The Coates Family Contemplates a Big Move for Bet365: Sale or IPO
The Coates clan is exploring a potential megadeal for sports wagering corporation Bet365, aiming for billions.
In the ever-evolving world of online sports betting, the British Coates family is considering a major shake-up for their multi-billion pound empire – Bet365. Rumors swirl about a potential full or partial sale, an IPO on a US exchange, or even the division of certain business units.
According to recent reports, the billionaire family is preparing for strategic discussions with US investment banks and advisors. Valuations of up to £9 billion (roughly €10.6 billion) are rumored to be on the table [Source A]. While no final decisions have been made yet, the process seems to be advanced.
Bet365: A Betting Empire Built on Ambition and Acumen
From a portable office container in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 has grown in just two decades to become one of the largest online betting providers globally. Led by Denise Coates, one of the UK's wealthiest entrepreneurs, the company could be on the brink of a monumental shift: a multi-billion-dollar sale or IPO.
Key figures and facts at a glance:
- Founding: 2000 by Denise Coates in Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Ownership: Denise Coates holds 58% of the shares, with the remaining shares held primarily by other Coates family members
- Employees: Over 7,000 worldwide
- International Presence: Active in over 20 jurisdictions, including Germany, Spain, Argentina, and 13 US states
- Sponsorship: Long-standing sponsor of Stoke City FC and the official global partner of the UEFA Champions League since 2024
- Technological Strength: A pioneer in live betting (In-Play), now a central part of the offering
- Regulatory Concerns: In April 2024, the UK Gambling Commission imposed a fine of £582,120 (approximately €683,000) on Bet365 for breaches of anti-money laundering provisions [Source B]
These developments could indicate preparation for a US deal with investors, with Bet365's exit from the Chinese market serving as an attempt to avoid potential risks that could complicate a US IPO. Additionally, Bet365 has strengthened its presence in regulated markets like the USA, Brazil, and Peru, expanding its operations in 13 US states [Source C].
A Lucrative Exit on the Horizon
Financially, the company is thriving. For the fiscal year ending March 2024, Bet365 reported a 9% increase in revenue to 3.72 billion GBP (around €4.36 billion) and a pre-tax profit of 626.6 million GBP (approximately €735 million) – a significant improvement following a loss in the previous year [Source C].
An IPO in the US could propel Bet365 to the ranks of the world's largest gambling company listings. Such a move could signal the mainstream acceptance of online gambling and establish a new valuation benchmark for competitors like Flutter and Entain [Source C]. However, an IPO would require increased disclosure, a substantial departure from the company's quiet corporate culture to date.
A New Chapter for Bet365: What Lies Ahead?
While the uncertainty surrounding a potential sale or IPO remains, the increasing market maturity and growing competitive pressure from US giants like DraftKings suggest that Bet365 may embark on its next growth stage under new leadership [Source C].
Moreover, personal considerations within the Coates family could also be at play, with Denise Coates' 60th birthday approaching. The occasion might serve as an opportunity to pass the company on to new hands after two decades of extraordinary growth. According to industry analyst Paul Leyland, Coates may be preparing Bet365 for the next stage of development rather than letting the company stagnate.
[Source A] - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/05/bet365-considers-sale-valuation-of-9bn[Source B] - https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/01/bet365-fined-582120-for-money-laundering[Source C] - https://www.independent.co.uk/business/i-am-bet365-family-coates-sale-denise-ipo-b2055834.html
- As Bet365 considers strategic options, such as a potential IPO on a US exchange or partial sale, the online casinos industry in Germany and other markets could see increased competition if the company expands its business in regulated markets.
- In the swift-paced world of online gambling, the pending decision of the Coates family (owners of Bet365) to proceed with a sale or IPO could impact the finance sector, not just in the UK, but also in international markets, such as Germany, where online casinos have become increasingly popular.
