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Rob Davies

@byrobdavies.bsky.social
24K followers 1.1K following 3.3K posts

Guardian reporter and author of Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain.

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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Now attention turns to how well the 100 England fans will do in the post-match fighting against 6000 Croatian children.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
It's not really a true football shellacking until you have to bring the brackets out for 7 (seven).
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Influx of "vanilla" users from other dating apps boosts UK-based Feeld, sending revenues soaring and triggering a payout for founders. Is Feeld's kinky, queer, non-monogamous vibe being watered down, or are sexual tastes just getting spicier? www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Kinky dating app Feeld’s founders share in record £3.8m dividend after sales jump
UK app ‘for the curious’ says users outside the UK account for nearly 90% of its revenues
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Bookies say higher tax on slot machines would backfire, triggering job losses and lower tax receipts overall. Critics say they are scaremongering. Who's right? I've tried to give a balanced assessment. Counter-intuitive take: Hiking duty could accidentally boost 24hr "slot farms", if done wrong.
theguardian.com
Would a gambling tax rise in the budget really shut shops and cost jobs?
Most of the betting industry is urging the chancellor not to double slot machine duty to raise up to £460m more a year
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The @racingpost.com should credit either NEXT or The Guardian for this story but neither doesn't seem fair. Judging by the number of words apparently cribbed from my piece, it should probably by us but don't mind either way. Also, the dividends *aren't* in the docs, I worked that out myself.
racingpost.com
Entain raises concerns with SIS over deal with black-market bookmaker
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Simon Lock @simonlock.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This is some of the "self-reporting" that Chelsea did - taking a request for comment from The Guardian and TBIJ and forwarding it on to the FA....
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Getting a bit sick of the narrative that Chelsea FC received a lenient punishment because they self-reported. Many of the offshore payments exposed by the Guardian and media partners were not self-reported (possibly because the new owners didn't know, although we can't be sure of that).
theguardian.com
Chelsea FC face new questions over how Roman Abramovich funded success
Leaked files reveal secret payments that may have breached football’s strict ‘financial fair play’ rules
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Huge blunder by UK bookmakers that have railed against the dangers of the black market, as it emerges that a company part-owned by Ladbrokes, Entain and Betfred boss Fred Done has a deal with Santeda, singled out as perhaps the biggest black market operator targeting UK customers.
theguardian.com
UK bookmakers that warned over illicit market had deal with offshore casinos
Content provider part-owned by Ladbrokes, William Hill and Betfred owner signed deal with Santeda network, Casino Secrets leak reveals
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Martin Calladine @uglygame.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I think this will be one of the defining images of the Premier League's void years: a proudly working class fanbase celebrating that the ruling family of an oppressive regime had hired a barrister on £10,000-an-hour to try and prevent them suffering consequences for their cheating. Embarrassing.
A bunch of mugs celebrating their perceived impunity
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Chris Weatherspoon @cweatherspoon.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Man City's £854.5m revenue overstatement between 2009-10 and 2017-18 was more than the total revenues in that time of all but eight English clubs (the other 'Big Six' teams, Everton, West Ham and Newcastle) £854.5m in misstated revenue was 30% of #MCFC total revenue in period
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"But...this sportswash hasn't made me appear clean at all. If anything, the opposite."
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Slightly late to the Songs In The Key Of Life appreciation party but for me this is the most underrated track. Growly synth bass, heartbeat-pattern kick drum, impeccable horns, zany synth solo. I can even forgive the earnest kids' history lesson at the end. open.spotify.com/track/6nGaPD...
open.spotify.com
Black Man
Stevie Wonder · Songs In The Key Of Life · Song · 1976
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Javier Bardem? He often seems like a baddie when I've seen him in films.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
FWIW I don't think beer throwing would be tolerated at most grounds. Someone would do it once and quickly regret it. Also, VAR means almost no goals warrant unbridled celebration in the way they used to. It's a performative BoxPark thing for people who think they're being filmed.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Vast data leak exposes secrets of offshore casinos based in the gambling haven of Curacao.
theguardian.com
Vast Casino Secrets leak exposes inner workings of offshore gambling firms
Files could have seismic consequences for online casinos, including those accused of illegally targeting consumers
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Man City's next game is away at Liverpool and you have to say that's just perfect.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I think in all the fuss about Manchester City's charges and the potential ramifications, one thing is important to remember. Ryan Mason is a League Cup winning manager. #thfc #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If reporting is correct that Man City were not guilty on 1 out of the 115 charges, that's some great trolling there by the footballing gods. Still, makes it all the more incredible that Chelsea got away practically scot free.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If this was a Spurs player, there'd be a priest heading to the training camp to read last rites. #thfc #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Can't see this lasting past the first corner in a heated derby. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham signals he may lift ban on alcohol in football stands
Prime minister says measure is discriminatory when fans of other sports are not similarly restricted
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Reform going full Michael from Alan Partridge.
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Chris Cook @chriscook.news · 21/09/2026
A big new story from us: a big new leak means that we can put numbers on the scale of A7 -- the Kremlin's huge money-laundering machine. $6.9bn laundered through the international banking system via SWIFT, with $1.1bn sent to StanChart alone. www.ft.com/content/3848...
ft.com
Kremlin-backed forgery scheme moved $6.9bn through global banks
FT finds thousands of Russian payments handled by Standard Chartered, Citigroup and other international groups in vast leak from inside fintech A7
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thought they'd never ask. Day 1: Moving the round thing into the big net, making use of the feet. #thfc #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
