U.S. and Antigua in ongoing Online Gambling DebacleDate published: 13 July 2010
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Almost six years after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the United States must settle with the Caribbean nation and well-known online gambling jursidiction of Antigua and Barbuda, the U.S. has still failed to lift a finger. The dispute began in 2004, when Antigua and Barbuda challenged new U.S. anti-online gambling legislation that effectively banned online gambling sites licensed on the islands from doing business in the lucrative U.S. online gambling market. As the GDP of Antigua and Barbuda is very much reliant on tourism and online gambling, the move by the United States has been a large blow to the economy of the islands, which is why it was forced to lodge a complaint with the WTO. Upon hearing all the facts, the WTO in due course ruled in Antigua and Barbuda's favour, effectively ordering the U.S. to settle with the Caribbean nation. But that was years ago, and the U.S. has to date still not complied with the ruling. And so in desperation, Antigua and Barbuda has turned to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for help in getting the matter resolved once and for all. The nation's intentions were made clear at a recent high-level CARICOM meeting. Said Antigua and Barbuda PM, Dr. Baldwin Spencer,'Given the debilitating effect of the fiscal and economic crisis on our economy and the apparent disinterest of the U.S. in dealing decisively with this matter, Antigua and Barbuda may have no other choice but to signal to the WTO that we wish to impose sanctions.' It will be interesting to see how the United States responds, or even if it will respond. |
