Early Life and Education
Denise Coates was born on September 26, 1967, in England. Her father, Peter Coates, was the chairman of Stoke City F.C. and a director of Bet365. She attended Sandbach High School and later earned a first-class degree in econometrics from the University of Sheffield. During her studies, she gained experience working in the cashiers' department of Provincial Racing, her family's bookmaking firm.
Rise to Success
After university, Coates continued working at Provincial Racing as an accountant. Recognizing the potential of online betting, she purchased the domain name Bet365.com in 2000. In 2001, she launched the Bet365 website, transforming her family's betting shop business into a global online gambling empire. She secured a £15 million loan against her family's betting shop estate to fund the venture.
Key Business Strategies
Coates' foresight in recognizing the potential of online gambling, coupled with her understanding of the industry, propelled Bet365 to success. She focused on offering a wide range of sports betting options and continuously improved the platform. Coates also made strategic decisions, such as moving Bet365's headquarters to Gibraltar for more favorable regulations. She is known for making significant investments in the company, particularly in technology and marketing.
Philanthropy
Coates established the Bet365 Foundation (later renamed the Denise Coates Foundation) in August 2012. The foundation supports various charitable causes, including healthcare, education, and disaster relief. In the 2023-2024 financial year, Bet365 donated £120 million to the Denise Coates Foundation.