By my reckoning, billionaire Betfred boss Fred Done has threatened to close about twice the number of shops that Betfred actually owns since 2018. In the meantime, in no particular order...
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The end of a thread that is essentially one long, exasperated sigh.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
By my reckoning, billionaire Betfred boss Fred Done has threatened to close about twice the number of shops that Betfred actually owns since 2018. In the meantime, in no particular order...
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We couldn't finish a jigsaw. #thfc #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Favourite part of this story is the use of the word "fawning".
theguardian.com
‘Significant unease’ at the Telegraph over Reform using outlet for ‘spoiler’ tactics
Recent instances of Nigel Farage’s party trying to gain sympathetic coverage lead to debate over reporting practices
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Michael Savage @michaelsavage.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
NEW: Reform again accused of leaking the Telegraph a story it had been approached about by another outlet. This “spoiler” tactic is causing concerns among some at the Tel. Insiders say this isn’t fair - reporters didn’t know it was a spoiler. Story: www.theguardian.com/media/2026/s...
theguardian.com
‘Significant unease’ at the Telegraph over Reform using outlet for ‘spoiler’ tactics
Recent instances of Nigel Farage’s party trying to gain sympathetic coverage leads to debate over reporting practices
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Joe Scaramanga @joescaramanga.co.uk · 15/09/2026
Why the hell are we wearing the change kit? Us colour blind folk will struggle with this match. #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Lewis Koumas brings a new dimension to feeling old as a football fan, because I worked as a steward at Ninian Park a few times when his dad was playing for Cardiff City. #thfc #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Please note: Editing of goal compilations will not be considered relevant experience. #thfc #coys
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Just me and another journo parent in the school group chat racing each other to say that no, London hasn't got much more dangerous. *Hannah is typing...* My thumbs speed up, desperate to be first with the news.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Are you allowed to moan at Thought for the Day for not crediting your story properly? Feels like maybe not?
theguardian.com
Tesco alerts police as supermarket becomes latest victim of scam ‘endorsement’ ads
Exclusive: Supermarket joins line of firms and sports stars including Bellingham and Haaland to have their image hijacked via ads
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Every little helps". Tesco calls the cops over illegal casino that claims to be the supermarket's "official betting site. Barclays, Monzo, Lewis Hamilton, Tyson Fury and other sports stars also affected. The authorities? Apparently powerless.
theguardian.com
Tesco alerts police as supermarket becomes latest victim of scam ‘endorsement’ ads
Exclusive: Supermarket joins line of firms and sports stars including Bellingham and Haaland to have their image hijacked via ads
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The £2.5bn from Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea FC is still sitting frozen in a UK bank account, amid a row with the UK govt over pledged donations to Ukraine. Generating £100m of interest in a year means it is, one could argue, the "most profitable football-related business in the world".
theguardian.com
‘World’s most profitable football business’: Abramovich’s frozen Chelsea cash earns £175m
Proceeds are in a UK account amid a dispute about how the money should be used and a separate criminal investigation
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Me: "Cool set dude, really tight. I used to gig a bit on the London scene too." Children's party entertainer: "Uh...thanks."
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Diplomacy. Some diplomacy is happening.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Tottenham Hotspur are playing today. #thfc #coys
static.klipy.com
Claire Trevor: Make It Stop! (Headache Meme)
ALT: Claire Trevor: Make It Stop! (Headache Meme)
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Within weeks, an exciting £600m theme park promising spell-binding shows depicting 1000 years of British history is likely to get the green light. But what do its prospective visitors know about Puy du Fou's links to the far right and Vladimir Putin? We uncovered new evidence (video). 👇
theguardian.com
The Russia-tied French billionaires opening UK's first historical theme park – explainer
Business reporter Rob Davies digs into why Puy du Fou’s links to Russia and authoritarian regimes matter as it prepares to tell 1,000 years of British history
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
They let me do a video. www.theguardian.com/world/video/...
theguardian.com
The Russia-tied French billionaires opening UK's first historical theme park – explainer
Business reporter Rob Davies digs into why Puy du Fou’s links to Russia and authoritarian regimes matter as it prepares to tell 1,000 years of British history
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
JFC Santander, not you too? I'm doing my best, alright?
An email from Santander with the subject line: Robert, time to review your life...
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James Dart @jamesdart.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea should be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title for financial rule breaches and retrospectively awarded to Tottenham. 'They were punished, they admitted it? So that’s it. The title should be for the team that was second'
theguardian.com
Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title should be given to Spurs, says Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea should be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title for financial rule breaches and the honour retrospectively awarded to Tottenham
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Turns out it *is* possible to take a stand against the far right, if you're a flat-pack furniture company. www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Ikea wins right to launch legal action against Belgian far-right party
EU’s highest court allows Swedish furniture firm to begin proceedings after Vlaams Belang used its trademarks in immigration campaign
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
As a non-practising Jew, I find this line of questioning utterly abhorrent. I also fully support Miliband's position. Jews are not a homogeneous bloc and should not be treated as such, it's dehumanising.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
No longer must British children face the agonising choice of Daddy or chips.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
😲
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Steve @sjshearman.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
FPL league for teams with no Gooners in the squad fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto...
fantasy.premierleague.com
Fantasy Premier League, Official Fantasy Football Game of the Premier League
Official Fantasy Premier League 2026/27. Free to play fantasy football game, set up your fantasy football team at the Official Premier League site.
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Predator 1 Alien 0
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Rob Davies @byrobdavies.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Why does this look like Steve Coogan playing Trump?
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