Paddy Power Betfair woos FanDuel for possible merger

Bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) is seeking to expand its business in the United States through a possible merger with daily fantasy sports giant FanDuel.

The UK-listed gambling operator made the announcement just days after the historic U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down the controversial Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 and lift the federal sports betting ban.

PPB, valued on the public markets at £6.5 billion (US$8.8 billion), cautioned that it’s too early to tell whether an agreement will be reached by both parties.

“Paddy Power Betfair plc notes the media speculation, and confirms it is in discussions, regarding a potential combination of the Group’s US business and FanDuel to create a combined business to target the prospective US sports betting market,” PPB said in a statement posted on its website. “Discussions are ongoing and there is no certainty as to whether agreement will be reached, or as to the terms or timing of any transaction.”