BUZZ-British bookies: surge on potential unlocking of U.S. sports betting market

(Adds 888, Playtech (Frankfurt: A1J0S4 - news) )

** Shares (Berlin: DI6.BE - news) in British bookmakers William Hill (Frankfurt: 633847 - news) , Paddy Power Betfair and GVC surge higher in volume spike after U.S. top court backs New Jersey's bid to legalize sports betting

** The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for states to legalize sports betting, endorsing New Jersey's bid to allow such wagering and striking down a 1992 federal law that prohibited it in most places

** Paddy Power (EUREX: 27913021.EX - news) +7.3 pct, top of FTSE 100; 888 Holdings jumps 15 pct, 2nd-top UK midcap riser

** William Hill +8.7 pct, GVC +4.4 pct; gambling technology company Playtech up 2.2 pct

** The ruling takes the United States a step closer to legal sports betting in numerous states, perhaps nationwide, rather than just in select places such as Nevada, home to the gambling capital Las Vegas

** Analysts expect William Hill to venture into U.S. after Australia exit

** Canadian bookmaker The Stars Group also rises on news