How much longer will Antigua WTO resolution drag on?

[The Judge]

New deadline again in gaming dispute
Thursday August 07 2008
by Aarati Jagdeo
AntiguaSun.com

A new deadline has been put in effect for Antigua and the US to reach an agreement concerning the ongoing online gaming dispute.

The date of 1 Oct., has been set as the time the two countries will have yet another opportunity to reach a resolution to the issue, which has gone on for years.

In an interview with the Antigua Sun, Mark Mendel, Antigua’s attorney at the World Trade Organization (WTO), stated he hoped that a resolution would be achieved, but he refrained from offering any prediction as to the possible results.

Regardless of the deadline, Mendel noted these matters are “delicate and take some time.”

He maintained in his opinion that both parties are trying to work things out.

When asked if there were any meetings scheduled between now and 1 Oct., Mendel said he was not sure but noted this was a time when “traditionally, the WTO people take their holiday… so I wouldn’t expect a whole lot to happen in the immediate future.”

Mendel said as far as he is concerned Antigua is “still holding all the cards” but is prepared for anything.

These negotiations between Antigua and the US are a result of a challenge made by the Antiguan government to the US government, concerning the implementation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

This act prohibits the transfer of funds from a financial institution (banks, credit unions), to any non-US Internet gambling site, with the notable exceptions of fantasy sports, online lotteries, and horseracing.

This Act effectively bars gaming companies in Antigua from interacting with the lucrative US market and helps cripple those in the industry who hold Antigua-originated licenses.

Antigua claims the Act is a direct violation of obligations the US has with the WTO. The WTO upheld the claim, which later resulted in attempts by the US to shirk those obligations.