Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

BRITISH firms continued to feel the strain of a crackdown on internet gambling in the United States as two more firms abandoned operations across the Atlantic. London-based casino Leisure & Gaming said it was "no longer appropriate" for the company to accept US customers after Congress approved the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. It also revealed it was considering selling its US operations after receiving "a number of approaches", sending its shares up nearly 10% yesterday. Shares fell 86% last week in the aftermath of the new legislation. There was a less positive response to FireOne's decision to pull out of the US and its shares dived by more than a quarter. The company, which provides payment services to the online gaming sector, has lost 72% of its value since Monday last week. The Bill passed by Congress specifically outlaws banks and credit cards processing payments to internet casinos. FireOne said: "The Act will have a significant negative impact on the business." It said it expected President George Bush to sign the Bill shortly.