Bush Online Gambling Policy Contradictory with NAFTA Speech

It would be wise for an administration that apparently believes so strongly in free trade to act consistently with its statements and drop all attempts to enforce the UIGEA.

President Bush spoke out strongly in favor of global free trade yesterday, even as his administration deals with complaints and accusations that the U.S. continues to block trade in the gambling sectors, particularly in relation to online casinos.

Bush stood with President Calderon of Mexico and Prime Minister Harper of Canada in delivering a rousing defense of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and extended his views beyond those countries to encompass the world. He said, "And now is the time to reduce trade barriers worldwide." 

Not only did Bush defend NAFTA, but he also called for passage of trade agreements he has negotiated with Columbia, Panama, and South Korea. He specifically rejected some calls by the Democratic Party for more protectionism in trade policy, and warned that limits on free trade could have unexpected and adverse effects on the U.S. and its economy.

Yet still the government clings to the tattered and ridiculed shreds of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which attempts to prevent foreign online casinos from operating with U.S. patrons. The international results of the UIGEA have been an assortment of complaints by allied nations, escalating all the way to formal charges before the World Trade Organization.

Antigua has already been awarded a victory against the U.S. for imposition of illegal trade restrictions, and members of the European Union are presently pursuing similar claims.

The UIGEA does not seem likely to remain in effect much longer, as it is currently under assault by bankers, members of the Federal Reserve and Tresury Department, and a bipartisan group of Congressmen determined to strike down the law. It would be wise for an administration that apparently believes so strongly in free trade to act consistently with its statements and drop all attempts to enforce the UIGEA, both as a sign to its allies that it will follow agreements reached and to assure the world that statements supporting free trade will be backed by actions.