MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Coates' achievements include the launch of the bet365 Foundation and the Denise Coates Foundation Building at The Donna Louise Hospice for Children & Young People; a Staffordshire-based charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Coates has received an honourary doctorate from Staffordshire University in recognition of her philanthropy. In January 2012, she was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the community and business.

The following year, Coates was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK on BBC Radio 4.

Coates’ bet365 also owns a majority stake in Stoke City Football Club.

AWARDS

At the Global Gaming Awards London, bet365 Partners is a regular winner of the Affiliate Program of the year Award.

EMPLOYMENT

Prior to founding bet365, Coates worked in the cashiers department of Provincial Racing, a bookmaking firm owned by her family.

After leaving university, Coates continued to work at Provincial Racing as an accountant before becoming the Managing Director of the chain of shops in 1995.

PRODUCTS LAUNCHED

Although the bet365 brand has launched several products since its inception, the bet365 Foundation was specifically started by Coates. In 2012, the foundation was created, providing front-line funding to various charities registered in the UK.

The Foundation has made contributions to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice for cancer sufferers and pledged $345,000 to St Joseph’s College in Trent Vale, to help children in Sierra Leone.