U.S. Online Gambling Policy Violates Law, W.T.O. Rules

[arcos]

U.S. Online Gambling Policy Violates Law, W.T.O. Rules

The World Trade Organization, in its first decision on an Internet-related dispute, has ignited a political, cultural and legal tinderbox by ruling that the United States policy prohibiting online gambling violates international trade law.

The ruling, issued by a W.T.O. panel on Wednesday, is being hailed by operators of online casinos based overseas as a major victory that could force America to liberalize laws outlawing their business.

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The decision stems from a case brought to the W.T.O. in June 2003 by the tiny island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The nation, which licenses 19 companies that offer sports betting and casino games like blackjack over the Internet, argued that United States trade policy does not prohibit cross-border gambling operations.

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"The U.S. says it wants open competition," he said. "But it only wants free trade when it suits the U.S."

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http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/26/technology/26gamble.html?ex=1080968400&en=de1fe33a36ca958f&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

[mouse7]

1. WTO= wide open sports betting? Big reThug OOOOOOOPS!

Weeeeeeeeheeheehehehe!

Is the right wing party base gonna be pissed about this or what! The WTO forces open gambling! The Christian Right is going to go into conniption fits.

Expect Pat Buchanan to be the smugest pol on TV tomorrow. He's gonna revel in yelling about this to high heaven.

[arcos]

2. yeah, it's gonna be interesting...

I personally favor legalized and regulated online gambling because it creates a lot of jobs in some countries. However, even though I'm not a US citizen, I would like to see WTO crumble. And if this is going to cause strain on the US-WTO relationship, I'm all for it. It helps everyone.

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3. kick n/t

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4. kick n/t