John Coates is a British billionaire businessman who transformed the gambling industry as the joint chief executive of bet365, one of the world's leading online betting platforms.
After studying law at Bristol University and beginning his career as a solicitor, John co-founded bet365 with his sister Denise in 2001, following the sale of their father's betting shops to Coral. He owns a quarter of the company and serves as joint-chairman of Stoke City Football Club since 2020, having previously held the vice-chairman position.
John's expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks while driving digital innovation has helped gambling organisations balance growth with compliance in an increasingly scrutinised industry. His leadership demonstrates how traditional betting businesses can successfully transition to digital platforms while maintaining responsible gambling practices and corporate social responsibility.
Audiences gain practical insights into scaling family businesses into global enterprises, implementing effective digital transformation strategies, and creating sustainable corporate philanthropy models through the Bet365 Foundation, which has contributed over £100 million to UK charities.
Book John for a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who quietly revolutionised an industry while maintaining strong community connections.
How can I book John Coates for my next event?
Email john.coates@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to John directly.
What topics does John Coates specialise in?
John Coates specialises in discussing online gambling, philanthropy, sports management and more.
What is John Coates's speaking style like?
John delivers insightful presentations with clarity and confidence, showcasing his expertise in online gambling and philanthropy. His engaging style effectively communicates complex ideas, making them accessible to all audiences.
Does John Coates offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, John Coates offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.