The European Union trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, has traveled to Washington to address congress on the intensifying debate over online gambling.
Washington should pay compensation to Europe for blocking the lucrative US gambling market to European online casinos, Mr Mandelson said. Earlier this year the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled in Antigua's favor when it accused the US of violating trade rules by not allowing Antiguan online casinos to operate in the US. Mr Mandelson was quoted by Reuters as stating: "What we need to see is a change in U.S. legislation that removes that discrimination against EU operators.
"It's not in the interest of American consumers to have good responsible competitors in this market excluded by regulatory mechanisms." If a member of the WTO "defaults" on its commitments then it should pay compensation, Mr Mandelson added. Gambling operators in the EU are demanding compensation of up to $100 billion.
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