Online Gambling companies Party Gaming and Empire Online confirmed the reports that they are discussing a sale of Empire Online's online gambling business to the hands of Party Gaming.

According to reports by Reuters, Bloomberg and inside rumors from within the companies themselves, it seems that the deal is imminent.

Party Gaming and Empire Online were partners turned rivals when Party Poker cut down Empire Poker's access to its network of online poker tables. Formerly, Empire Online's web site was used as a marketing partner for party poker, one of several "skins". Players will join Empire Poker and play with software branded by its name but where than connected to a network of poker tables managed by party poker.

After Party Gaming cut Empire Online from its network, Party Poker retaliated with a lawsuit after which Party Gaming agreed to pay Empire 250 million dollars in compensation.

Party Poker is now trying to replace the lost US market by acquisitions of other online gambling companies.

After the sale it is reported that Empire is planning to turn away from online gambling and become an investment company specializing in real estate.

On a different note, a company spokesman denied Internet rumors of a return of Party Poker to the American market. Rumors that were circulating around the web in the last few days.  

 

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