Boylesports has counted itself out of the running to acquire 32Red's sports-betting operation Bet Direct, according to the chief executive Daniel O'Mahoney said: "We will not be buying Bet Direct". Stan James could be the leading contender to snap up the online bookmaker which has been up for sale for over a month.  Chronicle bookmakers are thought to be in the frame also.

Chronicle is half-owned by Dermot Desmond who recently secured an Option for part of the 24h poker business it may stack up to pick up Bet Direct also, the Irish millionaire and the owner of Betdaq.

Boylesport meanwhile said a "string of favourable results" had a positive impact on profit, in particular at the Cheltenham and Aintree horse-racing festivals.

O'Mahoney hailed the company sponsorships at English premier League club Sunderland and at Cheltenham as having helped boost the company profile in its new target market the UK.
 
"We get good exposure from them both," he said. The UK now accounts for over 50% of Boylesports client base.