Canada, Macau and Australia File for Compensation in Antigua WTO Case....Hartley Henderson

[The Major]

It was noted last week that Antigua, India, Costa Rica and the European Union asked for compensation as a result of the United States withdrawing its gambling commitments from GATS, and reports have stated that Canada and Australia along with Macau have filed for compensation also. Japan, sent a letter of interest regarding the case but did not file for compensation as was originally suspected. Brazil was a notable exception from the list, given their previous comments that they were fully backing Antigua in the dispute.

If the reports are correct, then Canada and Australia having filed are surprises as there was every indication that they didn’t want to get involved in the case. Canada has a vibrant online gambling industry on the native reserve of Kahnawake, which may have been the reason for the change in heart. Macau appears to be representing the Chinese market independent of China itself.

MajorWager is in contact with members at the WTO and will post the official final list along with expected compensation amounts once it is available.

06-25-2007
Hartley Henderson
MajorWager.com
henderson@majorwager.com

[stevo]

Thanks for staying on the job Hartley. LOTS GOING ON!

[Uncle B]

Originally Posted by The Major

It was noted last week that Antigua, India, Costa Rica and the European Union asked for compensation as a result of the United States withdrawing its gambling commitments from GATS, and reports have stated that Canada and Australia along with Macau have filed for compensation also. Japan, sent a letter of interest regarding the case but did not file for compensation as was originally suspected. Brazil was a notable exception from the list, given their previous comments that they were fully backing Antigua in the dispute.

If the reports are correct, then Canada and Australia having filed are surprises as there was every indication that they didn’t want to get involved in the case. Canada has a vibrant online gambling industry on the native reserve of Kahnawake, which may have been the reason for the change in heart. Macau appears to be representing the Chinese market independent of China itself.

MajorWager is in contact with members at the WTO and will post the official final list along with expected compensation amounts once it is available.

06-25-2007
Hartley Henderson
MajorWager.com
henderson@majorwager.com

heh


Canada too? Thats pretty damned surprising to me...

this is getting more interesting all the time...

[The Major]

I think it is great to see Canada on that list. After all, the US shoved it up Canada's ass on the softwood lumber issue. Hopefully we can and will return the favour. Good job Harper (cant believe I just wrote that)

[Uncle B]

Originally Posted by The Major

I think it is great to see Canada on that list. After all, the US shoved it up Canada's ass on the softwood lumber issue. Hopefully we can and will return the favour. Good job Harper (cant believe I just wrote that)

Oh, i think it's fantastic Canada jumped in..... Especially with so many saying "Canada would never do it.." blah, blah, blah...


I think everyone is finally fed up with the US bullshit, and hypocrisy..

[The Major]

The countries mentioned have been confirmed by WTO counsellors and the USTR have until September 22 to arrange for the compensation.

[zychik]

Love it!!!! The US has long treated Canada like a pesky fly on its arse. Go get em, Harper!

[JC]

Now I'm hearing Japan has the same status as all of the other non-Antiguan claimants.

After September 22nd they will go to arbitration. There's a good chance that once the arbitrators rule the US will un-withdraw their withdrawal of the commitment.

The other countries, with the possible exception of CR, are not looking for gaming access, only to get compensated in some other sector for the loss of the gaming opportunity.

[Rogthedodger]

***Editor's Note:

It has been confirmed by Markus Jelitto (Counsellor, Trade in Services Division, World Trade Organization) that the following countries have declared themselves affected members. The members have until September 22, 2007 to arrange for compensation:


India, EU, Japan, Costa Rica, Macao, Antigua& Barbuda, Canada, and Australia

[andre01]

Originally Posted by JC

The other countries, with the possible exception of CR, are not looking for gaming access, only to get compensated in some other sector for the loss of the gaming opportunity.

Does that mean Antigua and possibly Costa Rica are the only countries who have a shot at getting back access to the US market?

[JC]

More likely just Antigua. CR had their chance to bring a case years ago and passed.

CR is seeking compensation against a chanfe in the US's commitment. That action which Antigua is also bringing is independent of what Antigua has done with their case.

[Uncle B]

Originally Posted by Rogthedodger

***Editor's Note:

It has been confirmed by Markus Jelitto (Counsellor, Trade in Services Division, World Trade Organization) that the following countries have declared themselves affected members. The members have until September 22, 2007 to arrange for compensation:


India, EU, Japan, Costa Rica, Macao, Antigua& Barbuda, Canada, and Australia

So, those are all that countries that wound up filing?

[The Major]

Correct

[Uncle B]

Originally Posted by JC

More likely just Antigua. CR had their chance to bring a case years ago and passed.

CR is seeking compensation against a chanfe in the US's commitment. That action which Antigua is also bringing is independent of what Antigua has done with their case.

I'm not getting this..

You saying, the US could just pay off some countries, and then the other(s) allow to return to accepting bets from the US?


Couldn't they just decide to repeal the law?

[Uncle B]

anybody?

[ChuckyTheGoat]

I love it. Fine the US govt for trying to ban this shit.

[JC]

Originally Posted by Uncle B

I'm not getting this..

You saying, the US could just pay off some countries, and then the other(s) allow to return to accepting bets from the US?


Couldn't they just decide to repeal the law?

It's not just about the UIGEA. That wasn't the primary violation of the GATS, just another example of the US going in the wrong direction. The three laws that were found to be out of compliance were the Wire Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and the Travel Act.

The non-Antiguan countries don't stand to get much more than compensation in other sectors. Antigua is the only country with a live case and will continue to press the US to allow Antiguan companies access to the US market.

[Uncle B]

Originally Posted by JC

It's not just about the UIGEA. That wasn't the primary violation of the GATS, just another example of the US going in the wrong direction. The three laws that were found to be out of compliance were the Wire Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and the Travel Act.

The non-Antiguan countries don't stand to get much more than compensation in other sectors. Antigua is the only country with a live case and will continue to press the US to allow Antiguan companies access to the US market.

Ahhh, o.k., thanks.. That clears it up a bit..