Posted in Industry December 30, 2019
Top Two Most Influential People in Online Gambling
In the world of online gambling, we often talk about the top online casinos and leading gambling companies when it comes to delivering the best and most exciting gambling experience. Some of the dominant brands in the highly-competitive European and United Kingdom gambling markets are Kindred, 888 Holdings Plc, GVC, and William Hill. And when it comes to software vendors and game designers, Playtech, NetEnt, and Microgaming lead the race.
However, behind these companies and brands are real individuals who play a crucial role in shaping the industry. These individuals have a strong commitment to the games and the satisfaction of players and stakeholders. They are the driving force behind the industry, steering companies into new markets, driving innovation, and commanding attention in a crowded and competitive industry. In recognition of their contributions, let’s take a look at the two most influential people in online gambling.
Kenny Alexander of GVC
Many casual casino players may not be familiar with the name Kenny Alexander, but for online gambling enthusiasts and those well-versed in the industry, he is considered a game-changer. Kenny’s reputation is not built on the profitability or size of his company, GVC (which started with €55m), but rather on his decision to invest in the “grey markets.”
The term “grey markets” refers to areas where online gambling laws and regulations are not clearly defined. While most operators focused on established markets, Kenny Alexander took a risk and included these grey markets, such as Brazil and Germany, in GVC’s portfolio. This move marked the beginning of his ascendancy in the industry.
Kenny’s bold steps, particularly during challenging times like UIGEA and “Black Friday,” paid off. Today, it’s common to hear executives discussing their plans to enter grey markets like Canada or Japan. His ability to identify and leverage opportunities in less-popular markets has positioned GVC as a major player in the industry.
Denise Coates of Bet365
Denise Coates, the co-CEO of Bet365, gained significant attention when she was dubbed the “best-paid woman in the world” in late 2018. She earned a record-breaking £265m pay packet, three times larger than Tim Cook’s compensation package at Apple. This was not the first time she received an enormous compensation package; a year earlier, she took home £217m from the company’s profits.
Denise is credited with building Bet365 from the ground up after purchasing the Bet365.com domain for $25,000. Under her leadership, the company has become known for delivering top-notch services, particularly in sports betting and mobile user experience. Bet365’s cashout services and mobile platform are highly regarded in the industry.
Together with her brother John Coates, who is also a co-CEO of Bet365, Denise has successfully combined industry-leading technologies with effective marketing initiatives. Their strategic efforts, along with Jon Moss as Head of International Development, have helped Bet365 enter several profitable markets.
In addition to her accomplishments in the business world, Denise Coates is actively involved in charitable contributions to organizations such as Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Kenny Alexander of GVC and Denise Coates of Bet365 have played instrumental roles in reshaping the gambling industry over the past decade. Their influence and power are likely to continue into the future, solidifying their positions as key figures in online gambling.
