888investors Betting on Bwin; MARKET REPORT

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Byline: by Geoff Foster

IF shareholders of 888 Holdings play their cards right and stick, they could soon hit the jackpot.

Rumours were rife on the German bourse that ubiquitous Austrian internet bookmaker bwin is on the verge of a major fundraising and has the online gaming group at the top of its Christmas shopping list.

It recently acquired Gioco Digitale, the leading Italian online poker and gaming operator, and now wants to add 888 to further strengthen its hand in Europe.

888's shares firmed 1.4p more to 1071/2p, while bwin edged up to e38, valuing the group at around e1m. Should bwin make a move, it would have to get the agreement of …