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Online gambling regulation row with USA rumbles on
The European Commission is launching an in-depth investigation into discriminatory practices by the United States against EU gambling operators, following a complaint filed by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA).
The RGA asserts that the US Department of Justice is in violation of international trade law by threatening and pressing criminal prosecutions, forfeitures and other enforcement actions against foreign online gaming operators while allowing domestic US online gaming operators,
"The US has the right to address legitimate public policy concerns relating to Internet gambling, but discrimination against EU companies cannot be part of the policy mix," said EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson. "We are interested in a constructive and mutually satisfactory solution to this issue."
One solution to this international trade dispute is contained in the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2046), introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). This legislation would bring the United States into compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements by regulating Internet gambling and creating a level playing field among domestic and foreign Internet gambling operators.
