Entain the bidder for BoyleSports?

Major Irish betting firm BoyleSports is reported to be in discussions with another party about selling the business – the largest independent bookmaker in the country.

BoyleSports has 340 betting shops in both Ireland and the UK and an online presence in Europe, Africa and Canada, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

The move comes as the Irish gambling market is close to a major shake-up, the first for many years.

The speculation in the industry is that the most likely acquirer of the BoyleSports business is Entain, the giant operator and owner of big names such as Ladbrokes, Coral and Foxy Bingo.