European Union Investigates U.S. Online Gambling Trade Violations
After receiving numerous complaints from several member nations, the European Commission has formally begun an investigation into U.S. trade policies regarding interference with online gambling and online casinos.
Despite the Bush administration's proclaimation of support for world-wide free trade, the Executive Branch remains determined to deny access to its citizens by online gaming operations located overseas. This has led to the Commission submitting a list of questions to U.S. commerce officials as a preliminary step to filing a complaint with the World Trade Oranization.
Antigua has already pursued the WTO option, and been awarded a $21 million settlement, which the U.S. has resisted honoring. Any filing by the European Union promises to have much larger benefits at stake, and puts at risk open trade policies in areas outside the gaming industry.
Representative Barney Frank continues to champion legislation which would nullify the egregious Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, and allow fair trade while regulating and taxing online casinos. Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson stated, "I think (Rep. Frank) takes a fair-minded, common sense approach."
Mandelson expressed a desire to negotiate a settlement before proceeding to the WTO, but admonished that no settlement could be reached that continued discriminatory trade practices.
All this amounts to more headaches for the U.S. regarding the UIGEA, which has already been declared all but unenforceable by the Fed and the Treasury, denounced by banking groups nationwide, and ridiculed by the citizenry. When will the madness end, and why must tax dollars pay for it?
