Gambling giant bet365 is reportedly considering quitting China as its shift toward regulated markets continues. Once a grey market powerhouse, the company is now increasingly focused on its operations in mature and emerging regulated jurisdictions.

Bet365 Will Stop Taking Bets in China from March 27

Gaming news outlet EGR, which broke the news on the matter, said that bet365 had confirmed its intentions to quit China in a post on X. The company reportedly said that it will no longer be taking bets from customers in China from March 27.

The company reassured consumers that they will still be able to access their accounts until April 30, providing them with ample time to withdraw their funds. Should they miss this deadline, players should contact the company to arrange a withdrawal.

Bet365 Help reportedly described its exit from China as a “business decision.” In any case, the exit would align with its recent strategy and gradual departure from grey markets.

The Exit Aligns with Bet365’s Broader Strategy

A bet365 spokesperson provided some insight into the matter, emphasizing that the company is constantly reviewing and assessing the markets in which it operates. The representative suggested that China is no longer a sustainable region.

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.
Bet365 spokesperson

The spokesperson concluded that bet365 also plans to leave other unsustainable jurisdictions.

The Exit Makes Sense

The exit from China makes sense, especially considering the country’s increasingly harsh stance on gambling. While gambling is generally prohibited in the country, certain offshore operators have continued to tap into the demand for gaming entertainment.

NEXT.io reported that experts from the global strategic advisory business Regulus Partners called China bet365’s last dark grey market. Its exit from the country means that over 90% of the company’s business is now focused on domestically regulated markets.

Regulus Partners’ analysts further pointed out that bet365’s success in China has been declining amid the country’s crackdown on gambling.

A combination of a deliberate declining operational focus on China, increasingly effective state disruption, and growth elsewhere puts the geography materially below 5% of current group revenue according to our analysis.
Regulus Partners statement

In addition to that, the focus on legal markets would make bet365 look better in the eyes of regulators in established markets, which have regarded operators with grey area activities with increasing scrutiny.

Bet365 to Explore New US Markets

In the meantime, bet365 just announced its foray into Illinois and Tennessee, which would mark its 12th and 13th US states respectively.  

Bet365 elaborated that it will serve as an independent operator in Tennessee. In Illinois, on the other hand, the company will operate under an agreement with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort.