Bet365's Big Gamble: Possible Sale or IPO in the US for billion-dollar Sports Betting Titan
A billionaire family's decision could shake up the online gambling world.
Bet365's sports betting firm could be on the verge of a billion-dollar swap, as the Coates family considers the deal.
By Yannick Schroth, Edited by Angela Burke, Published on: 05.05.2025. Updated on: 29.05.2025.
- Rumors swirl about Bet365's potential sale or IPO and a lucrative 9 billion GBP valuation
- Strategic moves and market exits aimed at wooing US investors
Billionaire Bet: Bet365's Monumental Valuation on the Table
According to widespread media reports, the enigmatic Coates family holds the reins of sports betting empire, Bet365, and is now entertaining the prospect of a full or partial sale, with a staggering estimated valuation of around 9 billion GBP (roughly 10.6 billion EUR) on the table [1][3].
Under the watchful eye of investment banks and shrewd advisors, talks have been ongoing, exploring various strategic options such as a partial sale to private equity investors, or a high-profile Initial Public Offering (IPO) on a prestigious US stock exchange [1].
Though no decision has been sealed, the negotiation process is said to be in an advanced stage [1]. Beyond the typical IPO or partial sale, a potential spin-off of individual company segments could be on the cards, allowing certain business sectors to operate independently [1][3].
Operational Refinement and International Growth
In the words of industry observers, a combination of strategic and personal factors may be fueling these moves. Leading the charge is Denise Coates, 57 and holding an impressive 58% stake in the company. Boasting a net worth of billions, Coates has been making waves with a string of astute moves: withdrawing Bet365 from the contentious Chinese market in March 2025, and transferring control of the family-owned football club, Stoke City FC, to her brother John [1][5].
Bet365: From Small Town Beginnings to Global Giant
Launching from a simple office container in the humble English town of Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 ascended to online betting royalty in a mere two decades, under the guidance of Denise Coates [1][5]. Commanding an enviable roster of over 7,000 employees worldwide, the company now plies its trade in over 20 jurisdictions, including Europe, South America, and across 13 US states [1][5].
Key figures and facts at a glance:
- Establishment: 2000 by Denise Coates in Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Ownership: Denise Coates owns 58%, with the remaining shares held by the Coates family
- Employees: Over 7,000 worldwide
- International Footprint: Active in over 20 jurisdictions, such as Germany, Spain, Argentina, and numerous US states
- Sponsorship: Sponsoring Stoke City FC, as well as the UEFA Champions League since 2024
- Technological Edge: Pioneer in live bets (In-Play), now a cornerstone of the offering
- Regulatory Compliance: Imposes a fine of 582,120 GBP in April 2024 for breaches of anti-money laundering regulations [1]
These moves signal a calculated effort to align Bet365 with the expectations of US investors and position the company as a strong contender in the budding US market [1][5].
Financial Prospects and Expected Windfall
In fiscal 2023-2024, Bet365 reported an impressive 9% increase in revenue to £3.72 billion (around €4.36 billion) and a pre-tax profit of £626.6 million (around €735 million) - a remarkable turnaround following a loss in the previous year [1][5].
Should Bet365 take the path of an IPO, it would represent the largest listing of a gambling company ever, suggesting that online gambling is now de facto mainstream [1][5]. Experts believe that the IPO could set a new valuation benchmark for competitors, such as Flutter and Entain, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape [1][5].
A United States listing, however, would also significantly boost the company's reporting requirements, a stark departure from its previously low-profile culture [1][5].
The Future: New Ownership or Continued Domination?
With prospects unfolding, it remains uncertain whether a sale will truly materialize. The Coates family, as the sole owners, can afford to bide their time and assess the market for the optimal selling point. With intense market competition and the burgeoning US market inviting new players like DraftKings, expect Bet365 to make a major move in the near future [1][5].
Paul Leyland, industry analyst, speculates that Coates may be preparing Bet365 for a new stage of development by opting for a sale rather than letting the company stagnate [1][5]. The cards are still up in the air, folks. Only time will tell if the Coates family will take Bet365 to the next level or pass the torch to new owners. Stay tuned for more developments in this epic tale of online sports betting and corporate strategy.
[1] The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/05/bet365-family-considers-sale-as-value-tops-9bn[2] CNBC - https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/bet365-mulling-us-ipo-or-sale-of-part-or-all-of-company.html[3] Financial Times - https://www.ft.com/content/abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234[4] Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-bet365-family-sale/bet365-family-considers-full-or-partial-sale-of-sports-betting-provider-idUSKBN2M41MU[5] Sports Business Journal - https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/20250510/Israels-Column/Bet365.aspx
- What about the Coates family's decision to potentially sell or IPO Bet365 could affect the world of sports betting and sports, in general?
- It's interesting to consider how the US market and American sports could benefit from Bet365's possible entry, should a sale or IPO occur.
