Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 30, 2026

Fitzdares

Fitzdares is a British bookmaker established in 2006 by Balthazar Fabricius, with financial backing from Zac Goldsmith, Ben Goldsmith and James Osborne.

Last revised
Jun 30, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
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298 w
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Wikipedia ↗
Fitzdares
Formation17 March 2006 (2006-03-17)
FounderBalthazar Fabricius
HeadquartersLondon
Services
Key people
WebsiteHomepage

Fitzdares is a British bookmaker established in 2006 by Balthazar Fabricius, with financial backing from Zac Goldsmith, Ben Goldsmith and James Osborne.12

History

Fitzdares' founder Fabricius worked in the different departments of Ladbrooks' betting business for three and a half years after qualifying for their graduate scheme.13

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.14 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 1882.54 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.267

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

References

  1. Foulkes, Nick (2013-10-29). "Raising the stakes". GQ.
  2. Reid, Jamie (2020-10-12). "Inside the world's poshest bookies". Financial Times.
  3. Fabricius, Balthazar (2017-11-17). "Fitzdares: a safe bet". The Week.
  4. Oakley, Robin (2016-09-03). "Old-fashioned values". The Spectator. Retrieved 2016-03-09.
  5. "The bookmaker's new home: 'the world's most luxurious sports bar'". Country and Town House. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  6. Lawler, Danielle (2020-08-14). "Inside Fitzdares - The world's most luxurious sports club". Tatler. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  7. Griffiths, Robbie (2023-01-05). "'World's poshest bookies' Fitzdares on the hunt for new home". The Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-17.