A DEAL to sell Liverpool-based gaming group Stanley Leisure's 600 betting shops looked almost inevitable last night as the company said it was keen to concentrate on its casino division and wanted to pay off its debt.
William Hill representatives will today continue inspecting the company's betting shops across Merseyside and the UK in a process likely to be over by the end of next week.
Stanley Chief Executive Bob Wiper is believed to be pushing for its Liverpool staff to be kept on.
If William Hill decides to buy Stanley for more £500m, it will become become Britain's biggest bookmaker, with 200 more shops than Ladbrokes.
Last week the Daily Post reported Stanley was keen to be the operator of the UK's only super casino, which will probably be sited in Blackpool.
The company also hopes that if Labour wins the General Election it will resurrect plans to allow more Las Vegas style outlets across the country.
A deal with William Hill will also allow it to to pay off its substantial debts.
Last night the group would not comment on speculation by analysts that any deal could prompt a merger of Stanley's remaining casino assets with London Clubs International.
A spokesman said: "Building large casinos is definitely something we're looking at. The gambling reforms mean there can now only be one major casino in Blackpool, which all gambling companies would put in a bid for."
Stanley already runs 41 casinos across the country. Losing its betting wing will will slash its turnover by 88%, and will cut profits by 66%.
Last night a William Hill spokesman said: "We have got to see whether the asking price is value for money.
"We will be looking at all the shops, but by corporate standards it will be quite a quick process."
William Hill has said the acquisition would delay plans announced last month to return £453m to its shareholders.
The company said: "Although there can be no certainty at this stage that a transaction will be agreed, the board of William Hill believes that the potential acquisition represents a particularly attractive opportunity for William Hill and should be evaluated before proceeding with the return of capital exercise."
One analyst said if the deal went through, Stanley would be able to retire all its debt and still have around £250m to return to shareholders.
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