EU expresses concern over US laws for online casino firms.
The EU has said that restrictions imposed by the US on European online gambling operators could be in violation of rules set out by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).Publishing its draft report on the issue, the European Commission stressed the need to find a "negotiated solution" to disputes arising from US laws on internet gaming, but also suggested that legal action under WTO regulations would be justified.
In 2006, the US Congress passed a law making it illegal for banks and credit card companies to process payments to online gambling operators, with many European-based companies withdrawing from the market as a result.
|
"It is for the US to decide how best to regulate internet gambling in its market, but this must be done in a way that fully respects WTO obligations," commented EU trade commissioner Lady Ashton.
"I am hopeful that we can find a swift, negotiated solution to this issue," she added.
European operators are hopeful that online gambling laws will be relaxed in the US following the election of president Barack Obama.
Email this page
Print this page
Bookmark with del.icio.us
