European Operators Want US to Drop Online Gambling Investigations
A primary aspect of the dispute between the US and the European Union over trade in online gambling is the discriminatory prosecutions aimed at European Internet casino operators. The issue is being confronted during ongoing talks between US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton.According to E Gaming Review, the head of the organization representing European online gambling sites wants indemnity from further prosecution by the US. Clive Hawkswood, CEO of the Remote Gaming Association, told the magazine that compensation is not the group's goal, but rather assurance that no legal action will be pursued.
“The implication of the complaint is that, yes, the US should bring its gambling rules into compliance with global rules on foreign trade, but the main issue for the RGA and its members is securing this indemnity from prosecution," said Hawkswood. "Then we can talk about the other issues.”
The RGA contends that the US is attempting to prosecute EU online gambling operators for activities before the US withdrew from WTO commitments in regard to Internet gaming at the end of 2007. Not only should prior operations be protected by the General Agreement on Trade in Services, but the US has selectively investigated foreign operators while turning a blind eye to domestic online gambling.
While Hawkswood says the broader issue of trade policies and international law remains, he will allow the governments involved to devise a solution for that, as long as his group's members can relax knowing they will not face legal trouble for their previous actions.
