Ladbrokes and online gaming firm 888’s discussions regarding a possible deal have been discontinued. Both companies have already announced their decisions. But as the result shares in the Gibraltar-based parent 888 Holding PLC have dropped 5.7%

The US UIGEA interrupted the speculation that started in October last year. Ladbrokes was looking to cap any liability in the US. That could arise from a takeover of 888. The latter one was pulled out of the USA as a consequence of the UIGEA. 888 had managed to widen its business geography before the US legislation was introduced. So, the losses were not that bad. Later 888 got an online sports betting license in Italy and signed an agreement with the owner of Rileys.