The US campaign to punish companies associated with online gambling has a new target, ESI Entertainment Systems. ESI’s Citadel Commerce business unit has entered an agreement with the US Attorney’s Office to pay a sume of $9.11 million.

Between 2003 and 2007 Citadel processed a total of $2.02 billion to US customers and online gambling companies. ESI admitted to activities that violated US law and agreed to cooperate with US authorities in their ongoing investigation into this matter.

“This agreement resolves the USAO’s investigation relating to the company’s former US internet gaming payment processing activities,” said Tony Greening, ESI CEO. “Obtaining a resolution to the US situation over 14 months of negotiations, consumed significant amounts of ESI’s capital and resources, and resulted in the company having to write off certain assets and offset liabilities.”

This resolution is a long time coming; ESI is eager to get passed this stage and begin focusing their efforts on making their business thrive.

“Our customers, employees and shareholders have all patiently waited for this resolution and we are pleased we can now begin to refocus our efforts on building and strengthening the ESI business,” Greening said.

Citadel provided 80% of ESI’s revenue in 2006, but since the UIGEA was implemented they have been cooperating with US authorities.