With its huge success, you would think Bet365 has been around for ages, but the company was only founded in 2000. Its website is easy to use, offers good odds, offers many betting choices, and offers cool features like live streaming and in-play betting.
The Stoke-on-Trent, UK-based company has become a worldwide name for bettors. A recent report from Statista names Bet365 as the most valuable gambling company brand and made $4.02 billion in 2023. Where did it all start, and who founded this hugely successful betting company? Read on to find out.
- Website: Bet365.com
- Founded: 2000
- Founder: Denise Coates
- CEO: Denise Coates
- Status: Private
- Revenue: $4.3 billion
- Headquarters: Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Core Markets: Online Gambling
- Products: Bet365, Bet365 Casino, Bet365 Games, Bet365 Poker, Bet365 Live Casino, Bet365 Bingo, Bet365 Partners
History
Bet365’s history starts with a little family betting shop owned by the Coates family in 1974. Peter Coates, the father, began opening betting spots called ‘Provicinal Races’ at the time. In 1995 his daughter took over management and founded Bet365 in 2000.
John, Denise, and Peter Coates standing outside Bet365’s headquarters in Etruria (Credit: Stokesentinel).
In March 2001, it officially launched its online platform before selling off the betting shop chain for £40 million to Coral to settle the loan. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, entering new markets and across the Atlantic to Bueno Aires, the US and Canada.
Early Years and Expansion – The Highlights (2000-2010)
- 2000: Denise Coates started Bet365 and began developing a sports betting website.
- March 2001: Bet365 launches an online sports betting platform.
- 2005: Sells betting shop chain to Coral for £40 million.
- 2006: Introduces live streaming.
- 2008: Launches first Bingo Website, broadcasts live odds.
- 2010: Debuts mobile website, wins “Operator of the Year,” tops eGaming Review rankings.
Global Expansion and Innovations (2011-2023)
- 2011: Streams 18,000+ events, opens Sydney office, remains top in eGaming Review.
- 2012: Launches first app, expands to Australia, Spain, Denmark, opens Darwin office.
- 2012 (May): Becomes Stoke City FC shirt sponsor for 3 years.
- 2013: Reaches new milestone of 10 million customers.
- 2014: Introduces Cash Out, launches in Italy.
- 2016: Expands to Cyprus, Bulgaria.
- 2017: Wins EGR Operator of the Year Award.
- 2018: Launches in Estonia.
- 2019: Enters Sweden, US market via New Jersey.
- 2021: Redesigns websites and adds American Football.
- 2022: Introduces Fantasy, Free Games, launches in Buenos Aires, Ontario, Colorado.
- 2022: Wins SBC Bookmaker of the Year for the third time.
- 2023: Partners with US casinos and goes live in Ohio, Virginia, and Iowa.
Recent Developments (2024)
- Jan-Feb 2024: Launches in Indiana (French Lick Resort), Arizona (Ak-Chin Indian Community).
- March 2024: Partners with Charlotte Hornets for North Carolina.
- Today: Available in 10 US states: NJ, CO, OH, VA, IA, KY, LA, IN, AZ, and NC.
Financial Overview
In 2018, Bet365’s revenue hit $3.4 billion, ranking second among betting companies, according to the Financial Times. Bet365’s profit as of March 2019 was over $900 million, and its revenues were expected to reach $4 billion in 2022. However, this only came true in 2023, when it made $4.02 billion.
Despite a 19% increase in revenue to $4.02 billion in 2023, Bet365 reported a $92.43 million loss. The loss is due to its rapid expansion into Atlantic markets. Some of these rose from the expanding 26% increase in headcount to 7,567 and high investment in infrastructure.
Although sports betting and iGaming revenues increased by 15% and 31%, respectively. The figure resulted in a 29% rise in active customers. Higher costs resulted in operating loss. Bet365 focused on quality in iGaming and significant growth in the US market.
