Joe Coral - Founder of the Bookmaking Company Coral

Every successful business often has a singular visionary behind it — a person who transforms a dream into reality through determination and hard work. While others may join at various stages, the founder remains the pivotal force, the one who originated the idea, established the mission, and steered the venture with unwavering resolve. This figure stands alone, much like the cornerstone of a building's foundation.

The name of the globally recognised British bookmaker, Coral, is a direct homage to its founder, Joe Coral. He built the company from the ground up, overcoming numerous challenges, including long-standing government restrictions on bookmakers, threats from organised crime, and various other obstacles.

Ironically, "Coral" is not Joe's birth name, and "Joe" is not his given first name either. The remarkable story behind the name of his esteemed company is truly fascinating.

The Origin of the Name

The true name of the founder of Coral was Joseph Kagarlitsky (1904-1996). As a young Jewish boy, he faced the loss of his father, Abraham Kagarlitsky. The family resided in Warsaw, then part of the Russian Empire, in the early 20th century. With roots in Kyiv, Joseph identified more as Russian than as Polish.

In 1912, Joseph's mother, Jessica, along with her two sons, emigrated from Poland to England in search of a better life. To assimilate into British society and avoid the awkwardness of their surname, the family adopted the name "Coral," and Joseph became "Joe." 

The choice of "Coral" was influenced by Jessica's literary interests; she was an educated, romantic woman who enjoyed reading works by Scottish author Ballantyne. One of her favourites was the adventure novel "Coral Islands," which tells the story of three teenagers shipwrecked on a Pacific island, navigating survival, pirates, and ultimately finding happiness. Jessica believed that with a name like Coral, her sons would embody the spirit of resilience and success in their new homeland. Her intuition proved correct; Joe Coral became one of the most esteemed figures in his industry in the country they embraced as their second home.

Childhood, Youth, and Early Career

At the age of 14, Joe left school due to the ongoing First World War, choosing to help support his family instead. He secured a position as a clerk in a lamp factory, where he met various bookmakers and developed an interest in betting, thanks to his mathematical aptitude.

In England, the Bookmakers Act of 1853 made it illegal to accept bets outside racetracks, driving bookmakers underground. However, they continued to operate illicitly, including the notable female bookmaker Bella Thomasson.  Joe began earning extra income as a "runner," delivering bets to racetracks.

After leaving the factory, Joe worked in an advertising agency, which allowed him to accept and place bets legally. He soon realized that being a bookmaker was both engaging and profitable. 

In 1927, the introduction of greyhound racing in England opened a new market for bookmakers. Joe launched betting offices at various stadiums, including Harringay, Clapton, and White City, while also maintaining a network of around 80 individuals collecting bets in pubs and back alleys, which produced significant profits.

However, this lucrative business attracted the attention of racketeers. In the early 20th century, a gang led by Charles Sabini terrorised southern England's racetracks, extorting bookmakers and resorting to violence when necessary. These were perilous times for Joe Coral, who had to protect both his business and his life. By 1939, he had become the largest regional bookmaker in Britain. Although the outbreak of war hampered racing activities, Joe managed to thrive, earning £5,000 from bets placed on the Waterloo Cup in 1944. This success solidified his reputation as a leading bookmaker and further enhanced his popularity.

Legal Business

On May 1, 1961, bookmaking was officially legalised in England, marking the end of a well-known secret: players had been betting with bookmakers while pretending it was non-existent. Joe Coral seized this opportunity and began to expand his operations. His first move was to convert his agent's confectionery shop into a bookmaker's office. By 1962, he had established 23 shops. In 1963, Coral's business was incorporated as a limited liability company, enabling customers to place bets on football match outcomes directly at their offices. Although a 25% tax implemented in 1964 posed challenges to the business, Joe Coral and bookmaker Mark Lane merged their operations, propelling Coral to become the third-largest bookmaker in Britain, following Ladbrokes and William Hill. By the mid-1970s, Coral had grown to 650 shops. The company diversified its operations to include casinos, hotels, restaurants, and bingo halls.

In January 1981, the Coral Group was acquired by Bass Brewery after the company lost all of its casino licences, resulting in a steep decline in income. Despite the ownership change, the public experience remained unchanged; the shops continued to bear the Coral brand, and Joe Coral retained his position as president until his passing in 1996. The Coral Group became a target for larger corporations, changing hands several times before being acquired by the international company Entain plc, formerly known as GVC Holdings, which specializes in gambling and sports betting.

Family, Personal Life, and Joe Coral's Philosophy

Joe Coral married Dorothy Helen in 1932, and together they had three sons, two of whom — Bernard and Nicholas — followed in their father's footsteps within the family business. The company's slogan, "Never a quarrel, bet with Coral," became its hallmark and was the first of its kind among bookmakers. This clever marketing strategy earned Joe Coral the trust of his clients, who appreciated his integrity and high standards.

"Never a quarrel" ... Few would dare to argue with Joe Coral, whose authority was immense despite his modest stature of just over five feet. He was known for wearing the same bowler hat for many years, resembling an eccentric old hatter. However, appearances can be misleading. A man of short stature with weakened hands from childhood polio, Joe Coral possessed an indomitable will and remarkable courage. He built his empire from the ground up, facing off against competitors, government regulations, and even organised crime, ultimately achieving success. Sadly, he was eventually defeated by lung cancer and dementia.

Nonetheless, it is clear that he left this world content with his accomplishments.