The gambling industry has been forged through the sweat and ambition of visionaries—some who have sustained decade-long empires and others who have built them from the ground up. It is a complex system where mid-level managers and C-suite executives can impact its operations, often without receiving due recognition. Still, a few individuals stand out as luminaries whose contributions have significantly shaped the industry and left lasting legacies. Today, we delve into the most influential figures in gambling and explore what makes them worthy of a place in the industry's Hall of Fame.
Denise Coates
Denise Coates is a key figure in the gambling industry, known for transforming her family's small chain of shops in Stoke-on-Trent, England, into the global online gambling powerhouse it is today. As the Chief Executive Officer of Bet365, alongside her brother John, Coates has become a billionaire through their leadership of one of the largest and most successful online gambling companies worldwide. Bet365 has made significant advances in the sports betting and iGaming markets in the United States, overtaking even more well-known brands like ESPN Bet. The journey was not without its challenges. In 2000, Coates, a University of Sheffield graduate who began her career at Provincial Racing, a family business, acquired the bet365.com domain. In 2001, she secured a £15 million loan, putting their physical betting shops at risk, to support the early development of bet365.com in the Internet gambling arena—a sector Coates recognized as the future of the industry even then. Coates is celebrated not just for her vision but also for her determined execution of bold business strategies. By 2005, she chose to sell all of Bet365’s physical shops to focus entirely on the online space, a move based on her strong belief in its potential for success. This strategic decision proved lucrative. Coates now owns a 58% controlling stake in Bet365, which is rumored to be considering a partial or full sale before potentially going public in the United States. Operating in 13 U.S. markets and funding this expansion independently highlights the company's achievements under her guidance. Coates' leadership has resulted in substantial financial rewards, making her one of the highest-paid executives in the gambling sector. Her exceptional business insight is revered, even among industry veterans. Bet365, under her command, is credited with pioneering the in-play betting feature, a revolutionary development that allows users to place bets in real-time.
Amy Howe
While women may not comprise a large portion of the gambling industry's workforce, they have taken on leadership roles in some of the world's largest organizations, even holding top executive positions. Amy Howe, though not originally from the gambling industry like Coates, has made a significant impact. Initially appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer at FanDuel, she transitioned into the permanent role in 2021. Her performance at the company has been commendable. This success can be attributed not only to FanDuel's pre-existing momentum and internal operations but also to Howe's effective leadership. Under her guidance, FanDuel became the first mobile sports betting company to achieve full-year profitability. However, it's worth noting that this achievement coincided with the company's growth in core markets and the surge in sports betting regulation. In 2021, reports indicated that FanDuel captured 50% of the U.S. sports betting market share. This dominance has since fluctuated due to intense competition, particularly from DraftKings.
William Hornbuckle
William Hornbuckle is a prominent figure in the gambling industry and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MGM Resorts International, a company he has been associated with for 30 years. He assumed this leadership role following the unexpected departure of Jim Murren in 2020. Hornbuckle's leadership is characterized by a keen awareness of innovation, which he integrates thoughtfully. In many respects, his approach is reminiscent of Denise Coates, as he makes calculated and resolute decisions to guide the company. Like Coates, Hornbuckle has focused his career on a single company, immersing himself in its culture while recognizing its needs and potential. He is largely credited with spearheading the company's digital transformation and launching the BetMGM brand, which has surpassed initial expectations in resilience. Although BetMGM has not yet disrupted the dominance of DraftKings and FanDuel, it has been expanding its market share and operational reach steadily. Since 2018, while Adam Greenblatt has concentrated on steering the online brand, Hornbuckle has worked to broaden the company's physical presence. He has been instrumental in advancing the MGM Osaka project, Japan’s first integrated resort. Additionally, Hornbuckle is pursuing a license for a land-based casino in the United Arab Emirates, following Wynn Resorts' acquisition of one in 2024. Under his leadership, BetMGM and MGM Resorts International have intensified their commitment to responsible gaming. This includes employee training, self-exclusion options, educational resources, and specific campaigns, particularly during occasions such as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the United States.
Jason Robins
Jason Robins, Co-Founder and CEO of DraftKings, has been a major force in advancing the gambling industry, largely due to his leadership of the company. His influence, both through his private interests and professional activities, has significantly shaped the gambling experience. Robins, once an enthusiastic fantasy gambler, founded DraftKings in 2012. The company quickly established a stronghold in the regulated U.S. gambling market, now commanding nearly 40% of the betting and gaming sectors. In 2018, Robins capitalized on the repeal of PASPA by launching DraftKings' fully regulated sportsbook in New Jersey. Though he typically maintains a low profile, he takes center stage when addressing key issues affecting the gambling industry and promoting DraftKings' interests. Under Robins' leadership, DraftKings has flourished, being one of the two dominant players in the American sports betting market. Robins is now guiding his company through new challenges presented by the rise of sweepstakes social casinos and prediction markets, which are impacting traditional gambling companies by redirecting revenue. This period of change offers yet another chance for Robins to showcase the visionary abilities that have defined his career in the industry.
Fred Done
Fred Done is a prominent figure in the gambling industry, with a legacy and influence that will endure. He controls Betfred, the company he founded, which has become the largest in the United Kingdom. His story is one of remarkable transformation from humble beginnings. Done left school at 15 to assist his father with a then-illegal bookmaking operation. He collected bets from various public places like factories and pubs, recognizing the need to legitimize the business. In 1967, he and his father, Pete, opened their first legal betting shop. By the 1980s, the Betfred brand was flourishing with over 70 shops. By 2004, Betfred had expanded to 1,600 betting shops across the UK. Fred Done was not just following gambling trends—he was creating them. The practice of bookmakers paying out early on certain events, adopted by Betfred, is largely credited to him. This innovative approach allowed bookmakers to settle wagers before events concluded. Known for his cheerful personality and positive demeanor both on and off camera, Fred Done is a true pioneer and one of the most influential insiders in the gambling industry.
Victor Chandler
Victor Chandler is a prominent figure in the gambling industry and the former owner of BetVictor. He hails from a family with a strong legacy in gambling, having inherited the business from his father in 1974 upon his father's passing. Determined to modernize the company, Chandler relocated BetVictor to Gibraltar to take advantage of favorable tax and regulatory conditions, all while continuing to serve customers from the UK. This strategic move allowed BetVictor to avoid the UK's 9% betting tax, making it more appealing to bettors and driving the growth of online gambling. Chandler's innovative approach is credited with influencing the UK government's decision to abolish the tax in 2001 and implement a new regulatory structure in 2004. In 2014, Chandler exited the business by selling it to a partner and shifted his focus to emerging markets in Africa through other gambling enterprises.
Teddy Sagi
The gambling industry has been shaped by more than just the founders of betting shops. One of the most influential figures in this sector is Teddy Sagi. Sagi founded Playtech in 1999, a pioneer in internet gambling technology that developed advanced solutions for online poker, sports, and casino gaming. His foresight in anticipating the rapid growth of online gambling and the demand for superior products significantly impacted the industry. Playtech was eventually listed on the London Stock Exchange, reaching a valuation of ÂŁ550 million. Sagi remained involved with the company for several years. Known as a visionary, Sagi extended his ambitions beyond gambling. He gradually divested from Playtech, completely exiting in 2017, and diversified his portfolio to include tech ventures, stocks, and real estate.
