Molly Bloom (author)

Molly Bloom is an American entrepreneur, speaker, and author best known for her memoir Molly's Game, which details her experiences running a high-stakes underground poker game for celebrities, business moguls, and athletes.

Bloom grew up in Loveland, Colorado, excelling in academics and athletics, particularly skiing. She was ranked third in North America in moguls skiing before a serious injury ended her Olympic aspirations. After recovering, she decided to take a year off before attending law school. She moved to Los Angeles where she began working as an assistant and became involved in organizing poker games.

Over time, Bloom took over the running of the games and eventually established her own independent high-stakes poker operation. These games, held in exclusive locations in Los Angeles and later New York City, attracted a wealthy and influential clientele. The poker games operated for several years until Bloom was investigated and charged with illegal gambling offenses.

Following her arrest, Bloom cooperated with authorities and pleaded guilty to reduced charges. In 2014, she was sentenced to probation and community service.

Bloom subsequently wrote Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker, which was published in 2014. The memoir became a bestseller and was adapted into a film of the same name, directed by Aaron Sorkin, which was released in 2017. The film further increased Bloom's public profile.

Since then, Bloom has worked as a speaker and consultant, focusing on topics such as overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship, and ethical decision-making. She has also written a second book, Reach for the Sky: Lessons and Inspiration from a Mogul Mile, published in 2024, focusing on strategies for achievement and resilience.