Global sportsbook operator bet365 is reportedly mulling a potential or partial sale worth about £9 billion. The billionaire proprietors, Denise and John Coates, have started speaking with U.S. banks and advisers, as they consider strategic options for the group, according to information published by The Guardian.
Key Takeaways
- bet365 may sell or float publicly, with valuation estimates nearing £9 billion, reports suggest
- Co-founder Denise Coates could earn over £5 billion based on her 58% ownership stake
- An exit from China signals a shift toward regulated markets, aligning with potential U.S. investor expectations
The negotiations include forestalling a sale to a private equity buyer in whole or in part before it is floated more widely on the public market. The sources say the group is considering a number of options, including a sale in whole or in part and an IPO, which would be a milestone for the privately held company.
Denise Coates, the company's CEO and Britain’s richest woman, remains the largest shareholder with a 58% stake. Over the past two decades, the company has grown to become a leader in the global online betting industry, with operations across Europe, Latin America, North America, and elsewhere.
Based on her equity position, a sale at the suggested valuation would entitle Coates to a windfall of more than £5 billion.
Financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2024, indicate that bet365 registered revenues worth £3.7 billion. The company reported an incredible reversal of fortune, from a loss of £72.6 million to a pre-tax profit of £596.3 million.
Even as successful as it is, more recent strategic movements have questioned the company's future direction. In March 2025, bet365 withdrew from China to focus on key markets that ensure sustainable long-term income and uphold its operational abilities.
bet365's shifting priorities
Some see the withdrawal from China, with its complex regulatory mechanisms, as a cautious move to align with U.S. investor sentiment. They are inclined to be cautious of firms with operations in nations with uncertain regulatory frameworks.
bet365 has a license to operate gambling in more than a dozen jurisdictions, and its international regulatory compliance reach has been a significant growth driver worldwide. This provides a solid foundation upon which to sustain future growth in more highly regulated and investor-friendly markets such as the U.S.
Coates is known for her business skills and substantial personal income. She received a payment of £158.7 million in the previous year, down from £207.7 million. She was at the center of controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic when she received a £469 million pay package - the largest ever in the U.K.
Industry experts have been guessing for years about the future of bet365, particularly as the broader gambling industry experiences consolidation and regulation. An IPO or sale would be one of the largest developments in the company's 25-year history and could reshape the online betting market globally.
The company has not commented publicly on the talks or its strategic strategy, but any move toward a sale or flotation would be a major milestone for bet365.
