Betonsports to close US business

The US is a major revenue source for many online gaming firms

Gaming website Betonsports has said it is to close its US-facing business, based in Antigua and Costa Rica.

Betonsports said the US-facing side of its business was no longer viable after a US court ordered it to stop taking bets from US customers.

The move also comes after it sacked its chief executive following his arrest in the US on racketeering charges.

Betonsports said it intended to pay any liabilities to staff and creditors, and refund balances to US customers.

Crackdown

However, the firm said paying liabilities and repaying any balances "would take time" and completion would depend on its ability to "persuade banks and cash processors to release its funds".

The former chief executive of Betonsports, David Carruthers, was arrested in July after US authorities cracked down on internet gambling.

Mr Carruthers has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other charges.

In total, the move by the US authorities saw eleven individuals charged with accepting bets illegally and not paying taxes on bets worth $3.3bn (£1.7bn).