UK online and high-street betting firm BetFred is considering an initial public offering as analysts predict promising growth despite last year's US gambling crackdown that sent stocks of many high-profile firms reeling.

BetFred has mandated Rothschild, the bank's second advisory role in the embattled sector, to look at options including a possible £600m (€883m) London initial public offering. The mandate comes as several buyout players are said to be eyeing BetFred.