Imagine raking in £280 million in a single year. That's the jaw-dropping pay package Denise Coates, the mastermind behind Bet365, pocketed in 2025. It's a figure that puts her among the elite of Britain's highest-paid bosses, drawing both awe and criticism.

Her earnings skyrocketed by over two-thirds from the previous year's £158 million, despite the gambling giant seeing its profits take a nosedive. The numbers are staggering. So how does one justify such a leap in pay when the company's pre-tax profit dropped from £596 million to £339 million? It's a question many are asking.

Let's break it down. Ms. Coates was awarded a salary of £104 million, according to documents filed with Companies House. But that's not all. As the majority shareholder, she was entitled to a hefty slice of Bet365's £354 million dividend, adding to her already astronomical earnings.

The Billions Accumulate

This isn't just a one-off windfall for Coates. Over the past decade, she's amassed more than £2 billion from Bet365. It's a fortune that's hard to fathom, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. The High Pay Centre, a campaign group, has criticized her earnings as excessive. Andrew Speke, the group's director, acknowledged her local popularity but questioned the morality of such wealth, considering the gambling industry's dark side.

"Denise Coates is well-liked in Stoke for being self-made and giving back to her community. But the sums she earns go far beyond what anyone needs for a life of luxury," Speke remarked. It's a sentiment echoed by many who see the harm gambling can inflict.

Despite repeated requests, Bet365 has remained tight-lipped, offering no comment on the issue. But the figures speak volumes. Revenue climbed by 9% to £4 billion, even as profits waned. It's a testament to the company's sprawling reach in the gambling world, offering everything from sports betting to online poker to millions across the globe.

From Humble Beginnings

Coates' journey to the top is nothing short of remarkable. She birthed Bet365 over two decades ago in a portable building in a Stoke-on-Trent car park. Today, it's the city's largest private sector employer, providing jobs and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Her story isn't just about wealth—it's about transformation and vision. After training as an accountant, she took the reins of her father's bookmaking business and turned it into a global powerhouse. Her brother, John Coates, stands beside her as co-chief executive, making it a family affair.

Tax Contributions and Philanthropy

While the paychecks are enormous, so are Coates' tax contributions. She's reportedly among the UK's top taxpayers, with her £104 million salary alone bringing tens of millions in tax revenues. In the year leading up to March, Bet365 coughed up £482 million in taxes, a notable increase from the previous year's £364 million, factoring in dividend taxes.

Philanthropy also plays a role in Coates' narrative. Her foundation, the Denise Coates Foundation, received £130 million from Bet365, channeling funds into education, the arts, culture, and health. It's a gesture that shows there's more to her story than just numbers.