Ladbrokes has made its interest known in running Englands first super-casino to be located in Manchester. It is also expected to 'broadly outline' plans for 16 further casinos licences which the government will make available and announce profits before tax in the region of £235 million.

The betting firm would be the only UK company to openly voice an interest in the Manchester development, with US-based Harrah's and Malaysian gaming group Genting being the competition. Industry analysts are expecting Ladbrokes to discuss European expansion plans, focusing on Italy and Spain, and divulge details regarding the potential purchase of 888 Holdings.

Analysts at Numis Securities were quoted as saying that if Ladbrokes fails to make the deal, they could return around £663 million to shareholders over the next three years. Ladbrokes declined to comment on the situation.

Feb 21, 2007