SOURCE: Reuters

Shares in online gaming firm 888.com (888.L: Quote, Profile , Research) climbed 6 percent on Wednesday on talk of a possible bid from bookmaker Ladbrokes (LAD.L: Quote, Profile , Research), traders said.

A spokesman for 888.com declined comment, while Ladbrokes was not immediately available for comment. Ladbrokes was down 1.5 percent.

Earlier in March the Sunday Telegraph reported that plans by Ladbrokes to acquire 888.com had run into trouble because of litigation concerns in the United States.

Media reports of an easing of U.S. gaming regulations have also helped the sector, traders added, as Partygaming (PRTY.L: Quote, Profile , Research) climbed 7.9 percent and Sportingbet (SBT.L: Quote, Profile , Research) rose 3.6 percent.