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Antigua to World Trade Organization About US Internet Laws
The World Trade Organization in Geneva is said to be looking into complaints by Antigua and other countries that U.S. laws banning Internet violate free-trade rules. The WTO has previously approved some U.S. laws under its trade rules while rejecting others.
Antigua has been a big foe of the U.S. on the subject of online casinos, but other countries such as Costa Rica could be drawn into the fray.
Costa Rica is home to BetOnSports.com, an online gaming site, that has been severely curtailed by a temporary restraining order approved Monday by a federal court in Dallas.
The restraining order coincides with the indictment of David Carruthers, BetOnSports.com's chief executive. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri unsealed the indictment, which had been handed down by a federal grand jury in June.
Antigua complains that U.S. laws restricting online gambling cost them dearly. "A number of Third World countries have been saved by online gambling," says Lawrence Walters, a Florida attorney who specializes in online gaming laws. "I wouldn't be surprised if we see some WTO claims."
The WTO was setting up a committee to study Antigua's claims and has 90 days to report on the U.S.'s compliance with its earlier rulings. Members who fail to comply with WTO ruling face the possibility of sanctions, like higher tariffs on non-related items.
Sunday, October 01 , 2006
Victor Copeland