Denise Coates Becomes the Second Wealthiest Woman in UK

Bet365 chief Denise Coates has become the second wealthiest woman in the UK. Her betting empire is worth billions and in the last year alone has made a profit of £791million. In just 12 months, gamblers placed £52.5billion worth of bets with Bet365.

She launched Bet365 in 2001 with a £15million loan from RBS secured against her chain of betting shops. In just four years, Ms Coates’ new venture became a huge success and she sold her chain of betting shops to Coral for £40million.

Bet365 is very much a family firm, owned by Ms Coates and members of her immediate family. Her brother, John, is joint chief executive while her father, Peter is the firm’s chairman.