Betfred and bet365 Owners Rank Among Top UK Taxpayers

The UK’s gambling giants, Betfred and bet365, dominate the top taxpayer rankings for 2025.

Fred and Peter Done of Betfred claimed second place, with the Coates family of bet365 following in third.

Together, they contributed over £538 million, showcasing the immense financial impact of the UK gambling industry.

Explore how these tax figures reflect the sector’s success and its role in driving national revenue.

Betfred and bet365 Owners Among Top 3 UK Taxpayers in 2025

3 Key Points:

1. Betfred’s Tax Contribution: Fred and Peter Done paid £273.4 million in taxes, climbing two spots on the list.
2. Bet365’s Continued Leadership: Denise, John, and Peter Coates paid £265 million, holding steady in third place.
3. Gambling Industry Impact: Combined, the two families contributed more than £538 million to the UK government in 2025.

The Times Tax List 2025 highlighted the significant contributions of the gambling industry to the UK economy. Owners of Betfred and bet365 secured second and third places, respectively, among the highest taxpayers.

Fred and Peter Done, along with their families, paid £273.4 million, a notable increase from their £204.6 million contribution in the previous year. Meanwhile, Denise, John, and Peter Coates, the family behind bet365, paid £265 million, maintaining their position from the 2024 list.

These contributions underscore the gambling sector’s financial influence, with its leaders consistently ranking among the country’s largest private taxpayers.

Chris Hohn Tops the List, But Gambling Stays Prominent

While the Done and Coates families dominated the gambling industry’s representation on the list, Chris Hohn, founder of the Children’s Investment Fund Management, secured the top spot. Hohn’s tax payment reached an impressive £339.5 million, surpassing both gambling families.

Still, the gambling industry’s presence in the rankings demonstrates its substantial economic role. The combined tax contributions of Betfred and bet365’s owners exceeded £538 million, playing a critical part in the country’s financial stability.

Gambling Revenue Trends in 2024

The latest tax figures come shortly after bet365’s FY2024 financial report, which revealed significant growth. The report highlighted improved profits, though Denise Coates’ pay saw a significant reduction during the period.

Similarly, Betfred’s annual report for 2023 showed a 25.6% increase in turnover, despite a 98.7% drop in operating profit. These figures reflect the dynamic nature of the gambling industry, with growth tempered by operational challenges.

Good News for the Industry: No Gambling Duty Increase

The recent UK Budget brought some relief to the gambling sector, with no increase in gambling duties for operators. This decision ensures that companies like Betfred and bet365 can continue contributing significantly to the economy without facing additional tax burdens.

Gambling Industry Powers UK Economy

The dominance of Betfred and bet365 owners on the 2025 Times Tax List highlights the gambling industry’s critical role in supporting the UK economy. With combined tax contributions exceeding £538 million, Fred and Peter Done, alongside the Coates family, continue to lead by example.

As the sector grows, the impressive tax payments reflect both its economic success and its leaders’ commitment to fulfilling their fiscal responsibilities. Moving forward, the gambling industry remains a cornerstone of national revenue generation, balancing profitability with meaningful contributions to society.