The EU has called on the US to cut the proposed gambling bill currently going through congress.

Should the bill be passed, the law will deny American players access to online gambling sites outside of the US.

In response, Warwick Bartlett, chief executive of Global Betting & Gaming Consultants, said: "It isn’t a certainty this bill will pass because there is considerable opposition to gambling in the United States from the religious right wing.

"If the bill does pass, there is no doubt in my mind that the United States will become the leader in internet gambling."

Last month, the US House Committee on Financial Services reported that legislation would enable Americans to bet online and put an end to an inappropriate interference with their personal freedom.

Meanwhile, Brits are continuing to play bingo with no sign of let-up as a result of the recession. Online bingo has become particularly popular as it attracts an increasing number of younger internet savvy players to the game.