EU to look into U.S. online gambling and laws

EU to look into U.S. online gambling and laws On Monday the European Union has launched a probe into the U.S. online gambling related prosecutions. The EU will investigate whether the string of U.S. prosecutions of foreign online gambling operators are discriminatory, possibly paving the way for another case with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The investigation stems from complaints filed by European online gambling companies, such as PartyGaming and BWIN Interactive Entertainment, that U.S. authorities singled out foreign online gambling firms. EU Trade Commission will look into the matter in the next 5-7 months and could decide to launch WTO proceedings against the United States. "The U.S. has the right to address legitimate public policy concerns relating to Internet gambling, but discrimination against EU companies cannot be part of the policy mix," EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said in a statement earlier.

A U.S. Justice Department spokesman said they had no immediate comment on the EU's decision to investigate whether to file a complaint at the WTO, but U.S. trade officials said they had been assured by EU officials the investigation would not upset the compensation package the two sides struck in December.

Published on 03/11/2008