Mandelson tells US to change online gambling laws

Stop discriminating

By John Oates • Get more from this author

Posted in Law, 9th November 2007 12:22 GMT

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EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told the US it needs to change anti-gambling laws which discriminate against European companies.

Mandelson, on a visit to Washington DC. said: "What we need to see is a change in US legislation that removes discrimination against EU operators. It's not in the interest of American consumers to have good responsible competitors in this market excluded by regulatory mechanisms.

"When a member of the WTO defaults on its commitments, compensation is due. That's the case of online gambling," he said, according to Reuters. More here.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has previously ruled that the US ban on internet gambling broke free trade laws.

European gambling firms are seeking $100bn in compensation for business lost as a result of the US ban.

Also yesterday, Antigua's trade attorney said he expected a ruling from the WTO on how much the US should pay in compensation to the Caribbean island.

Antigua is asking for $3.4bn compensation for US legal action against locally-based gambling companies. The US has counter-offered $500,000. ®

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