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U.S. faces seven compensation claims in WTO online gambling case

25 June 2007

By Vin Narayanan

Casino City has confirmed that seven compensation claims have been filed against the U.S. in its ongoing WTO case with Antigua and Barbuda.

An official familiar with the case said compensation claims by Antigua and Barbuda, the EU, India, Costa Rica, Canada, Macau and Australia were made last week in response to America's decision to exclude online gambling from its General Agreement of Trade in Services (GATS) schedule.

Japan has also lodged a letter of interest in the case, but has not asked for compensation, the official said.

"It's rather premature to say how things will proceed from here," the source added.

Antigua and Barbuda are seeking $3.44 billion in compensation. A Costa Rican official confirmed that they were seeking compensation, but declined to offer specifics.

In March, the WTO ruled that the U.S. could not allow domestic companies to offer horse racing wagers and lotteries over the Internet without giving companies from other countries an opportunity to provide those services.

The compensation claims are not expected to change U.S. policy.

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Vin Narayanan
Vin Narayanan is the managing editor at Casino City. When he's not writing or editing stories, he likes to play Chinese Poker, Badugi, Razz and any other "non-traditional" poker game. He also thinks blackjack is his best game and loves game theory.

Before joining Casino City, Vin covered (not all at the same time) sports, politics and elections, wars, technology, celebrities and the Census for USATODAY.com, USA WEEKEND and CNN.

A proud graduate of Michigan State University, Vin can be found on most nights and weekends trying to find a way to watch the Spartans while taking care of his infant daughter.