Bet365: The Multi-Billion Pound Bet on a US IPO
Bet365 sports betting company faces potential sale through Coates family investigation.
In the world of online gambling, Bet365, a name synonymous with sports betting, is making headlines with a tantalizing prospect - a potential sale or IPO worth up to £9 billion.
Owned by the Billionaire Coates FamilyThe online gambling giant, Bet365, is in the hands of the Coates family - billionaire business tycoons who have steered the company to success.
According to recent reports in the media [1][2], the Coates family is considering a full or partial sale of Bet365, with a whopping valuation of around £9 billion (approximately $12 billion) under consideration. This valuation could see the family pocket a staggering sum, with CEO Denise Coates, who owns 58% of the shares, potentially receiving over £5 billion if a sale materializes.
Strategic Talks with US Investment Banks and AdvisorsDiscussions with US investment banks and advisors regarding strategic options such as an IPO on a US exchange or a partial sale to private equity investors have already taken place [1]. This suggests that the family is seriously considering a move that could change the landscape of the online gambling industry.
Exit Strategy or Preparation for Growth?
The potential exit of Bet365 raises questions. Is this a strategic move by the Coates family to cash out on their substantial investment, or is it a prelude to a new phase of growth?
Recent strategic moves by Denise Coates indicate the latter. In March 2025, she withdrew Bet365 from the Chinese market and handed over control of the family-owned football club Stoke City FC to her brother John. These moves could be interpreted as preparation for a deal with US investors, especially in light of the withdrawal from the Chinese market, which could help avoid potential risks during an IPO in the US.
A Global Sports Betting Giant
From a modest office container in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 has grown exponentially over two decades to become one of the largest online betting providers in the world [3]. Led by Denise Coates, the company may soon embark on its next significant step - a billion-dollar sale or IPO.
Dynamic Growth and Strong Financial PerformanceFor the fiscal year ending March 2024, Bet365 reported a 9% increase in revenue to £3.72 billion (around $4.36 billion) and a pre-tax profit of £626.6 million (approximately $735 million) - a significant recovery after a loss in the previous year [3]. An IPO would make Bet365 the largest listing of a gaming company worldwide, signaling that online gambling has finally gone mainstream.
Shifting Focus: From China to Regulated Markets
The withdrawal from China is part of a broader strategy by Bet365 to focus on regulated markets. The company has increased its presence in markets such as the US, Brazil, and Peru, and is now active in 13 US states. It has also formed new partnerships, such as with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team in Missouri [3].
A New Era for Bet365?
The potential sale or IPO presents a unique opportunity for Bet365. However, it's unclear whether a sale will actually take place, as the Coates family, as sole owners, are under no pressure to act and can take their time to find the optimal moment.
With increased market maturity and growing competitive pressure, especially from US giants like DraftKings, it seems that Bet365 might be preparing for a new era under new auspices, ready to stake its claim as a market leader in the global gambling industry.
Sources:
[1] The Guardian - [Link][2] Financial Times - [Link][3] Bloomberg - [Link][4] Reuters - [Link][5] CNBC - [Link]
- "Bet365, the multi-billion pound online gambling giant, is exploring the prospect of an IPO on a US exchange, marking a potential shift in their focus and strategic direction, especially in the competitive US market."
- "Investors looking beyond traditional markets may find interest in companies like Bet365, which have leveraged technology to expand their online presence in the sports sector, with significant growth opportunities in regulated markets worldwide."
