Internet gaming group Betonsports announced today it was closing down its US business.
The company recently removed its chief executive from his job following his detention in Texas last month on racketeering charges.
Betonsports said it would cease operations in Costa Rica and Antigua, where its US operations are based, because they were no longer viable amid a restraining order on the business and the charges faced by former chief executive David Carruthers.
Betonsports said it would also pay any liabilities to staff and creditors and repay balances due to US customers. Its ability to do this would partly depend on whether it could persuade banks and cash processors to release its funds, the company added.
Management were taking steps to make sure the company did not knowingly accept any wagers form US customers, it added.
Mr Carruthers and seven others have already pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other charges, and a US court has extended to August 14th an order barring the online bookmaker from taking US bets.
Mr Carruthers was arrested by US authorities in July while passing through a Texas airport. He was en route from the United Kingdom to Costa Rica.
The charges allege the company failed to pay US excise taxes on more than $3.3 billion in wagers taken from US gamblers. The government is seeking forfeiture of $4.5 billion, removal of access to Betonsports websites in the United States, and the return of money held for US account holders.