Bet365, the UK’s leading privately held betting firm, is reportedly exploring a major sale or US listing. Such a move could value the company at £9 billion and reshape the global online betting landscape.
According to reports from The Guardian, informal discussions are underway within the Coates family, which has owned bet365 for over two decades. Options on the table include a partial sale to private equity, a full sale, or a future flotation on the US stock market. Wall Street banks and advisers are said to be involved in early-stage talks.
bet365 Sale – IPO or Private Equity?
Sources indicate that one of the most likely outcomes could be a partial sale, in which the family would retain control while introducing outside capital—a strategy often used to prepare for an eventual IPO. A listing in the United States would give bet365 access to a larger pool of investors in a fast-growing regulated betting market.
Founder and CEO Denise Coates, who owns 58% of the business, could reportedly net over £5 billion if an entire sale goes ahead — a figure that would mark one of the largest personal payouts in UK business history.
Global Refocus: Exit from China, Pivot to the US
Speculation surrounding the potential sale gained traction earlier this year after bet365 exited the Chinese market due to a gambling ban. While bet365 has long defended its position as a legal offshore operator, the move away from China has been viewed as a strategic realignment ahead of a possible sale or float.
Denise Coates also handed over control of Stoke City FC to brother John Coates, another sign that the group may be streamlining operations in preparation for external investment.
Industry analysts say the company is now focused on scaling in regulated markets, including the United States and Brazil. It currently holds licences in 13 US states and continues to seek expansion.
Financial Strength as Sale Looms
The bet365 sale follows a strong financial turnaround. According to a January Companies House filing, bet365 reported £3.72 billion in revenue for the year ending March 2024 — a 9% increase year-on-year. The company also bounced back into profit, reporting £626.6 million pre-tax profit, compared to a £12.4 million loss the previous year.
Still, analysts note the company’s once-dominant position in in-play betting is now under pressure. Regulus Partners recently pointed to declining VIP activity and increased competition in mature EU markets, warning that Bet365 may be “losing market share rapidly” as the industry shifts.
bet365 Sale – What It Means for the Industry
If the bet365 sale goes ahead, it could mark the end of an era for one of Britain’s most successful privately-owned companies — and set the stage for a significant shakeup in the global gambling industry.
An IPO would put the business in direct competition with listed rivals like Flutter Entertainment, DraftKings, and Entain. At the same time, a private equity deal could offer the Coates family a way to retain involvement while unlocking capital.
What’s clear is this: after two decades of growth, a move away from grey markets, and a renewed focus on regulated expansion, bet365 is entering a new phase — and the outcome could reshape the sector for years to come.