WTO Again Sides With Antigua Over Online Gambling

TechDirt writes "For some time we've been following the ongoing conflict between the US and the island nation of Antigua surrounding internet gambling. Even before the passage of the most recent anti-gambling law, Antigua had gone to the WTO to complain that the US government's actions against online gambling were de facto protectionist measures, and thus violated international trade law. The WTO ended up siding with Antigua, although, quite predictably, the US did nothing to resolve the issue -- in fact, things have only gotten worse. Now the WTO is speaking out again, slamming the US government for its failure to abide by the decision against it. Once again, it seems likely that the US will ignore the decision, although that would give Antigua the right to retaliate. One possibility that's been thrown out there is that Antigua may turn itself into a haven for free music and software and set up some site like allofmp3.com. Of course, the US put pressure on Russia to crack down on that site, as part of the country's admittance into the WTO, but since Antigua is already part of the organization, the US would have no such leverage. Now, the WTO has spoken out again."

Comments

State lotteries and horse racing

[sgent]

State lotteries and horse racing which can be bet on via the internet is what destroyed our case. The WTO allows for "morality" based restrictions -- but they must be applied uniformly. Since we already allow for online gambling, restricting foriegn interests from participating is the problem.

Re:Same as our Softwood lumber

[Derek Pomery]

From the WTO ruling.
"6.2 We therefore consider that the United States has implemented the recommendations and
rulings of the DSB in US - Softwood Lumber V, to bring its measure into conformity with its
obligations under the AD Agreement.
6.3 Having found that the United States did not act inconsistently with its obligations under the
asserted WTO Agreements, we consider that no recommendation under Article 19.1 of the DSU is
necessary, and we make none."

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/dispute-en.as p#11

Final settlement documented here:
http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication. aspx?isRedirect=True&Language=E&publication_id=383 935&docnumber=45

Re:Shut up and take your medicine

[Dun Malg]

You do realize that most places allow you to produce a certain amount of beer/wine/whiskey/whatever tax free for your own consumption, right? Do you realize that if they catch you producing any distilled liquor, you're going to jail? Beer and wine, yes. Distilled spirits? No. And the limits on the former being about "personal consumption" are there to protect taxation.