Bet365 boss Denise Coates's pay package rises to £280m

Denise Coates, the founder and chief executive of Bet365, received a staggering pay package of at least £280m in 2025, marking another year as one of Britain's highest-paid bosses. This significant increase in her total earnings, which jumped by more than two-thirds from nearly £158m a year earlier, has sparked controversy amidst the company's declining profits.

According to Companies House filings, Ms Coates was awarded £104m in salary for the year to March 2025. Additionally, as a majority shareholder in Bet365, she was entitled to at least half of the £354m dividend payment declared by the firm for the year. This substantial dividend payment is a testament to the company's financial performance, despite its pre-tax profit falling to £339m for the year, down from £596m in the previous year.

The £280m pay package means that Ms Coates has earned more than £2bn from Bet365 over the past decade. This eye-watering sum has drawn criticism from campaign group the High Pay Centre, which condemned Ms Coates's pay as too high. Director Andrew Speke stated, "Denise Coates is well-liked in Stoke for being self-made and giving back to her community. However, the eye-watering sums she earns go far beyond what anyone needs for a life of luxury - and her fortune comes from an industry that has caused real harm to too many people."

Bet365's financial performance is a significant departure from its previous years, where the company has consistently reported strong profits. The decline in pre-tax profit is a concern for investors and analysts, who will be closely monitoring the company's future performance. Despite this, Bet365 remains one of the largest online gambling companies in the world, with a significant presence in the UK and international markets.

The online gambling industry has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, with concerns over problem gambling and the impact of the industry on vulnerable individuals. Bet365 has faced criticism for its role in promoting gambling and its potential contribution to problem gambling. The company's high pay package for Ms Coates has added to the controversy, with many questioning the ethics of such a large payout.

As the online gambling industry continues to evolve, Bet365 will need to navigate the changing regulatory landscape and address concerns over problem gambling. The company's future performance will be closely watched by investors and analysts, who will be looking for signs of improvement in its financials and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.