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Denise Coates, the founder and majority shareholder of Bet365, remains one of the most influential and highest-paid women in the world. Despite a significant pay cut, her wealth, leadership, and contribution to the online gambling industry continue to dominate global headlines. In this article, we’ll break down Denise Coates’ net worth, her primary income sources, and how her vision turned Bet365 into one of the world’s most successful online gambling brands.
Denise Coates’ Net Worth and Income Sources in 2024
For the financial year ending March 2024, Denise Coates earned an impressive £158.7 million, despite a 45% pay cut compared to the previous year. This income was derived from:
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£94.7 million in salary
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£64 million in dividends from her 58% stake in Bet365
Though this figure is down from her record-breaking £270 million earnings in 2023, Denise Coates still earns far more than most CEOs globally. To put things into perspective:
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Tim Cook (Apple): £50 million
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Sundar Pichai (Google): £180 million
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Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone): £200 million
Coates’ continued wealth underscores just how lucrative and influential the online gambling sector has become—and how crucial her role has been in Bet365’s global success.
How Bet365 Drives Denise Coates’ Wealth
Bet365’s financial performance is the primary driver of Denise Coates’ wealth. As a privately owned company, Bet365 provides Coates with more control over her salary and dividends, unlike public companies where shareholder interests can impact CEO pay. Here’s how Coates’ fortune is directly tied to the company’s growth:
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Coates owns the majority of Bet365
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Her dividends increase alongside the company’s profits
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She has served as the CEO since 2000, guiding Bet365 to become one of the leading online gambling platforms in the world
According to The Sunday Times Rich List, the Coates family’s total wealth stands at £8 billion, with Denise being the key driver of the company’s financial success.
Bet365’s Financial Performance in 2024
Even amid tighter regulations and heightened competition, Bet365 continues to thrive:
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Pre-tax profit: £596 million (a significant increase)
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Revenue: £3.7 billion (up by 9% from last year)
Bet365 processes over £65 billion in bets annually and remains a leader in live betting, mobile-first platforms, and global reach. This financial growth has not only boosted Denise Coates’ net worth but has also solidified her position as one of the most respected and successful business leaders in the world.
In 2024, Coates’ brother, John Coates, who shares the CEO role, also earned £110 million in dividends, highlighting just how closely the Coates family is tied to Bet365’s success.
From Humble Beginnings: How Denise Coates Built Bet365
In 2000, Denise Coates took a bold step by mortgaging her father’s chain of betting shops to launch Bet365, an online betting platform. At that time, online gambling was still in its early stages, and Coates’ gamble paid off.
Under her leadership:
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Bet365 became one of the first platforms to offer live betting
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The brand quickly expanded to multiple global markets
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Bet365 is known for its innovative mobile-first experience, making it a favorite among bettors worldwide
Her vision, smart decisions, and leadership laid the foundation for what is now a global gambling empire, contributing significantly to her growing Bet365 net worth.
Philanthropy: The Denise Coates Foundation
In addition to her business success, Denise Coates is committed to giving back to society. In 2012, she founded the Denise Coates Foundation (formerly the Bet365 Foundation), which has donated hundreds of millions of pounds to various charitable causes. Some of the Foundation’s most notable contributions include:
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£10 million to University Hospitals of North Midlands during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Significant funding for mental health, cancer research, and education initiatives
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£230,000 to St Joseph’s College in Sierra Leone for youth development programs
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Major support to Keele University, including the Denise Coates Foundation Building
Her charity work reflects her commitment to supporting health, education, and humanitarian causes, making her one of the UK’s top private donors.
Conclusion: Denise Coates’ Enduring Legacy in iGaming
Denise Coates’ net worth and influence in the iGaming industry continue to rise. Despite taking a pay cut in 2024, she remains one of the highest-paid women in the world, with a fortune closely tied to Bet365’s ongoing financial success. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to innovation have transformed Bet365 into a multi-billion-pound business. Beyond her business ventures, Coates’ charitable work further enhances her legacy as a philanthropist dedicated to improving lives globally.
As Bet365’s success continues, it’s clear that Denise Coates will remain at the forefront of the global online gambling industry for years to come.
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