Will Caesars sell off parts of its interactive division?

Speculation that the heavily indebted Caesars Entertainment group may sell off some parts of its Montreal-based interactive gambling division surfaced last year but became official this week, when it was referenced in the group’s SEC filing associated with incurring further debt by offering $1.5 billion of seven-year, 9 percent senior secured notes to help pay other maturing loans.

The Securities Exchange Commission filing details possible plans to sell off elements of land casinos and ofCaesars Interactive Entertainment, a division formed under former Party Gaming chief Mitch Garber amid high hopes for a move into online gambling.

CIE has forged significant partnerships with major online gambling companies overseas, along with making internet and social gaming-related acquisitions like Playtika and Buffalo Studios.

The company has also been successful in obtaining a Nevada online poker licence, and has plans for the introduction of a World Series of Poker branded website in partnership with 888 Holdings.

Caesars and 888 currently operate real money gaming in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

The Caesars parent group is carrying a massive debt burden in excess of $20 billion.