Internet Gambling – isn't going anywhere

Although things have appeared bleak lately for Americans who enjoy online gambling, something is about to happen next month which may swing the pendulum back towards freedom of choice. Laws passed previously banned non-US companies from operating in the US gaming market. Antigua and Barbuda had built up a significant Internet gambling industry to replace falling tourist revenue and took the US to the The World Trade Organization (WTO). Antigua argued that this was an illegal trade restriction, claiming it broke a free trade pact that the US had signed. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against the US in an online gambling dispute with the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda. Although the ruling is still private, it’s been reported that the WTO has found the US guilty of not complying with a 2005 order in the case. More alarming is the fact that this information was deliberately leaked by the United States despite a stern warning from the WTO to keep this information privileged until an official report was to be released in March of 2007. Many uninformed individuals don’t believe this particular victory will change anything. In fact, they are the first to point out that the United States has taken a more drastic approach recently by citing some examples. The latest blow occurred when two of the co-founders of Neteller were arrested in January. In a time when the US has been ordered to comply, their actions have been quite the opposite. They have acted like arrogant bullies because they believe they can get away with it. Well, for starters, they tried this with Iraq and look at where that got us? Don’t underestimate the WTO and in particular, Antigua’s commitment to drastically change the course of recent events. When an economy like Antigua depends so much on Internet gambling, wouldn’t you naturally expect them to fight for their lives? And let’s not forget they have the “law” on their side, too!! The Internet gambling industry had faced many hurdles, the one conclusion that can be drawn at this time is it isn’t going anywhere. And dare I say the United States is about to lose another battle? Only this time, innocent people won’t end up being killed fighting a war that cannot be won. by Kenneth Weitzner (EOG.com)

The Americans need to step to the plate and prevent their leader from destroying what was once a great nation!