The decision to close Western Union branches in Antigua and Barbuda is commonly seen by many online gambling operators as the latest attempt made by the U.S. government to restrain gambling activity.

Last week Western Union International closed four branches and suspended service to its franchise in Antigua. Director of Communications Lori Varsames has stated that the reason for the suspension “is the result of an ongoing internal review. The date for service restoration has not yet been fully determined, but we are working to restore that service.”

Varsames also added that Western Union conducts periodic reviews of many of its services and that it would be “inappropriate for me to characterize our findings until the review is complete.”

However according to Ron Maginley, a former Director of Offshore Gaming, the closure of the Western Union branches has more to do with pressure from the U.S. government than any internal review procedures. Maginley says the closures have to be taken into context along with the WTO case between the U.S. and Antigua.

“Questions arise as to why Western Union would have taken a unilateral decision to only shut down offices within Antigua and Barbuda in light of our continued action at the WTO,” Maginley says. “As far as I am aware it is the only jurisdiction for which it has done this closure.”

Gaming operators based in Antigua and Barbuda rely on Western Union to process customer payments to casino accounts. Although this represents only one payment option available, the fact that some transactions may be affected is of grave concern to Maginley.

“I certainly think the government should raise this as simply the latest issue of pressure being put on the part of the U.S. on companies that provide services to companies conducting legitimate business in Antigua and Barbuda and should insist that Western Union, if it has been providing services to gaming companies, be allowed to do so.”

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