Once a modest start-up operating out of a portacabin in Stoke-on-Trent, England, bet365 has since evolved into a global betting and gaming powerhouse.
The story of its rise from humble beginnings in Staffordshire to becoming an iGaming behemoth is nothing short of remarkable. Today, the brand is synonymous not just with competitive and dynamic online sports betting odds but online and live dealer casino gaming too. In fact, its iGaming services are some of the most competitive in the UK market, with its casino bonuses ranked inside the top five most popular promotions in terms of the strength and transparency of their offering.
A bold ambition to futureproof the sports betting scene
It’s sports betting where bet365 initially made its name though. In 2000, Denise Coates, who had previously worked as a cashier in her father’s betting shop, launched bet365. Armed with a vision to revolutionise the sports betting industry, she invested heavily in developing an innovative online platform. The launch of their website marked the beginning of their ascent, offering customers an extensive range of sports betting markets and cutting-edge features.
Despite facing stiff competition from well-established heritage bookmaking brands, bet365 differentiated itself by focusing on customer experience and technological innovation. This alone should be a learning curve for any budding entrepreneur thinking of tackling an already competitive market to focus on the point(s) of difference between your brand and the current major players.
Bet365’s user-friendly interface, live streaming services and mobile betting functionality set them apart in the market. As a result, their customer base grew rapidly, fuelling their expansion into new territories.
Landmark licensing and regulation
One of the pivotal moments in bet365’s history came in 2005 when they secured a license from the UK Gambling Commission. This milestone not only enhanced their credibility but also allowed them to operate legally in one of the world’s largest gambling markets. With regulatory approval in hand, bet365 continued to invest heavily in marketing and product development, solidifying their position as a market leader.
In-play betting changed bet365’s dynamics for good
The turning point for bet365 came with the rise of in-play betting, which allowed customers to wager on sporting events as they unfolded in real-time. Leveraging their technological prowess, bet365 offered a seamless in-play betting experience, attracting millions of users worldwide. Their commitment to innovation paid off handsomely, propelling them to the forefront of the industry. With a blend of dynamic live sports betting markets and accessible live streams of major sporting events, bet365 empowered recreational and serious bettors to watch the action unfold and wager with their own eyes.
As bet365’s reputation grew, so did their revenue. In 2010, they reported a turnover of over £420 million, cementing their status as one of the world’s largest online gambling companies. Their relentless pursuit of excellence led to further expansion into new markets, including the lucrative US sports betting market following the legalisation of sports betting in several states.
In a bid to give back to the wider UK community, the Denies Coates Foundation was also established in 2012. As of 2014, it had donated upwards of £100 million to multiple British charities, including Oxfam, CAFOD and the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Stoke.
Today, bet365 boasts millions of customers across the globe and employs thousands of staff in offices around the world. Despite their astronomical success, they remain headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, a testament to their roots and enduring commitment to their local community.
As for founder, Denise Coates, she is now the UK’s highest-earning CEO and comfortably one of Britain’s wealthiest women. Forbes estimated her net worth at $9.4 billion in March 2024.
Bet365’s journey from a small startup to a sports betting behemoth is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and perseverance. By prioritizing customer experience, embracing technology, and staying ahead of the curve, they have reshaped the landscape of the gambling industry and set a benchmark for excellence that few can match.