Reports: Coates Family Considering Partial or Full Sale of bet365

According to The Guardian, the family has been in discussions with Wall Street banks and US-based financial advisers, evaluating options that include both a partial sale to private equity and a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the United States.

The talks, still at a preliminary stage, come at a time when bet365 is reportedly valued at approximately £9bn ($12bn), highlighting the scale of what could be one of the most significant transactions in the online betting sector in recent years. Industry speculation has intensified in light of these developments, particularly as the company continues to reshape its global strategy.

In FY2024, bet365 reported a strong financial performance, with turnover reaching £3.72bn — a 9% increase year-on-year. However, this growth phase coincided with a major strategic shift: in March, the company officially exited the Chinese market, widely regarded within the industry as a ‘dark grey’ zone due to its lack of clear regulation outside of regions like Hong Kong and Macau.

Following its withdrawal from Asia, bet365 has increasingly focused on the Americas. March saw the brand make its US market debut in both Tennessee and Illinois, building on its earlier Q1 launch in Peru. With operations now spanning 13 US states, the company has positioned itself to further capitalize on the growing North and South American betting markets, while maintaining a robust presence in the UK and other regulated regions.

Though no deal has been finalized, the potential for a stake sale or IPO underscores a pivotal moment for the Stoke-on-Trent-based operator. A partial sale to a private equity firm or listing on a US exchange would mark a significant evolution in bet365’s corporate journey. As speculation continues, Gambling Insider has reached out to bet365 for comment, but no official statement has yet been made.