BoyleSports, Ireland's largest independent bookmaker, has indicated that it could take a number of newly-closed betting shops off the hands of former rival Hacketts.

Hacketts was placed into liquidation this week, forcing its 18 remaining outlets to shut their doors and causing 35 job losses.

According to The Irish Times, BoyleSports is contemplating the purchase of a number of these, stating yesterday that it is "always" interested in buying Irish betting shops when they come on the market.

It is unlikely that all 18 would be bought, due to location overlap with existing BoyleSports outlets.

The statement said: "It’s a matter of record that we would like to grow our network to between 240 and 250 outlets, and that at any one time we have a team engaging with at least one or more than one independent Irish bookmaker."

BoyleSports currently operates 208 betting shops.

Paddy Power has already confirmed that it will honour any outstanding bets from Hacketts customers through their network of betting shops.

Anyone with a winning bet slip should present it at their nearest Paddy Power betting office, who will arrange for it to be paid out.