The US has fired the first shots in a looming war with online gambling companies by arresting the chief executive of BetOnSports. 

BetOnSports shares were suspended yesterday following the arrest, but the company is still accepting new accounts and bets from the US.

David Carruthers was arrested at Dallas Fort Worth airport while he was transferring to a connecting flight to BetOnSports' headquarters in Costa Rica. He was charged with conspiracy to offer bets to US citizens. 

The court also filed charges against company founder Gary Kaplan, media director Peter Wilson and nine other employees.

A recent bill to make internet gambling illegal in the US has been passed by the House of Representatives but is still to be ratified by the Senate. 

As well as offering gambling services to American citizens using the internet, BetOnSports also takes bets over a US toll-free telephone line.

Carruthers was held in custody by the court and will be transported to Missouri to stand trial.