Antigua WTO Press Release-US action contrary to purpose of GATS

[Jerry D]

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The DSB also heard statements from the representatives of the European Communities, Brazil and India, who all called on the US to exercise the greatest of caution before proceeding with its stated plan to seek a change in its Article 21 commitment.

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This last paragraph is very important and telling. The European Union, India, and Brazil are basicly saying if the US continues try to not follow WTO trade laws they will strongly back Antigua. The big arrogant US bully may think they can push tiny Antigua around, but it will be harder for them to pick on someone more of their own size like the European Union, Brazil, or India.

[Skallagrim]

Both Jay and Milton are right, and we will just have to see how this plays out...but I am optomistic primarily because the Bush administration only has 18 more months and even a future republican administration cant be as stupid as this one.

I suspect Antigua would love to negotiate an end to this dispute, and it can be bought off. But it wont be bought off cheap, they have won too much and have garnered allies.

Will it be worth it to the anti-gambling fanatics to give Antigua say a BILLION DOLLARS a year for the right to keep our internet gaming laws as written? How about when other countries start seeking "compensation" too?

As I have said before, although I cant predict the outcome, this WTO decision will force something to happen. As poker players we need to keep up what pressure we can to make sure the outcome is not a one time payment and a law against all internet gaming in the US (which will kill the horse-racing industry, and piss off the sports leagues when fantasy sports are also outlawed). That, at present, is the best the anti-gaming lobby can hope for, they will never achieve the political clout for endless payments or the end of the WTO as the price to stop gambling.

Skallagrim