Molly Bloom, famously known as the “Poker Princess,” has had an extraordinary life – from Olympic skier ambitions to her involvement in one of the world’s most exclusive underground poker games. As of 2024, Molly Bloom’s net worth is estimated at around $500,000. Even though her net worth isn’t what you’d expect from someone who once played multimillion-dollar poker games, her tale of resurgence and reinvention continues to inspire.
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Early Life and Olympic Dreams
Born on April 21, 1978, in Loveland, Colorado, Molly Bloom grew up in a competitive and ambitious family. Her father, Larry Bloom, was a psychologist and professor, and her brothers, Jeremy Bloom and Jordan Bloom, were also successful in the respective fields. Molly initially followed in her family tradition and became an Olympic skier. However, a devastating injury cost her Olympic hopes in 2002.
This was a setback, but Bloom did not allow it to define her. Her move to Los Angeles after leaving competitive sports provided her new opportunities.
The Poker Queen: Rise to Fame
In Los Angeles, Bloom worked as an assistant to a real estate developer. Through this job, she got into high-stakes poker. Soon she was hosting underworld poker games for Hollywood aristocracy, including actors, billionaires, and athletes. She’s also played weekly games with A-list celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, and Tobey Maguire.
Bloom turned her job organizing poker games into millions of dollars in pots. She reportedly made good sums from tips and organizing fees. But her participation in these games – often out of bounds with legality – eventually led to her downfall. The FBI in 2013 arrested her for an illegal gambling ring linked to the Russian mafia.
Legal and Financial Problems.
Molly Bloom had a lengthy legal battle after her arrest. Then she pled guilty to charges involving the illegal poker games. Her sentence in 2014 was probation, community service, and a $1,000 fine. Since the legal consequences were severe, Bloom lost most of her fortune. The court took her assets, leaving her with far less than she had earned playing poker.
Reinvention and “Molly’s Game”
But despite the setback, Molly Bloom turned her misfortune into success. She wrote a memoir titled Molly’s Game, which was about running high stakes poker games. This memoir was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2017, which was directed by Aaron Sorkin with Jessica Chastain playing Bloom. The film made her story known worldwide and resurrected her public image.
Although her earnings from the book and film adaptation were not in millions, Molly’s Game was a new beginning for her. As of today, Bloom does motivational speaking – telling people about resilience, failure, and redemption. She runs other entrepreneurial ventures that help people overcome setbacks and create their own paths to success.
