Ladbrokes in talks with 888 and PartyGaming for online gambling

Ladbrokes has held preliminary talks with online gaming companies 888 Holdings and PartyGaming and is believed to be taking an interest in some of Austrian-based rival Bwin’s operations as consolidation moves in the beleaguered online industry gather pace.

PartyGaming and 888 want to rebuild their businesses through consolidation in the wake of the US clampdown on online gambling last month.

Analysts have long believed Ladbrokes would make a take-over move in online gambling, with 888 and its casino brand seen as a strong match for the Ladbrokes onshore betting empire.