The European Commission to Investigate the United States

Contributed by Sue Coyle

The next several months could prove to be rocky for the United States, as the European Commission investigates the U.S.’ treatment of international gambling organizations. The investigation is a reaction to a complaint lodged by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) alleging that the United States favors domestic online gambling while discriminating against remote organizations. The group claims that European sites are being punished for acts that American sites receive no sanction for. If the European Commission confirms these accusations, the United States will be reported to the World Trade Organization unless a direct agreement can be reached between all parties first.

For the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), either option is fine so long as their goals are met. They want first and foremost for the United States to create non-discriminatory regulations, allowing everyone to apply and receive a gambling license regardless of their country of origin and subjecting all organizations, American or otherwise, to the same rules. The RGA also wants the United States to cease action against deeds committed before the UIGEA was passed. This would even the playing field between European and American gambling sites in the United States, giving all individuals a fair hand.

How the investigation will play out is anybody’s guess, but the fact that it was launched at all doesn’t bode well for the U.S. In a matter of months, the country could have a lot to answer for and even more to make up for.