WTO says Internet Gambling should be allowed

In a decision foreshadowed in March last year, the World Trade Organisation has found in favour of Antigua in a battle with the USA over the latters banning of internet gambling. Antigua, home to many of the world's internet casinos was appealing a US law that prevents US banks and credit card institutions from authorising payments intended for online gambling, saying that it harms a significant industry for their tiny economy.

The USA are appealing, but if the finding is affirmed, this would have a significant impact on internet gambling worldwide, especially if the USA agree to abide by the ruling. That may not happen, but it may force other countries, who do not want to disobey WTO rulings due to having other favourable decisions, to open their borders to internet gambling.

Some Links on the issue

Anyone Want to Give Odds?
Reuters, NY GENEVA
(Reuters) - The United States pledged on Wednesday that it would fight to overturn a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling favoring the tiny Caribbean ...

Update 1: WTO: US Should Drop Gambling Ban
Forbes, NY
A World Trade Organization panel said Wednesday the US government should drop prohibitions on Americans placing bets in online casinos - a ruling that could ...

WTO confirms ruling against US in gambling dispute with Antigua
Servihoo, Mauritius
The World Trade Organization confirmed that a US prohibition the cross-border gaming and gambling over the Internet was illegal under global trade rules. ...

WTO backs Antigua, rules US online gaming ban is illegal
Las Vegas Sun, NV
Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean island nation, won a World Trade Organization ruling that US legislation criminalizing online betting violates global laws. ...

WTO Eyes US Offshore Web Gambling Ban
Newsday, NY
By JONATHAN FOWLER. GENEVA -- In a ruling that could open the United States to offshore Internet gambling, a World Trade Organization ...

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