Antigua & Barbuda Claim Victory

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled in favor of Antigua and Barbuda (ad interim) in a free trade dispute concerning the de facto prohibition of online gambling by the US. "This is justice done and a victory for the WTO dispute system ...the U.S. is under an obligation to repeal their laws" said Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua's ambassador to the WTO. Online casinos all over the world welcomed the WTO's ruling.

Antigua lost 89 gaming businesses, 4,000 jobs and $90 million in tax revenues, as a result of the US policies. Relative to the overall size of the Antiguan economy, this loss can only be described as disastrous.

At first sight the WTO ruling looks like a reenactment of the classic David and Goliath story from the Bible, but industry insiders warn the ruling may have little impact on US gambling legislation and policies. It is not known if and how the WTO will proceed to enforce it's ruling.

The WTO final ruling is expected to be published in April. The US will most likely appeal the WTO ruling.