Antiguan Government Confirms Plans For Legal Offensive Against US

by Amanda Banks, for LawAnd Tax-News.com, London

25 March 2003

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has confirmed plans to launch legal action against the United States over the latter's perceived interference in the jurisdiction's developing online gaming industry.

Newly introduced laws in the US allow for the prosecution of overseas companies operating internet gaming services which can be accessed by Americans. The Antiguan authorities hope to challenge legislation such as the Interstate Wire Act before the World Trade Organisation, arguing that the US authorities are unfairly constraining the island's sportsbook industry.

Speaking in late February, Prime Minister, Lester Bird announced that:

'I would say that we have lost about US$30 million as a result of the constant attack upon the industry by members of the US Congress, the Leach Bill, the Kyle Bill...America is the largest gambling country in the world so how can they be so unctuously self-righteous, to use their power to destroy the niches that we are having, trying to develop some kind of diversification in our economy. It is unfair and therefore we are going to take them before the WTO.'

Although Antigua and Barbuda's high commissioner in London, Sir Ronald Sanders this week described the jurisdiction's case against the United States as 'solid', others are not so sure. Speaking to the Times at the weekend, Martin Belsham, chief executive of internet betting firm, Blue Square suggested that:

'This is interesting but I cannot see it succeeding. It is clear that it will be some time, if ever, before America allows internet betting. If it does happen, it will probably be on a regional basis.'

Recommended