Tim in Switzerland informs us that the World Trade Organization has just thrown a wrench at the United States\’ crackdown on online gambling. Granted, it\’s an allen wrench, but still … the WTO has upheld Antigua\’s accusations that the US is engaging in unfair protectionist practices for allowing some online gambling (horse racing) but not that offered by international competition.
\”What can they do that will affect the US one iota? Nothing,\” said Jonathan Winer, a partner at Alston & Bird LLP who has followed the case closely. A greater threat is that success at the WTO for Antigua could pave the way for the EU to pursue a fair trade case against the US over online gambling, which the US might have to take more seriously.
Interestingly enough, it\’s the carve-out for horse racing in the UIGEA that seems to be biting America in the arse … and yet this is the same kinda carveout that the PPA is seeking for poker. Hmmm.