Bet365

From Betting Shops to Online Domination

The origins of bet365 date back to 1974, when Peter Coates, Denise Coates’ father, established a chain of betting shops under the name “Provincial Races.” In 1995, Denise Coates took over the company’s management, recognizing the potential of the internet. In 2000, she founded bet365.

The online platform launched in 2001, financed by a £15 million loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland. In 2005, the company sold its betting shops to Coral for £40 million, reinvesting the funds into the burgeoning online market. This strategic decision marked the beginning of the company’s rapid growth.

Wide Range of Services

Bet365 offers a diverse portfolio of products tailored to a wide audience. The platform covers over 1.2 million sporting events annually, providing live streams of more than 600,000 events. It also offers numerous live betting options, making bet365 a pioneer in this field.

Additionally, the operator features hundreds of games in its bet365 casino, catering to players with a variety of preferences.

Global Expansion

Bet365 operates in many countries, focusing primarily on key markets such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

In Europe, the company is also active in countries including Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Serbia, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Albania, and Slovakia.

The brand is also present in Australia, Oceania, and Canada. Recently, it has expanded its operations in the United States, where it holds licenses in several states: New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

In December 2024, the company received approval to operate in Illinois, marking another significant step in its North American expansion.

Bet365 is also available in several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast. However, the operator does not accept customers from South Africa due to local regulatory restrictions.

A Giant in Multiple Fields

Bet365 employs over 7,000 people and prides itself on its in-house technology team, which drives innovation and keeps the company at the forefront of the industry. The company collaborates with major partners, including the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Such partnerships support its expansion into new markets, as in this case, the United States.

The company also holds a strong position in sports sponsorship. Bet365 is the sponsor of Stoke City Football Club and holds the naming rights to the club’s stadium. Notably, this is the club from the city where both Bet365 and its founder, Denise Coates, originated.

The founder and the brand itself have come a long way to reach this position. Today, it is fair to say that Bet365 is one of the largest entities in the industry, shaping the image of iGaming. Every move the company makes is closely analyzed by competitors, which is a testament to its recognized power.