Tinseltown's Poker Queen: The Rise and Fall of Molly Bloom
October 27, 2024 ,

Tinseltown’s Poker Queen: The Rise and Fall of Molly Bloom

Molly Bloom, the notorious poker queen of Hollywood, was once the hostess of the most exclusive high-stakes poker game in town. Her legendary parties drew A-list celebrities and millionaires from around the world, but behind the glamour and excitement lay a complex web of deceit and corruption.

Born on March 21, 1976, Molly Bloom grew up with a passion for sports, particularly skiing. She was an Olympic-class skier and even competed in the Olympics, but after suffering a career-ending injury, she turned to entrepreneurship and became involved in the world of high-stakes poker.

Bloom's rise to fame began when she started hosting private poker games at luxury hotels in Beverly Hills. Her parties were legendary, attracting celebrities like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Tobey Maguire. However, as her popularity grew, so did her reputation for being ruthless and calculating in her business dealings.

In 2013, Bloom was arrested by the FBI on charges of running an illegal sportsbook that laundered millions of dollars. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to probation.

The story of Molly Bloom's rise and fall is a fascinating tale of power, corruption, and the allure of high-stakes poker. In 2017, the film "Molly's Game" was released, starring Jessica Chastain as the titular character. The movie follows Bloom's journey from her early days as an Olympic skier to her reign as the queen of Hollywood poker.

The film, directed by Aaron Sorkin and based on Bloom's memoir, explores the complex relationships she formed with celebrities and high-rollers, as well as the darker side of her business dealings. Chastain's performance as Molly Bloom earned critical acclaim, with many praising her portrayal of the complex and calculating poker queen.

Despite her fall from grace, Molly Bloom remains a fascinating figure in Hollywood lore. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and corruption, and the allure of high-stakes poker that can consume even the most seemingly successful individuals.

References:

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  • Duke, Alan (June 23, 2011). "Celebs play high-stakes poker in Beverly Hills hotels, lawsuits say". CNN. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  • "Manhattan U.S. Attorney Charges 34 Members and Associates of Two Russian-American Organized Crime Enterprises with Operating International Sportsbooks That Laundered More Than $100 Million". FBI (Press release). April 16, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
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  • Lang, Brent (July 7, 2022). "'Torched' Returns for Second Season With Host Molly Bloom". Variety. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
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