Online gaming firms are facing major upheaval with the passage of a new law effectively making internet gambling illegal in the US.
Legislation which makes it a federal offence for firms to accept or handle money obtained from online gaming in the US was signed into law by President George W Bush on Friday.
The severe clampdown has dented investor confidence in British gaming firms, many of whom generate substantial revenues from the US.
Uncertainty
There is still some uncertainty about the scope of the law and how it will be implemented.
The government has 270 days in which to issue regulations stating that banks and other institutions must block gaming-related transactions.