What Happened to Stan James?

Written By:  Finn Huxley
Posted 3rd July 2023 in Industry

Known for its vast customer base, Stan James was one of the most loved betting brands in the UK. However Stan James disappeared years ago, leaving many customers wondering about its fate. This transformation from Stan James into Unibet marked a significant shift in the betting industry. This article delves into the history, growth, and eventual transformation of this iconic brand.

Stan James and Unibet Takeover Logo

If you are looking for StanJames.com on mobile or the Stan James App, you’ll either want to visit Unibet.com or get the Unibet App.

A Brief History of Stan James

Let’s rewind to 1973. The birthplace? A quaint little market town in Oxfordshire, Wantage. Founders Steve Fisher and James Holder, and Steve’s wife Anne, smashed their names together like a thrilling trifecta and voila, “Stan James” was born. This wasn’t just another bookmaker; it was a betting revolution waiting to happen.

The 90s rolled around and Stan James was quick to leave its mark. With its razor-sharp focus on horse racing and football betting, and the advent of Sky Sports bringing a smorgasbord of sports into homes across Britain, Stan James smelled opportunity and grabbed it. The result? Innovative live odds through Teletext that which many other bookies followed.

Stan James Previous Home Page

Key Points in Stan James’ History

  • The brand expanded its reach with physical stores and its online brand, StanJames.com, owning nearly 100 stores across the UK by 2007.
  • In December 2007, Stan James bought the Betdirect bookmaking company from 32Red for £5.75 million, leading to significant growth and expansion.
  • Stan James solidified its position as a top British betting brand with deals from Austrian company BETKICK Sportwettenservice GmbH, pushing it into continental Europe.

The Unibet Takeover

The advent of the internet brought significant changes in the betting world, including for Stan James. In 2015, the Unibet Group, one of the largest companies in the online betting world, acquired Stan James for £19 million. This acquisition included full rights and ownership of the betting company. Denis Kelly, the chief executive of Stan James Online, stated that the merger would lead to substantial market opportunities in the UK.

From Stan James to Unibet

After the acquisition, Stan James’ customers were concerned about the impact of the takeover. For a few years, things continued as they were, with Stan James even growing on the high street, acquiring 37 betting shops from Ladbrokes and Coral in 2016.

Highlights of The Transition

  • In February 2018, all online Stan James accounts were transferred to Kindred Group, the new name for the Unibet group. This marked the end of the Stan James brand online.
  • As part of the takeover terms, Stan James rebranded its physical stores as Megabet, spending about £1 million on the process. Although no longer a powerhouse, Megabet betting shops can still be found in the northeast of England.

Stan James App & Mobile

We previously reviewed the Stan James App on multiple mobile devices, and we still have the initial review:
“The app has been designed in their trademark green tones, which makes it easy on the eyes.

The app is not too flashy, which might make you think it’s less appealing than its competitors. However, their developers decided to focus on what is essential, creating a valuable sports betting app that doesn’t overwhelm the punters with unnecessary details or ads.”

In Game Stan James Android App Screens

While the app was retired along with the website, users can now get an even better experience on the Unibet platform. Read on for more about Unibet and the continued growth of the Kindred Groups offerings.

A New Face: Unibet

Today, the spirit of Stan James lives on within one of the world’s largest online gambling sites, the Kindred Group. This group, which boasts about 12 million players, comprises brands like Unibet, 32Red, bingo.com, Highroller, and Maria Casino.

Transitioning to Unibet means customers have access to over 35 years of sports betting knowledge. All funds from Stan James accounts were transferred safely to Unibet, allowing users to continue their betting journey seamlessly. Customers can now enjoy the best sportsbook betting and live casino experience available globally.

What Unibet Excels at & the Unibet Mobile App

  • Stellar User Experience: The Unibet app sets the top standard in mobile betting. It’s well designed, highly intuitive, and has an ease of navigation that’s second to none.
  • Extensive Coverage: Love sports? Unibet has you covered. From football and horse racing to tennis and eSports, it offers a rich buffet of sports to bet on. And did we mention the live betting feature? You can bet in real-time, as the action unfolds.
  • Safe and Secure: Your safety is a non-negotiable. Unibet ensures a secure betting experience, employing advanced encryption technologies to keep your personal and financial information safe.
  • Excellent Customer Support: Have a query? Unibet’s customer support is available round-the-clock, offering prompt and effective solutions. Because at Unibet, the customer is king.