THE UK’s biggest bookmaker, Ladbrokes, is in talks to acquire online-bingo specialist Parlay Entertainment.

It is one of a small number of parties locked in talks to acquire the business, which is listed on the Toronto stock market.

Parlay, which has a market value of C$13m (£6.5m), is one of the world leaders in offering an internet version of bingo.

It runs online games on behalf of clients including Butlins, Ann Summers and Yahoo. Bingo is regarded as one of the fastest-growing segments of the online-gaming industry.

The expansion of its online operations comes as Ladbrokes prepares to sell its only bricks-and-mortar casino.

The leisure group, which will present its annual results this week, has received several approaches about the site in Paddington, west London, and is thought to be in discussions with a number of rivals over a deal.

Ladbrokes opened the casino and sports bar in the summer of 2006, but it has now decided to quit the market altogether.

Last month it announced that it would not bid for any of the 16 casino licences created by the government as part of its shake-up of Britain’s gambling laws.

Ladbrokes previously had a large casino division, but this was sold to Gala-Coral in 2001. The Paddington operation was the only new gaming venue it had opened since that deal.

Analysts suggested that rival casino companies such as Genting, Harrah’s, Rank and Gala could all be interested in acquiring the Paddington site as gaming licences for central London are scarce.

Ladbrokes may confirm the talks at its results presentation on Thursday, when the company is forecast to deliver operating profits of about £360m.

Source: The Times Online