Shares in online gambling company Centrebet were up almost 16 percent in trading yesterday after it was revealed that Australian bookmaker was in takeover talks.

According to The Australian, Ladbrokes, William Hill and Sportingbet are the reported British suitors.

Analysts said Centrebet -- which is 60 per cent owned by the family of its chief executive, Con Kafataris -- was a good fit for foreign companies wanting to get a stake in the Australian market ahead of expected deregulation.