Bet365 Pay: Denise Coates Earns £280m Despite Profit Drop

Published: 23 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Denise Coates, the billionaire founder of Bet365, received at least £280m in 2025 despite a sharp profit slump. Her Stoke-based gambling empire saw turnover rise to £4bn for the year ending March 2025, up from £3.7bn previously, while pre-tax profits nearly halved to £349m from £627m. Coates’s enormous pay included £104m in salary and dividends exceeding £176m, reflecting her majority stake in the company and bringing her total earnings to at least £280m.

The rise in turnover contrasted with significant increases in expenses, which grew by £325m as Bet365 reshaped its global operations. Expansion into the United States and South America was offset by the company’s withdrawal from China, where online betting remains illegal and its presence had been a source of controversy. Analysts noted that this strategic retreat was likely essential for complying with global regulatory requirements, especially in the US market where sports wagering has boomed since the Supreme Court lifted the ban in 2018.

Bet365 also recorded one-off restructuring costs of £59m linked to its market exits. Despite this, the company maintained aggressive growth in the US, now licensed in 16 states after entering five new jurisdictions over the past year. Coates’s leadership has been credited with navigating complex international markets while sustaining overall revenue growth, although her pay package has drawn criticism for its size.

Critics have highlighted the sheer scale of her remuneration, with some describing it as excessive, while others note that Coates pays her taxes fully and transparently, making her one of the UK’s largest individual contributors to the exchequer. Her commitment to philanthropy through the Denise Coates Foundation also continued, with the company donating £130m, although scrutiny has persisted regarding potential tax advantages linked to these contributions.

In addition to charitable giving, Bet365 provided financial support to Stoke City football club, which was demerged from the group and now operates under the stewardship of Coates’s brother, John. Previous reports suggested early discussions regarding a possible £9bn sale of the company, but these accounts made no mention of any ongoing negotiations.

The figures underscore Coates’s extraordinary influence in the gambling industry. Despite a dramatic drop in profits, her income surpassed the £150m drawn in the previous year but remained below her £469m record payout in 2021. Market observers emphasize that her success stems from a combination of bold expansion, strategic restructuring, and a willingness to exit problematic jurisdictions.

Bet365’s strategic withdrawal from China marks a critical pivot for the company. While it ceased taking bets there at the end of March, some associated exit costs may affect the current financial year. This move ensures compliance with international regulatory norms, particularly in the US, where the company continues to aggressively expand its licensed operations. Analysts suggest that avoiding legal entanglements in restrictive markets is a key factor in sustaining long-term growth.

Despite controversy surrounding her pay, Coates’s approach combines entrepreneurial ambition with regulatory awareness. The company’s turnover growth illustrates the resilience of Bet365’s business model even in the face of substantial expenditure and market volatility. The strategy of reinvesting profits into expansion, restructuring, and charitable causes reflects a broader vision for sustainable international operations.

Industry commentators note that while Coates’s earnings are exceptional, her transparent tax contributions and the philanthropic focus of her foundation provide some mitigation against criticism. The complex interplay of expansion, withdrawal, and reinvestment demonstrates a highly calculated approach to global gambling management, balancing profitability with compliance and corporate responsibility.

Overall, the 2025 accounts reflect a year of mixed financial outcomes. Turnover growth contrasted sharply with declining profits, yet Coates’s personal remuneration underscores her dominant role. Strategic repositioning in international markets, particularly in the US and China, highlights the ongoing evolution of Bet365 as it navigates regulatory and competitive pressures while maintaining its status as one of the world’s largest online gambling operators.

The report exemplifies how a combination of strategic foresight, regulatory compliance, and calculated risk-taking can secure substantial personal and corporate success, even amid financial volatility. Denise Coates’s continued leadership ensures that Bet365 remains a major player in the gambling industry, demonstrating the enduring impact of visionary management.