US anti-gamblers sap Sportingbet

LOSSES grew at online bookmaker Sportingbet in the first half, thanks in part to opposition by the anti-gambling lobby in the US. American moralists have put unprecedented pressure on US bankers to prevent them processing bets placed with Sportingbet.

Fundamentalist anti-gambling organisations have also pressed some states to pass legislation to make it illegal for banks to handle money for online gambling.

The blow comes hard on the heels of Sportingbet's profit warning earlier this month, which was caused by punters correctly called the results of European domestic soccer-matches and NFL American football games.

Between them the gamblers and anti gamblers pushed Sportingbet's pre-tax losses to £5.7m in the six months to August, from £3.8m in the year-earlier period. Sportingbet shares fell 2p to 26 1/2p today.

Chairman Peter Dicks said each region within the group's global spread was profitable at operating level.

Sportingbet could face difficulties in the US as gambling opponent Senator Kyl tries to push through an internet Bill in the US House of Representatives.