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Global sportsbook operator bet365 has confirmed its decision to withdraw from the Chinese online gambling market. The company will officially cease operations in China on March 27, as communicated to its Chinese-based customers.
In a statement to Covers, bet365 highlighted its commitment to focusing on regulated markets that offer long-term growth. A company spokesperson explained the decision: “bet365 continually reviews and assesses the markets to which it offers its services. The group has decided to align its focus to its core competencies in its core markets by consolidating its resources to center on gaining market share in regions that provide long-term sustainable revenue.”
This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in regulated regions. Reports indicate that 90% of bet365’s operations are now within regulated jurisdictions. The company’s recent expansion into Brazil further supports its commitment to focusing on compliant markets.
Industry experts suggest bet365’s shift is heavily influenced by the growing opportunities in the U.S. sports betting market. According to Eilers & Krejcik Gaming analyst Alun Bowden, bet365 owner Denise Coates is determined to capture a larger share of the U.S. market.
Bowden stated that Coates is “gunning for U.S. market share,” signaling the company’s priority in achieving growth in the competitive landscape of American sports betting.
With its exit from China, bet365 is expected to further invest in markets with clear regulatory frameworks. The company’s strategic decisions will likely focus on leveraging its extensive experience and financial resources to enhance its presence in regions that offer sustainable revenue opportunities.
As bet365 consolidates its operations, its next moves will be closely watched by industry stakeholders eager to see how the brand expands its footprint across regulated markets.