According to numerous reports, Harrah's Entertainment could be on the verge of naming former PartyGaming chief executive Mitch Garber as the head of a new division that would deal with online gambling.

There continues to be speculation that the online gambling market in the United States could soon open and Harrah's could be planning to take advantage.

"Harrah's Chairman and CEO Gary Loveman has long maintained that Internet poker will be legalized in the United States ahead of other casino games. In November 2007, Loveman predicted wagering on online poker would be legal by later this year," reported the Las Vegas Gaming Wire.

"While that prediction may turn out to be too ambitious, the hiring of Garber could mean the company is trying to position its World Series of Poker brand for what Harrah's believes is the eventual legalization of online poker wagering."

"[Harrah's] is spinning these businesses out into a newly-created entity," said the business.timesonline.co.uk.

"The move is likely to fuel speculation over the possibility of Harrah’s making acquisitions in the online-gaming sector."

More news to come.