06-11-2007 Remote Gambling Association calls for regulation in the United States

Clive Hawkswood, CEO of the RGA, said: "European jurisdictions have already proven the merits of a regulated environment. We would encourage the development of a similarly fair and balanced environment in the United States."

The comment came ahead of a meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson and U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab over compensation owed to the European Union following the US decision to withdra gambling from the WTO's GATS agreement.

"The United States has engaged in blatantly protectionist behavior. U.S. companies are entitled to operate in European markets, while we've been forced out of the United States. Commissioner Mandelson's visit is a good opportunity to address discrimination against responsible European companies. The USTR should be put on notice that the E.U. will not allow the wholesale denial of trade rights protected by the World Trade Organization. Brussels should take every conceivable measure to defend the system of global trade law," added Hawkswood.

Meanwhile, Mark Mendel, Antigua's Head Cousel in the WTO dispute, told the Sun the arbitration is proceeding nicely and a ruling is expected by November 30. Mendel also said that in the event of a ruling in Antigua's favour, the government will need to make policy decisions on the status of US intellectual property in the island, with the remote gambling industry likely to participate in the formulation of the decisions.