EU Says it's Time to Drop US Online Casino Ban
The US online gambling ban is best by attacks from a myriad of groups, not the least of which is the country's trading partners in the European Union. Today, the EU publicly prompted the US to give up on the prohibition on online casinos, saying enforcing it breaks international trade agreements.The attempts by the Justice Department and the rest of the Executive Branch to build a block of Internet gambling are facing legislative and legal challenges domestically, and now the furtherance of the EU complaint. EU leaders say they could demand compensation for unfair trade practices from the World Trade Organization, but would rather settle amicably, if possible.
Members of the Remote Gaming Association have asked the EU to pursue investigations into US policy regarding foreign-based Internet gambling operators. The RGA is the industry organ for European online casinos.
According to the complaints, US companies such as horse racing businesses are able to operate online and overseas, while foreign companies are discriminated against. Prosecutions have continued against European operators long after they abandoned the US market, while US interests operate online gambling sites blithely and without fear of reprisal.
EU officials say they are hoping to get President Obama behind a broadening of world-wide trade to stimulate the world economy, and will try to reach a happy solution. But RGA officials warned that the $100 billion their members have lost due to US actions will not be forgotten.
