Bet365 sports betting company might be subject to a substantial sale, with the Coates family considering the possibility.
Going Big: Bet365's Potential Sale or US IPO
Sports Betting Giant Valued at a Whopping £9 Billion
Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, CNN Business
Could Bet365 be the Biggest Gambling IPO Ever?
The British Coates family is rumored to be considering a sale or IPO for their online gambling behemoth, Bet365, reportedly valuing the company at an eye-popping £9 billion (approximately €10.5 billion). This move could make Bet365 the largest gambling IPO in history and signal a major shift in the industry.
Multiple media reports suggest that talks with US investment banks and advisors about a possible IPO, partial sale to private equity, or spin-offs of individual business units have already taken place. While no definitive decision has been made, the process is said to be in its final stages.
Bracing for Change: Preparing for a US Investor Takeover
Market analysts believe that both personal and strategic reasons could be driving CEO Denise Coates to consider this major move. Denise, who owns a staggering 58% of the shares, could potentially earn up to £5 billion (approximately €5.8 billion) in the event of a sale.
In recent years, Denise has made several strategic moves to prepare Bet365 for a potential US investor takeover. In March 2025, the company left the Chinese market, eliminating a potentially risky point of contention for future investors. She has also passed control of the family-owned football club, Stoke City FC, to her brother John.
The Rise of Bet365: A Success Story
From its humble beginnings in an office container in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 has grown in just two decades to become one of the largest online betting providers worldwide. Led by Denise Coates, who is now one of the UK's richest entrepreneurs, the company may be on the cusp of its next big move: a billion-dollar sale or IPO.
Key facts and figures:
- Founded: 2000 in Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Ownership: Denise Coates holds 58% of the shares, with the remainder primarily owned by other Coates family members
- Employees: Over 7,000 internationally
- Presence: Active in more than 20 jurisdictions, including Germany, Spain, Argentina, and 13 US states
- Sponsorship: Long-term sponsor of Stoke City FC and official global partner of the UEFA Champions League since 2024
- Technological Strength: Pioneer in live betting (In-Play)
- Regulatory Issues: In April 2024, the UK Gambling Commission imposed a fine of £582,120 (around €683,000) on Bet365 for breaches of anti-money laundering regulations
These strategic moves could indicate that Bet365 is positioning itself for an imminent deal with US investors, particularly given its withdrawal from the Chinese market. The company has also been expanding its presence in regulated markets such as the US, Brazil, and Peru in recent years.
Lucrative Exit for the Coates Family?
Financially, Bet365 is thriving. For the fiscal year ending March 2024, the company reported a 9% increase in revenue to £3.72 billion (approximately €4.36 billion) and a pre-tax profit of £626.6 million (around €735 million)—a notable improvement after posting a loss in the previous year.
In the event of an IPO, Bet365 would become the world's largest gambling company on the stock market, potentially setting a new valuation benchmark for competitors like Flutter and Entain. An IPO would also significantly increase the company's disclosure requirements, a far cry from its previously private and low-key culture.
The Future of Bet365: What Lies Ahead?
Despite the excitement surrounding a potential sale or IPO, it remains unclear whether the Coates family will indeed part with the company they have nurtured for two decades. The family, as the sole owner, is under no pressure to act and can take its time to find the best possible outcome.
However, Bet365's significant market position and strong growth potential suggest that the company might be ready for a new chapter under new ownership. The increasing competitive pressure, particularly from US giants like DraftKings, underscores the need for Bet365 to maintain its position as a leader in the global sports betting market.
As one industry analyst put it, "for decades, people have been telling me that the only company they'd like to invest in is Bet365." Whether the Coates family decides to sell now or hold on for another day, one thing is clear: Bet365 remains one of the most valuable and coveted online sports betting companies in the world.
[1] The Guardian: Coates Family Considers Full or Partial Sale of Bet365[2] Reuters: Bet365's Coates Family Considering Sale of Sports Betting Giant[3] CNN Business: Bet365 Rumored to be Exploring Sale or IPO Options[4] Financial Times: Bet365 Stake Sale Could Yieldup to $6.96bn for Denise Coates[5] Associated Press: Bet365's Coates Family Exploring Sale, IPO Options
- Bet365's potential US IPO could position the online casinos giant as a major player in the American market, expanding its sports-focused offerings.
- If Bet365 goes ahead with an IPO, it could open up opportunities for strategic partnerships with sports teams or leagues in Germany and other international markets.
