Judge Carol Jackson ruled that British sports betting firm BetonSports is in contempt of court this week for failing to address charges against it. The charges, relating to racketeering and violation of interstate gambling legislation, were made last year against the firm. Its directors have failed to comply with a December 28 court order demanding their presence in the U.S. courts, increasing the trouble BetonSports has found itself in.

According to Bloombergs business news service, BetonSports' American lawyer was unable to persuade its directors to appear in court before U.S. District Judge Carol Jackson to face charges. As a result, Jackson found the company in contempt for violating her order and daily fines will be imposed on the firm until a spokesperson presents himself.

In court, Judge Jackson told attendees "I clearly believe Betonsports' actions are contumacious and disregard the court's order without any excuse." The firm's St Louis counsel Jeffrey Demerath had previously contacted the court the day before, advising his clients had instructed him not to appear before the court. According to U.S. Attorney Michael Fagan, the decision of BetonSports not to show "suggests that corporate management is neither in a coma nor dead but, instead, contemptuous and defiant."

BetonSports' founder Gary Kaplin and former chief executive officer David Carruthers were indicted last summer along with nine other defendants by U.S. law enforcers. The firm stands to lose $4.5 billion dollars if state prosecutors have their way.

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