Deadline For End to Antiguan Online Gambling Case Moved Again
Displaying a continuing disregard for the meaning of the word "deadline", the U.S. again wrangled an extension of the date on which its online gambling dispute with Antigua was to be resolved. The new so-called deadline is October 1st, marking the fifth time the end to the period to amicably solve the issue of damages owed by the U.S. has been moved; several of the previous changes occurred after the set date had passed.
Because of violations of free trade policies committed by the U.S. when it closed its market to offshore online casinos, the World Trade Organization has held that Antigua is owed $28 million annually. Although this is a fraction of Antigua's original request, the U.S. has only recently even entered into talks as to how the debt might be paid.
If Antigua decides to pursue the case rather than negotiate, the U.S. must then defend itself before the WTO Court. However, Antigua and Minister of Finance Dr. Errol Cort have bent over backwards to accomodate U.S. trade representatives, allowing the rescheduling of the deadline and acknowledging the difficulty of resolution.
Mark Mendel, Antigua's legal representative at the WTO, admitted the new date might not be the one that resolves this issue. He remarked that the WTO treats summer as holiday time, and doesn't know when talks may resume.
Sherman Bradley, OCA's gaming analyst, said, 'Antigua is in the driver's seat, but doesn't appear to know how to drive. They continue to allow the U.S. to intimidate them, acting grateful when the U.S. gives them the slightest attention. Hopefully the U.S. government realizes the European Union will not act in a similar fashion."
