Denise Coates
Denise Coates, the founder and joint CEO of Bet365, has significantly influenced the online gambling industry through her innovative leadership and commitment to technological development. Under her guidance, Bet365 has become one of the leading global online gambling companies, serving millions of players worldwide.
Bio
Early Life and Career
Denise Coates was born on September 26, 1967. She graduated with honors in econometrics from the University of Sheffield. Her career began in her family’s betting business, Provincial Racing, where she became Managing Director in 1995.
Recognizing the potential of online betting, Coates purchased the domain Bet365.com in January 2000 and launched the website in 2001.
To finance the project, she secured a £15 million loan by mortgaging the family’s betting shops, which were later sold to Coral in 2005 for £40 million. This enabled the company to focus exclusively on online operations.
Attachment to her roots and the local community
Denise Coates was born in Stoke-on-Trent, the town where Bet365 was also founded. The company has maintained strong ties to the area and continues to support the local football club, Stoke City, which competes in the English Football League Championship.
Stoke-on-Trent
Leadership at Bet365
Under Coates’ leadership, Bet365 introduced innovative features such as live betting and 24/7 customer support, which have become industry standards. The company expanded its presence in global markets, obtaining licenses in various countries, including the United States.
Financial Success
Denise Coates is also known for her substantial wealth and significant earnings as a CEO. According to The Times, in the financial year ending March 2024, she received a total remuneration of £158.7 million, including £94.7 million in salary and dividends. This places her among the highest-paid executives in the United Kingdom.
Philanthropy through the Denise Coates Foundation
In addition to her business endeavors, Coates founded the Denise Coates Foundation (formerly Bet365 Foundation) in 2012, focusing on charitable activities in areas such as healthcare, education, and crisis relief.
The foundation has notably contributed £10 million to NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and £1 million to support families in Ukraine.
Leader in the iGaming Industry
Denise Coates secured the top spot in the TOP 40 Most Influential Women in iGaming ranking for 2024, organized by the iGaming Express portal. Additionally, she was ranked second in the prestigious TOP 100 Most Influential People in iGaming, also compiled by iGaming Express.
These accolades underscore her remarkable impact on the industry and her enduring role as a leader in the world of online gambling.
Private Life
Despite her public success, Coates leads a private life. She resides in Cheshire, England, with her husband, Richard Smith, and their five children. The family is well known for their philanthropic efforts and contributions to the local community.