Online gaming jurisdiction Antigua and Barbuda is to seek the imposition of trade sanctions against the US for its failure to comply with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling in its favour in relation to the provision of cross-border gambling and betting services.
Antigua will file its claim today and will be seeking compensation equivalent to around US$3.4bn a year, primarily through the suspension of global copyright and intellectual property rights (TRIPS) agreements.
Errol Cort, minister for finance and economy of Antigua, said: “We feel we have no choice in the matter. Until such time as the United States is willing to work with us on achieving a reasonable solution to this trade dispute, we will continue to use every legitimate remedy available to protect the interests of our citizens.”
Press reports have suggested that the European Union will also be seeking compensation from the US for failing to comply with its international trade rules when it passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act last October.
An EU source said it would seek commitments in other trade sectors to replace losses incurred by operators who had to exit the US market after the Act.
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