Gambling Brands Owned by Bet365
These are the brands currently owned by the Bet365 company:
1. Bet365
Bet365 is native platform that was formed in 2000 as a bookmaker. Its sportsbook coversover 1.2 million sports events yearly, with 600,000+ live streams on the site. You’ll find a variety of sports events across the world, including American Football, Soccer, and Basketball. It also features Daily Fantasy Sports and eSports.
2. Bet365 Casino
Bet365 casino offers games from top-tier industry software providers like NetEnt and Microgaming, Playtech, and Blueprint Gaming. The casino has a variety of table games, online slots, and other casino classics.
3. Bet365 Games
Bet365 Games differs slightly from the Bet365 casino as it offers a broader variety of games across more genres. Bet365 Games provides over 2000 games from more than 70 different providers. These include Megaways, Originals, and even arcade-style games that seem out of place in a standard casino setting.
4. Bet365 Poker
Bet365 Poker features exclusive “Premium Tables” for players and a fixed welcome bonus. It also offers limited cash game choices and frequent micro-stakes tournaments. Bet365 guarantees over weekly in tournaments and Sit & Go’s.
5. Bet365 Live Casino
Bet365 Live Casino has 120 tables across five studios worldwide. You can play exclusive live casino games like bet365 Super Spin Roulette Live using Playtech software. It also has tables dedicated to Live Blackjack and Live Roulette. Popular titles in the catalog include Adventures Beyond Wonderland, Baccarat, Blackjack, and Mega Fire Blaze Lucky Ball.
Quantum Roulette and Sic Bo Deluxe have win multipliers. The Deal or No Deal – The Big Draw also features a Bingo side bet. The main limitation is that it exclusively uses Playtech software.
6. Bet365 Bingo
Bet365 Bingo offers over $2.4 million in monthly prizes across 20 themed rooms. It boasts excellent bonuses without wagering requirements and won Best New Bingo Site at the WhichBingo Awards 2023. In addition, you have 24/7 live chat support, a mobile app, and fee-free payments,
7. Bet365 Partners
Bet365 offers the world’s best betting affiliate programme, Bet365 Partners. This is not just a statement; it backs this up with several wins at the Global Gaming Awards London, including the most recent in 2023. The in-house Partner Programme offers 16 language options and a dedicated team for top-tier service.
Legality around the World
Bet365 is a well-known platform authorized to operate in over 150 countries, including Germany, Italy, and South Africa. It holds licenses from the UKGC, Swedish Gambling Authority, Malta Gaming Authority, and Estonian Tax and Customs Board. After the overturning of PASPA in 2018, Bet365 expanded into the US market, offering services in at least ten states.
While it may be available in other countries, not mentioned here, it’s important to note that gambling is illegal in some countries. Before accessing the website, always check the jurisdiction’s online gambling laws.
Biggest Competitors in the Industry
Bet365 faces intense competition in online gambling from several significant players locally and globally. Here are its three biggest competitors:
1. DraftKings
DraftKings controls a relatively large share of the US sports betting industry, over $10 billion. On March 7, the company announced the launch of its online sportsbook in North Carolina. With the sportsbook launch in North Carolina, the sportsbook is now available in Canada, Ontario, and 27 US states.
The sportsbook offers various betting markets and features such as same-game parlays, exceptional odds boosts, and in-game betting. The platform is safe and regulated to provide customers access to responsible gaming.
2. William Hill
William Hill is a long-standing British bookmaker with a significant online presence. It operates two core brands, William Hill and Mr. Green, and offers sports betting, casino games, and more. William Hill is known for its retail sports betting shops and strong brand recognition in the UK.
3. Flutter Entertainment
Formerly Paddy Power Betfair, Flutter Entertainment is a significant player in the global gambling market and the 589th most valuable company by market cap. It’s known for its innovative marketing, extensive sportsbook offerings, and online casino games. Though the UK and Ireland markets account for over 30% of its revenues, it has a considerable stake in the US and Australian markets.
Conclusion
Despite facing some financial challenges, such as reporting a loss in 2023, Bet365 continues to grow and expand into new markets. It is a leader in the online gaming industry and is known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Bet365 competes with companies like DraftKings, William Hill, and Flutter Entertainment.