Ladbrokes in talks with Betdaq

Ladbrokes has confirmed speculation it is in talks to buy the Irish betting exchange, Betdaq, as the firm continues the race to beef up its internet betting capability.

The firm, which has recently failed to buy internet rivals 888 Holdings and Sportingbet, said it "enjoys a close commercial cooperation with Betdaq and can confirm discussions regarding a potential future acquisition".

"Negotiations are ongoing though at this stage there is no certainty that an agreement will be reached," the statement added.

Betdaq, which is owned by billionaire Dermot Desmond, operates as a peer-to-peer betting exchange.

Previously Ladbrokes had said it was only interested in doing a deal with Betdaq to supply its up-to-the-minute pricing technology.