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U.S. Face Additional WTO Hit

In light of new developments, Antigua and Barbuda is not alone in its fight against the United States. India, Costa Rica, Macau and the European Union (with it’s 27 nations) are considering claims against the U.S. as well. Antigua and Barbuda acted against the U.S. in light of anti online casino legislation in America. Such legislation means, according to Antigua and Barbuda, that non-U.S. firms are unable to compete within the American gambling market – a fact that stands against World Trade Organization agreements. If firms are unable to offer online gambling to U.S. citizen, then they have no way of competing with land-based firms within the United States.

An online casino portal that deals with gambling information and news is reporting that such claims for compensation have been filed by the mentioned countries last week. The United States said that the World Trade Organization’s obligation does not include the gambling market and therefore anti online casino legislation does not interfere with previous agreements regarding global trade. The listed countries found the United States’ answer to be less than satisfactory and it is one of the main reasons for their motivation to joint Antigua and Barbuda’s case. The fact that the United States decided to exclude gambling form its obligations probably ignited many of the countries to speak their mind.

Japan is also contemplation on the idea and already sent a letter of interest in the case. Antigua and Barbuda is claiming for $3.44 million in compensation for the breach in trade agreements. Other figures were not mentioned. The United State isn’t showing signs of approving such fees, but they do show will for future negotiations as the confrontation at the World Trade Organization over online casino legislation grows. The claims of the countries focus on the fact that horse racing, state lotteries and fantasy gaming are allowed to operate over the net, but casino games are not.

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