Discussions were continuing despite talk that the deal was close to collapse over price. “It’s definitely not off the table,” he said. “There is still interest on both sides in doing a deal – there is nothing which is a big sticking point.”
Shares in 888 rose ¾p to 44½p, valuing the company at £154million, after it said underlying income rose 18 per cent on the third quarter to $71million (£44million) during the three months to December.
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The company said it had attracted more casual players after revamping its poker and casino sites and launching a major marketing campaign featuring Australian cricket hero Shane Warne. Underlying income rose 6 per cent to $262million (£162million) for the year, 888 said in a trading update.
Sports betting operations, small compared with its other activities, were boosted by the football World Cup. But 888’s casino sites suffered because gamblers simply switched from one to another.