More than 40 expressions of interest have been made for the Tote.
Sale advisers have told ministers that about half are considered serious. The number of expressions of interest have quashed fears Gala Coral would dominate the auction.
The government is hopeful the level and quality of interest will generate competition and yield a price in the range of the £400m price tag PricewaterhouseCoopers set last year.
Ladbrokes, Boylesports and Paddy Power have expressed interest in the 540 betting shops.
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