The tiny Islands of Barbuda and Antigua today asked the WTO to authorize commercial sanctions against the United States to the tune of 3.4 billion for failure to comply with the ruling that internet gambling restrictions are illegal. According to the GATS signed in 1994 the United States had not dislodged online gambling from its list of trade services.

Although the US admits it is not in compliance with the WTO ruling it says the amount of compensation being sought by Antigua and Barbuda is outrageous. Other countries including Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Japan and the European Union have also made claims based on the ruling.

If the US doesn't come under complicity it is expected that Antigua and Barbuda will become a safe haven for US trademark infringement. With the entertainment industry already loosing millions in pirating software, cds and movies it is expected they will be quick to respond to pressuring the Government to comply.

The United States passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Legislation last October in a move to prevent US citizens from depositing funds into offshore gambling accounts. It is viewed that this move was based on protectionism of the lucrative US gambling market.

Rather than trying to implement prohibition which we all know doesn't work, what the US should be doing is regulating the online gaming industry in the US. There are several legitimate online gaming companies who offer the highest security to protect their clients from theft of personal information and financial security. Although the US bases its arguments on the corruption of minors it is almost impossible for a minor to play at any of the online poker rooms, offshore casinos or sportsbooks.

If you believe you should have the right to gamble online with your after tax entertainment dollars, then contact your local congressman and insist they protect you from the infringement of the 1st amendment!

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