Business
Bet365 Owners Reportedly Explore Partial or Full Sale
In a development shaking up the global gambling landscape, reports suggest the Coates family—the powerhouse owners of bet365—is actively exploring a potential sale of part or all of the company.
According to The Guardian, the Coates family has engaged in exploratory discussions with Wall Street banks and US financial analysts to assess strategic options. Among the scenarios reportedly under consideration are a partial sale to private equity investors or even a blockbuster IPO on the US stock market.
The move comes after an impressive financial year for bet365. In 2024, the company reported a £3.72 billion turnover, reflecting a 9% year-on-year growth. However, alongside this financial upswing, the company also made a dramatic exit from major Asian markets, including China, in March 2024, redirecting its focus toward the Americas.
Notably, bet365 recently expanded its footprint in the US, entering the Tennessee and Illinois markets after making a Q1 debut in Peru. With operations now live in 13 US states, the company is poised to accelerate its American growth strategy.
Industry analysts value bet365 at approximately £9 billion ($12 billion), making any potential sale or IPO one of the most significant moves in recent online gambling history. A sale could unlock massive capital for further expansion, while a US stock market listing would boost bet365’s visibility and access to investors eager to back global gaming giants.
For stakeholders, regulators, and competitors alike, these developments are worth close monitoring. A change in ownership structure could reshape bet365’s global strategy, affect competitive dynamics, and potentially open new innovation or partnership avenues.
As the Coates family evaluates its next move, industry players should prepare for potential ripple effects. Whether it’s a private equity stake, IPO, or full acquisition, any transaction involving one of the world’s largest online gambling companies will likely reshape market dynamics and intensify the race for global dominance.
Bet365 Owners Reportedly Eye Partial or Full Sale Amid Strategic Global Expansion
Key Points
- Exploratory Talks: The Coates family is reportedly in discussions with Wall Street banks about a partial or full sale.
- Massive Valuation: Industry estimates peg bet365’s value at around £9 billion ($12 billion).
- Strategic Expansion: Following exits from Asia, bet365 is focusing heavily on the Americas, with recent US and Peruvian launches.
What’s Behind bet365’s Potential Sale?
The rumors swirling around bet365’s potential sale signal a major strategic shift. Long considered one of the most influential privately held gambling companies, bet365’s success has been largely driven by the Coates family, particularly Denise Coates, who transformed the business into a global juggernaut.
However, recent market dynamics are reshaping the online gambling landscape. In March, bet365 made headlines by withdrawing from China, often seen as a high-risk “dark grey” market due to its unregulated nature. While China, Hong Kong, and Macau present vast opportunities, they also come with considerable legal and compliance risks.
By shifting focus to the Americas, bet365 is targeting more regulated, scalable, and profitable markets. Its rapid US expansion—now active in 13 states—signals a long-term commitment to American growth. Additionally, its entrance into Peru taps into the booming Latin American betting scene.
A partial sale to private equity could provide fresh capital to supercharge this expansion, while an IPO would unlock broader investor support and raise global brand visibility. Either move would position bet365 to accelerate its competitive efforts in both mature and emerging markets.
The Coates family’s reported exploration of a partial or full sale of bet365 marks a pivotal moment for the global gambling industry. With a staggering £9 billion valuation and a stronghold in regulated markets, bet365 stands as one of the sector’s crown jewels. Whether through a private equity deal or a public offering, the company’s next move could reshape its future trajectory and send shockwaves across the global gaming landscape. Industry players and investors should watch closely—because whatever happens next, bet365 is about to make history.