888 CEO Says He’d Weigh Public Listing to Tap U.S. Market

Online gambling operator 888 Holdings is exploring ways to bring U.S. investors on board, including a potential public offering, as the market becomes more important for the London-listed company.

“There might be opportunities like that, to float, to re-float, to split out — there are many different structures. I assume down the line, we will consider different options as the U.S. becomes more meaningful, and definitely if it continues to trade at these kinds of multiples,” Chief Executive Officer Itai Pazner said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

888 is also looking for media and brand deals that could boost its U.S. presence, and the company would consider joining up with European operators as well as any takeover approaches it might receive, Pazner said.

For now, the company is focused on expanding the business and doesn’t expect to make any immediate decisions, Pazner said. “We’re in contact with bankers and advisers, and there are many ideas that are floating out there,” he said.

888’s shares have risen nearly 400% in the last year as online gambling has surged in popularity, boosted by Covid-19 lockdowns. In the US, the industry is surging following the legalization of sports betting by the Supreme Court in 2018.