Tiny Caribbean nation Antigua and Barbuda wants the United States to pay for closing off its markets to online casino operators. Antigua, which has an economy dependent on online gambling, on Tuesday asked other countries to join its fight against the U.S., the Associated Press reports. In the U.S., interstate gambling is generally prohibited under federal laws such as the Wire Act. The administration-appointed U.S. Trade Representative argues that the ban applies to online gambling. But the U.S. allows online betting on horse and dog racing, an exemption that undermines the moral position the Trade Rep's office had taken on online gambling. Now Antigua wants compensation for what it says is unfair protectionism. The World Trade Organization in March backed up Antigua's claims, ruling that the U.S. restrictions were illegal and opening the door for lawsuits. Big lawsuits.
Photo: Heather Garland
