A Romanian princess living in the US has admitted operating an illegal gambling business in connection with a cockfighting operation.

Irina Walker - the third daughter of former Romanian King Michael I - and her husband John were arrested after authorities said they staged at least 10 cockfighting derbies in a barn at their ranch in eastern Oregon.

Prosecutors said the Walkers charged spectators $20 each to enter and the crowds generally exceeded 100 people. The couple also made money from the sale of alcohol. They have accepted a plea deal in which the government dismissed charges of animal fighting and conspiracy to violate the animal welfare act.

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