Gala Coral Group
The Gala Coral Group incorporates the brands Coral, Eurobet, Gala Bingo and Gala Casinos. They aim to provide high volume and low stake gaming leisure. The Group is the first in the UK to operate bookmaking, bingo and casinos on the high street as well as online. The group employs over 19,000 staff and has full GamCare accreditation for all the UK divisions. Gala Coral’s involvement in the community is also ranges from sponsoring national charities, to endorsing employer supported volunteering with Business in the Community ‘Cares’ partnerships and the ‘Right to Read’ scheme. Great pride is taken in their extensive Corporate and Social Responsibility strategies.
1997 saw a management buy-in purchase 130 Gala Bingo Clubs from Bass.
In 2003 the Gala Group made its first transition into the casino sector when it acquired 26 Ladbrokes Casinos from the Hilton Group. This was a major influence on Galas market position in the low stake – high volume area of the UK gambling market.
In February 2003 Candover and Cinven, private equity firms, acquired the Group for £1.24 billion. In August 2005, Permira purchased further stake in the company valuing the company at £1.9 billion.
Coral Eurobet was acquired by the Group in 2005, January 2006 saw the Group acquiring Leo Casino in Liverpool which increased the number of casinos in their control to 31. There are 171 IIP accredited Gala Bingo Clubs (making up one third of the bingo market and employing 6000 staff) and 1600 licensed betting offices.
Gala Coral also operates on continental Europe and has recently established an Italian betting business.
