EU Trade Commissioner Unhappy with US Gambling Laws
9th November, 2007
Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner, confronted the US about their anti-gambling laws, claiming that they discriminate against the EU operators and therefore need to be changed.
When Mandelson came to Washington for a business visit, there seemed to be one question that was bothering him that day: US anti-gambling laws and their discrimination against the European gambling operators.
"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 stated.
WTO (World Trade Association) has been previously enquiring into the issues with US online gambling laws and came to the conclusion that US laws conflict and disobey free trade laws.
EU gambling firms are now trying to get $100bn in compensation for losses acquired due to the US move.
WTO should state tomorrow the exact amount US will be eligible to pay to Caribbean in compensation.
