“Antigua Takes on U.S. Anti-Gambling Policies”

The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) ruling in favor of Antigua was a cause for celebration for online gambling operators and gambling fans around the globe. In Antigua’s original complaint, the U.S. government was criticized for perceived discrimination against gambling companies. The WTO ruled against the Bush administration in the case, noting that a ban on internet gambling based on the argument of protecting social morals can only remain in effect as long as anti-gambling legislation does not discriminate against foreign gambling companies.

The ruling also stipulated that the U.S. must remain committed to its original promise in 1995 to open itself up to the online gambling industry. The U.S. now has until 3 April 2006 to comply with the WTO’s decision. U.S.

Trade representative spokesman Rob Portman said in a statement made by Neena Moorjani that the U.S. will comply with the WTO’s rulings provided certain points are clarified. “To implement findings in this dispute, all we need to do is clarify one narrow issue concerning internet gambling on horse racing. This does not weaken U.S. restrictions on internet gambling,” the statement said.

Antigua ’s ambassador to the WTO, New York-based John Ashe, has stated publicly that Antigua’s motivation in bringing the case to the WTO was to gain access to the U.S. gambling market. 55 percent of all bets online are made by U.S. residents, or in financial figures $7 billion of the $12 billion dollars spent in the internet gambling industry as a whole. “The time is adequate, and we hope the U.S. does everything possible to comply with the decision,” said Ashe.