Denise Coates, known as the gambling queen, has recently received a windfall of £260 million, boosting her total earnings to £2.7 billion over the past 15 years. As the head of Bet365, she solidifies her position as one of the highest-paid executives in the UK, particularly among women, with this latest boardroom payout.
According to the latest financial statements of the Coates family’s gambling business, Denise Coates alone received a salary of £104 million, marking an increase from £94.7 million in 2024. Additionally, Bet365 Group tripled its cash dividends to family shareholders, reaching £313.6 million last year, with a significant portion going to Ms. Coates due to her substantial stake in the company.
Although this windfall of approximately £260 million is slightly less than the record-breaking £469 million she received in 2021, it still surpasses the earnings of other prominent UK business leaders. The Coates family’s wealth, estimated at £9.44 billion in the latest Sunday Times Rich List, ranks them as the 16th richest individuals in Britain.
Denise Coates, who prefers to stay out of the limelight, founded Bet365 in a modest setting in Stoke on Trent back in 2000. Together with her husband, Richard Smith, they transitioned from living in a farmhouse to a lavish £90 million mansion in rural Cheshire, featuring extravagant amenities like a sunken tennis court, stables, and ornamental gardens.
Furthermore, the Coates family contributes significantly to charity through the Denise Coates Foundation, donating £130 million last year. The foundation supported various institutions, including The University Hospitals of North Midlands Charity, which received substantial grants for essential medical equipment and facilities.
Stoke City football club, formerly owned by the Coates family through Bet365, is now in the hands of Ms. Coates’ brother, John. Bet365 reported a revenue increase of 9% to over £4 billion in the last fiscal year, although its pre-tax profit nearly halved to £348.7 million.
Despite the positive financial performance, Bet365 faces challenges ahead, including the impact of increased online gambling taxes announced in the recent Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The company emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a safe gambling environment for customers, pledging ongoing investments in responsible gambling practices.
Overall, Denise Coates continues to make headlines not only for her remarkable business success but also for her significant contributions to philanthropy and the UK economy.
