Congressmen Demand Stop to International Internet Gambling Probe

Meanwhile the European Union Trade Commissioner has asked the Bush administration to put any investigations on hold.

The United States Department of Justice continues to ferociously enforce dubious policies regarding online gambling which are likely to change in the near future, much like a boxer slipping in a quick uppercut after the bell. Now the prospect of this confusing insistence on using murky and conflicting law to pursue those whose questionable violations occurred in the distant past has alarmed at least two prominent Congressmen, who have warned the U.S. Attorney General of the need to suspend the investigation.

Representative Robert Wexler of Florida and Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee have notified Attorney General Mike Mukasey that continuing to investigate European online casinos for possible violations previous to the 2006 passing of the UIGEA may result in an escalating trade problem between the U.S. and the European Union.

Wexler sent a letter to Mukasey stating, "In all likelihood, this issue will escalate and I understand could result in WTO action focused specifically on how the U.S. government enforces its laws. I cannot see how that can be in the interests of this country."

European Internet gambling sites lost huge revenues when the UIGEA passed, effectively closing the U.S. market to free trade in the gaming industry. Companies that are traded publicly on the London Stock Exchange and regulated still chose to withdraw from the market rather than risk violating U.S. law, yet prosecutors still seek to press charges from before 2006.

After numerous complaints from the Remote Gaming Association, the European Commission launched an investigation as to whether U.S. policies discriminated against European online companies, while allowing American gambling, such as horse racing, continue unimpeded.

A formal letter of inquiry by the Commission was brushed off by the U.S., leading to the scheduling of a visit by Commission representatives, a meeting postponed by U.S. request until September. Meanwhile the European Union Trade Commissioner has asked the Bush administration to put any investigations on hold.

Continuing to pursue a policy both unnecessary and foolish may result in monstrous damages being levied against the U.S. If Antigua received $28 million annually, Europe may expect billions; and it probably won't display the patience of Antigua, either.