Bet365 sports betting company faces potential sale, under scrutiny by Coates family for a proposed multi-billion dollar deal.
Breaking News: Bet365: The Possible Sale or US IPO of the Giant Sports Betting Company
The Coates Family Considering Options, Valuation of £9 Billion, and Distance from China for US Appeal
Bet365's Potential Mega-Deal
Reports swirl that the legendary British betting titan, Bet365, could undergo a shakeup, with the Coates family weighing full or partial sale options or a potential IPO on a US exchange, according to The Guardian [Link in English]. If this multibillion-pound deal goes through, it could shape the future of online gambling.
Talks with Wall Street banks and advisors about these strategic moves have already commenced, with a valuation of around £9 billion (roughly €10.6 billion) on the table. While a decision hasn't been finalized, progress appears substantial. Alternative possibilities, such as a spin-off of individual business units, are also under consideration.
The Motives Behind Potential Changes
Industry analysts attribute the potential sale to both strategic and personal factors, with Denise Coates, the 57-year-old CEO, being a key figure. As she holds 58% of the shares, a sale would net her around £5 billion (approximately €5.9 billion). In recent months, Coates made headlines for significant actions: she left China's risky market in March 2025 and transferred control of Stoke City FC to her brother John.
Bet365's Rise to Betting Behemoth Status
Established in a container office in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 skyrocketed to become one of the world's top online betting providers in just two decades. Led by Denise Coates, who now ranks among the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the UK, the company could be poised for another significant transformation: a billion-dollar sale or public listing.
Key facts and figures:
- Origins: Founded in 2000 by Denise Coates in Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Ownership: Coates owns 58% of the shares, with the rest mainly held by other Coates family members
- Staff: Over 7,000 employees worldwide
- International Footprint: Present in 20+ jurisdictions, including Germany, Spain, Argentina, and 13 US states
- Sponsorship: Long-time sponsor of Stoke City FC and, since 2024, official global partner of UEFA Champions League
- Technological Strength: A pioneer in live betting (In-Play), now a cornerstone of its offering
- Regulatory Concerns: Faced a £582,120 (around €683,000) fine in April 2024 for breaching anti-money laundering regulations by the UK Gambling Commission
Cleaning Up Shop and International Expansion
Stepping away from the Chinese market could be part of a broader strategy to make Bet365 more appealing to US investors, hinting at a potential future deal. Furthermore, the company has bolstered its presence in regulated markets such as the United States, Brazil, and Peru, with 13 US states under its belt and partnerships like the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
The Financial Picture and Prospects
With a nine percent revenue increase to £3.72 billion (around €4.36 billion) and a pre-tax profit of £626.6 million (around €735 million) for the 2024 fiscal year, Bet365 is in a solid financial position. A US IPO could make it the world's largest listing for a gambling company, indicating that online gambling may have entered the mainstream. An IPO could even set a new valuation standard for competitors like Flutter and Entain, potentially influencing the market value of similar firms.
The Road Ahead: Retreat or New Beginnings?
Despite these exciting developments, it remains unclear whether a sale will materialize. The Coates family, as the sole owner, holds the reins and can take its time finding the optimal moment. As the market matures and competition intensifies, especially from US giants such as DraftKings, Bet365 may embark on its next growth phase under new leadership.
- What could potentially shape the future of online gambling is the possible sale or IPO of Bet365 on a US exchange, a multibillion-pound deal that could make it the world's largest listing for a gambling company.
- The rumored sale of Bet365 might involve strategic decisions in finance and investing, with Esther Coates considering options such as a US IPO to make the company more appealing to US investors, given that she left China's risky market in March 2025. The decision may also rival other giants in the sports and investing sectors, such as DraftKings.
