UK’s Gambling Elite Climb The Sunday Times Rich List: Bet365 Owners Lead the Pack
Gambling powerhouses, including Bet365’s founding family, see significant ascents in the 2025 edition of The Sunday Times Rich List, with rumours swirling about a potential sale of Bet365.
- The Coates family of Bet365 fame climbs to 16th on The Sunday Times Rich List 2025.
- With a wealth of £9.45 billion, they mark a significant presence in the UK’s gambling sector.
- Other notable gambling entrepreneurs, such as the founders of Betfred and PokerStars, also rise on the list.
- Speculations arise about Bet365 considering options for a sale, IPO, or partial sale, potentially valuing the business at around £9 billion.
The Sunday Times Rich List 2025 has again spotlighted the UK’s gambling industry magnates, with Bet365’s Coates family leading the charge. Denise Coates, co-founder of Bet365, along with her father, Peter, and brother, John, have ascended four places since last year, landing them at an impressive 16th overall with a fortune of £9.45 billion. Their dominance in the gambling sector is undeniable, but what’s perhaps more intriguing is the swirling rumours about a potential sale of Bet365.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
Let’s not overlook that Bet365’s rise is part of a larger trend of gambling entrepreneurs making significant strides on the 2025 list. The Livingstone brothers, with stakes in Evolution Gaming, saw a slight dip in their rankings but still boast a fortune of £5.73 billion. Mark Scheinberg of PokerStars is up to 38th, and the Betfred founders, Fred and Peter Done, surged to 57th on their £2.92 billion fortune.
The list doesn’t end there. From the owners of BetVictor to the founder of PartyGaming (now under Entain’s portfolio), the gambling world has its handprints all over this year’s wealth rankings.
Bet365: To Sell or Not to Sell?
The buzz around Bet365, however, is not just about their substantial wealth. The Guardian recently outlined the Coates family’s potential deliberations over Bet365’s future. Considerations might include a complete sale, IPO, or a partial sale, aiming for a valuation of around £9 billion. With informal talks reportedly in progress with US advisers and Wall Street banks, the gambling world is awaiting the final decision.
Critics argue that while a £9 billion valuation might seem imposing, it potentially undervalues Bet365, especially when compared to listed peers like DraftKings. Yet, considering Denise Coates’ bold move in 2001, borrowing £15 million against the family’s betting shop estate to start Bet365, any decision now made will be nowhere near as risky, but perhaps just as game-changing.
What Lies Ahead?
The gambling sector, the online niche, is incredibly rife with speculation and opportunity. The journey of the Coates family from a betting shop estate to the top echelons of UK wealth is a testament to the seismic shifts within the industry. As we witness gambling entrepreneurs ascend the wealth ladder and big moves like potential sales being pondered, one thing is clear: the industry remains as unpredictable and exciting as ever. Will Bet365 change hands, or will they continue to dominate under the Coates’ banner? Only time will tell, but for now, their influence and potential moves are a hot topic within gambling circles and beyond.
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With more than 300 player accounts at various online casinos up her sleeve, there is no other person than Samantha who knows more about the different online casinos in the United Kingdom. She is our expert casino reviewer and works as a Senior Editor.
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