UIGEA Dispute Headed to WTO?

September 24, 2008

There is much talk in the online gambling industry that even with the European Commission coming here and maybe because of it that the problems with the Unlawful Internet gambling Enforcement Act are going to come to a head. Not only are they going to come to a head � but it is undoubtedly going to happen in front of the World Trade Organization.

The Remote Gambling Association says that hey undoubtedly think that this will end up in the WTO�s lap, which is not where they want it. The dispute in regards to the UIGEA needs to be worked out and they don�t think that the US is willing.

The main problem with the online gambling issue ending up in the WTO is that it opens the way for more claims of trade damages from other countries. This could end up costing the US hundreds of millions of dollars.

The RGA�s complaint is what led to the beginning of trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States. However, the US is not necessarily holding up their end of the bargain as of yet, and many are skeptical that we will. So far we haven�t done much except cancel meetings without any notice and meet without trying to work out solutions.

The US Trade Representative has supposedly dug in their heels on the online gambling issue and the EU�s efforts have been rebuffed. This only makes it more difficult to come to a consensus about the fate of online gambling.

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