The Caribbean island state of Antigua and Barbuda is looking at “strategic alliances” with UK companies to boost its online gambling industry, as it combats a clampdown from US authorities who consider internet betting to be illegal.

New gambling laws in the UK were passed recently to regulate the booming internet gaming industry. Although the laws have yet to be implemented, Antigua is keen to benefit from any path the UK could clear through murky legal and trade controversies that threaten the industry.