Bet365: The Multi-Billion Sale or IPO Gamble
Bet365 sports betting company faces potential multi-billion dollar acquisition by the Coates family.
Breaking News: The renowned Coates family, owners of the colossal online gambling powerhouse Bet365, are reportedly mulling over a full or partial sale. Valued at approximately 9 billion GBP (10.6 billion EUR), the sports betting juggernaut is enticing potential investors with a highly lucrative exit.
options on the Table
Rumors abound of strategic crossroads taken by the billionaire family. Talks with US investment banks and advisors have been happening, exploring avenues like an IPO on a US exchange, a partial sale to private equity investors, or even a spin-off of certain business units [1].
potential Motives
Both strategic and personal factors likely drive CEO Denise Coates's decision. The 57-year-old, holding 58% of shares and standing to gain over 5 billion GBP (5.9 billion EUR) in a sale, has been making waves in the industry. She's exited the legally precarious Chinese market in March 2025 and handed the reins of the family-owned Stoke City FC to her brother John [2].
see Bet365 Soar
From a modest office container in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 has risen to one of the largest online betting providers globally over the last two decades, under Denise Coates' visionary leadership. The company's growth could soon take another giant leap with this possible billion-dollar sale or IPO.
- Key figures and facts:
- Established in 2000 by Denise Coates
- Ownership: 58% held by Denise Coates, rest chiefly by other Coates family members
- Employees: Over 7,000 worldwide
- Jurisdictions active: Over 20, including Germany, Spain, Argentina, 13 US states
- Sponsorships: Long-time backer of Stoke City FC, official global partner of UEFA Champions League since 2024
- Technological prowess: Pioneered live betting (In-Play), now a cornerstone of the offer
- Regulatory issues: Fined 582,120 GBP (683,000 EUR) in April 2024 by the UK Gambling Commission for money laundering violations [2]
These moves might signal the Coates family's readiness for a deal with US investors, hoping to avoid potential risks from questionable overseas activities during an IPO. Beyond this, Bet365 has also boosted its presence in regulated markets such as the US, Brazil, and Peru [1].
Financials promising
Financially, Bet365 is in robust health. For the fiscal year ending March 2024, the company reported a 9% revenue increase to 3.72 billion GBP (4.36 billion EUR) and a pre-tax profit of 626.6 million GBP (735 million EUR)—a positive rebound following a previous loss [2]. A US IPO would make Bet365 the world’s largest gambling company listing and set a new standard for valuing competitors like Flutter or Entain [1].
Meanwhile, an IPO would significantly increase disclosure requirements, a stark departure from the company's traditionally low-profile culture.
a new era or stagnation?
The uncertainty hangs whether this sale will actually transpire. However, the growing market maturity and mounting competitive pressure, notably from US giants like DraftKings, suggest that Bet365 could be on the cusp of a new growth phase under different leadership [1].
Analysts have long been enamored with Bet365, viewing it as one of the finest online sports betting companies globally. Many speculate that the Coates family may be ready to pass the reins after two decades of rapid growth, ushering in a new chapter for this betting titan. [2]
[Sources][1] “US investment banks eye stake in Bet365 as it considers $12bn sale” - Reuters - Link[2] “Bet365 sale talks underway as family weighs billion-pound exit” - The Guardian - Link[3] “Founded in 2000 by Denise Coates” - Bet365.com - About Us[4] “Key figures and facts” - Prepared by Assistant
- The Coates family may potentially list Bet365 on a US exchange through an IPO, making it the world’s largest gambling company listing and setting a new standard for valuing competitors.
- An IPO could significantly increase disclosure requirements for Bet365, contrasting with the company's traditionally low-profile culture.
- Particularly in the German market, Bet365 has been supporting the growth of online casinos, attracting more consumers with its sports betting offerings.
- If implemented, the IPO could allow for fresh investments that promises funding for new business strategies, modernization, and expansion into emerging markets.
- Analysts consider Bet365 to be one of the finest online sports betting companies globally, especially with its pioneering live betting (In-Play) feature that has become a cornerstone of the offer, drawing in customers from across the globe.
