European Commission Has Pending Investigation of U.S. Online Gambling Policies

Hillary Laclair, CasinoIntensity Senior Editor

The European Commission has joined Costa Rica and Antigua with a separate dispute over the internet gambling policies of the United States. The U.S. is said to have withdrawn from its commitment to allow its gambling market overseas in yet another instance where the WTO (World Trade Organization) may be asked to arbitrate. The Commission has submitted a number of inquires to U.S. officials in an attempt to come to an agreement before legal action is taken.

Authorities state that the United States has granted trade concessions and then discriminated against foreign gaming websites. Settlements had already been agreed to with four of eight nations who filed for compensation, including the European Commission. It is rather hypocritical for the U.S. is to continue to pursue criminal investigations on those who have utilized top online casinos, poker rooms and sports books based out of overseas nations. The Remote Gambling Association claims that the United States violates international trade law by making arrests on foreign internet gambling operators, while allowing the usage of domestic gaming websites. The country has turned its eye to the domestic violations of the UIGEA, and then made unlawful arrests in areas where internet gambling is permitted.

 Senior Advisor to Alston & Bird, LLP suggests that the United States Trade Representative should adopt an Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act proposed by Congressman Barney Frank. The bill would resolve the trade debate, officials say, and bring the U.S. in compliance with the WTO. This development could have an enormous impact on the next ruling in the case of iMEGA vs. the UIGEA.

The terms of the bill when it was introduced to amend title 31, are that it would amend federal law governing financial transactions to establish an internet gambling licensing program. It would prescribe regulation and certain requirements of internet betting or wagering. It would ensure that parties involved in investment banking, payment and transaction processing are not liable if they are in compliance with the Act. States, Indian trives and sporting leagues would be authorized to prohibit online gambling licenses. Additionally, the operator of any such institution would be subject to an annual review of licensing and regulation policies

To those who take advantage of top online casinos, this is a big step. If the United States continues to put its judicial foot in its mouth, we could see the UIGEA lifted in the near future. The reality of the situation is that the presidential administration is digging itself a deeper hole, financially speaking. The nation seems to be concerned with the monetary well-being of those who engage in internet gambling, when the administration itself is adding to the debt. On top of the trillion dollar deficit that we already face, disallowing internet gambling is proving to be costly in that the various countries seeking arbitration are demanding monetary restitution.

 In short, those those of you who enjoy Black Jack, Bingo, cash bonuses, and all the other pleasures you’ll find in top online casinos such as VIP Slots, keep your eye on the European Commission’s investigation and H.R. 2046.