Bet365's sports betting company faces potential sale scrutiny from the Coates family.
Headline: Bet365: The Billion-Dollar Bet Makes Its Splash
By Yannick Schroth, Edited by Angela Burke, Published on: 05.05.2025, Updated on: 10.06.2025.
- The Coates Family Ponders a Billion-Dollar Move with Bet365
- Selling or IPO in the USA: A $12 Billion Stake in the Game
- Withdrawal from China: Stepping off the Chessboard, and into Wall Street
Billions at Play: A Potential Bet365 Sale or IPO
Whispers of a major shakeup echo through the gambling world, as the mighty Bet365 prepares to take its multi-billion-dollar bet on the even bigger stage - Wall Street. The British Coates family, Bet365's monetary titans, are discussing the sale of their colossal online betting behemoth, which could potentially fetch around $12 billion [1][3].
The stage is set for a series of high-stakes meetings with US investment banks and advisors - the possible scene for talks about an initial public offering (IPO) on a US exchange or a partial sale to private equity investors [1]. While the final decision is yet to be made, the strategic dance has reached an advanced phase.
Strategic Moves and Personal Endeavors: The Board's New Game
Behind the potential sale, there might be a blend of tactical and personal reasons. The 57-year-old, billionaire Denise Coates, CEO of Bet365, has recently orchestrated several strategic moves [1]. She withdrew the power from the family-owned football club, Stoke City FC, giving control to her brother John, and said goodbye to the lucrative Chinese market in March 2025 [1]. This move might be an effort to make the betting giant more appealing to US investors, as they tend to shy away from businesses implicated in controversial jurisdictions [1].
Bet365: A Two-Decade Journey from Small-Town Best to Billion-Dollar Betting Behemoth
From a humble office container nestled in the English town of Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 climbed the ranks and scaled the heights to be one of the largest online betting providers in the world. Led by Denise Coates, who ranks among the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the UK today, the company now stands on the verge of its next big leap: a billion-dollar sale or public offering [1].
Key points and facts at a glance:
- Foundation: 2000, born from the vision of Denise Coates in Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Share Ownership: Denise Coates holds 58% of the shares, while the remainder is primarily owned by other Coates family members
- Employee Count: Over 7,000 employees worldwide
- Global Footprint: Active in more than 20 jurisdictions, including key markets like Germany, Spain, Argentina, and the US
- Sponsoring: Stoke City FC and the UEFA Champions League official partner since 2024
- Technological edge: In-house technological power, pioneering live betting technology
- Regulatory Brushes:uk Gambling Commission imposed a £582,120 fine on Bet365 for regulatory violations in 2024 [1]
These strategic initiatives could pave the way for a deal with US investors. In particular, stepping out of China hints at a focus on "core markets and regions offering long-term, sustainable profitability" [1].
Gambling Online: Betting Big in the US, Brazil, and Peru
With the growing interest in US markets, Bet365 has amped up its presence in regulated territories, such as the US, Brazil, and Peru. Already active in 13 US states, Bet365 has formed strategic partnerships, including one with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team in Missouri [1].
Financial Standing and Valuation: Ready to Cash Out?
Financial numbers tell a winning story for Bet365. For fiscal year 2023-24, the company reported an annual revenue of £3.7 billion (around $4.76 billion) and an impressive pre-tax profit of £626.6 million (around $821.9 million) - a leap from a loss the previous year [1]. Should the company opt for an IPO on a US exchange, it would take the title of the largest gambling company listing globally, potentially indicating that online gambling has officially come of age [1].
The Future: Will Bet365 Stick Around, or Hand Over the Reins?
Despite the tantalizing prospects, it remains unclear whether the sale will come to fruition. The Coates family, as the sole proprietors, isn't under pressure to act quickly and can take its time to explore all options. However, the ongoing industry maturation and increased competition, particularly from US giants such as DraftKings, suggest that Bet365 may be on the verge of its next growth phase under new management.
According to analyst Alun Bowden, "for years, people have been saying they'd love to invest in Bet365. Despite industry chatter that the company may be past its prime, it remains among the finest online sports betting companies globally" [1]. There is also speculation that personal considerations within the Coates family may influence the decision. Denise Coates will soon celebrate her 60th birthday, and this could be the moment for her to pass the reins to new leaders, following two decades of dynamic expansion [1].
References:
[1] Reuters (2025). Bet365 considering full or partial sale, possible IPO: Report. Retrieved from https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-bet365-m-a/bet365-considering-full-or-partial-sale-possible-ipo-report-idUKKCN2DB2X8
[2] The Guardian (2025). Bet365 business analysis – Zogblog. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/zogblog/2025/mar/15/bet365-business-analysis-zogblog
[3] Business Insider (2025). Bet365 is reportedly considering an IPO or sale partway through its billion-dollar growth story. Retrieved from https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/bet365-reportedly-considering-ipo-sale-billion-dollar-growth-story-denise-coates-2025-3-1030948331
What could the Coates family's decision on a potential sale or IPO of Bet365 mean for the finance and investing world, especially in the business of sports? With a valuation of up to $12 billion, such a move would significantly impact the gambling industry, potentially attracting US investors and paving the way for an initial public offering (IPO) on a US exchange. This strategic move could also signal a focus on core markets with long-term, sustainable profitability, such as the US, Brazil, and Peru, as the company strives to grow further in regulated territories.
