Content – U.S. Will Respect WTO Gambling Ruling

The WTO ruled that U.S. restrictions on on-line gaming violated its trade obligations to the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The U.S. appealed this ruling. While the initial ruling was technically reversed, the holding – that U.S. laws restricting gambling are covered by its WTO obligations – was upheld. The key issue, for Internet businesses, will be whether the Federal government will modify its long held position that anti-gambling laws prohibit even “doing business” with gambling sites. This position has led to decisions by businesses like Google to stop accepting paid advertising from foreign based gaming sites. Some clarification on this issue should be expected soon.

AFP Article

WTO Appellate Decision