THE future of the 196 Irish betting shops owned by Ladbrokes will become clearer on Wednesday when the 30-day examinership process formally ends.

Ladbrokes appointed an examiner in April, a move seen by industry observers as a bid to have rent payments reduced and an opportunity to sell off or shut loss-making shops. It is thought that up to one-third of the estate could be sold, with Boylesports among the chief bidders.