Eyes turn to who is next as sector consolidates

Punters in betting shops, online or on their phones will not necessarily notice much difference, but the completion of the merger between Ladbrokes and Coral is a momentous occasion for the betting industry.

The joining together of two of the most familiar bookmaking names on the high street has taken long enough, with the process of satisfying the competition watchdog meaning it has taken 16 months from news of the merger being revealed to it being completed.

In the meantime, Paddy Power and Betfair have announced and completed a merger as one of a myriad deals taking place as gambling companies seek to insulate themselves from the icy headwinds they face from increased taxation and regulation.