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EU pressures US to change Internet Gambling laws |
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Written by Thomas Jensen
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Friday, 09 November 2007
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 It looks like Barney Frank's trip to Europe a few months ago is finally paying off as EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson tells Washington that the United States must change an Internet gambling law that discriminates against European companies.
"What we need to see is a change in U.S. legislation that removes that discrimination against EU operators," stated Mandelson. "It's not in the interest of American consumers to have good responsible competitors in this market excluded by regulatory mechanisms."
European internet gambling companies via the EU are seeking $100 billion in compensation from the United States for business lost as a result of the illegal US ban. Antigua and the European Union have been in compensation talks with the United States over Washington's decision to retroactively remove gambling services from its GATS Treaty Commitment.
"When a member of the WTO defaults on its commitments, compensation is due. That's the case of online gambling," Peter Mandelson said. "We're in talks about the magnitude of that compensation. I think what we're asking for is reasonable and realistic. The numbers aren't quite as large as has been advertised, but they need to be substantial."
Mandelson was headed to Capitol Hill to speak with Barney Frank and other members of Congress about the illegal ban on internet gambling in the US and possible resolutions that would include EU companies being licensed and regulated within the United States.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 09 November 2007 )
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