial management among professional athletes and the potential risks associated with high-stakes gambling.
