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WTO Releases Decision in Online Gambling Case
In a ruling where both the United States and Antigua are claiming victory, the World Trade Organization ("WTO") partially reversed an earlier decision that effectively paved the way for Antigua entering the U.S. Internet gambling market. The case before the WTO stemmed from a 2003 dispute where Antigua complained that its online gaming companies were not properly able to access U.S. customers because of U.S. federal laws that barred the placing of online bets across state lines. Antigua, at that time, was successful before a WTO panel, arguing "that it is inappropriate to treat businesses conducting transactions online as unequal to or somehow worse than traditional brick-and-mortar operations, or for the U.S. government to assume lack of industry integrity without any objective evidence". In claiming victory, the United States said it would be able to adjust its current laws to meet the WTO rules while also halting overseas gambling firms, and accordingly, maintain its restrictions on Internet gambling. Antigua, on the other hand, also claiming victory, said the WTO decision would open up new opportunities for its gaming operators.
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http://shorl.com/dovatrafrileli http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4422457.stm
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