Casino News / Editor / 23 November 2007 / Leave a comment

European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson's frank exchanges whilst on a visit to Washington recently on the U.S. and World Trade Organisation dispute over online gambling inequities has been applauded by industry representatives.

During his visit (see previous InfoPowa reports) Mandelson called on the US government to give European operators fair and non-discriminatory access to its multi-billion dollar online gambling market. The issue is still under negotiation with claims worth billions of dollars on the table from several nations, and a deadline for WTO arbitration of December 14.

During his visit Mandelson met with Congressman Barney Frank to discuss the US politician's proposed legislation seeking to regulate and license online gambling in the United States, hopefully opening up the market to reputable companies.

During his visit, Mandelson said: "The US has so far opted for compensation to make right what is wrong. I don't think compensation does that job. What we really need is for legislation to be put right and for foreign operators not to be discriminated against in the way that the present legislation does. I will continue to make these arguments on behalf of European industry".

Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the Remote Gaming Association, a trade association that represents leading and mostly listed British public companies, said: "We were very pleased to hear Commissioner Mandelson's public support for non-discriminatory legislation to regulate gambling in the US. It is in the consumer's interest to have a legitimate, well regulated market. We urge the Commission to ensure that adequate legislation is in place before concluding the current compensation negotiations".

Earlier this month, Hawkswood accused the US government of "....blatantly protectionist behavior. U.S. companies are entitled to operate in European markets, while we've been forced out of the United States. Commissioner Mandelson's visit is a good opportunity to address discrimination against responsible European companies. The USTR should be put on notice that the E.U. will not allow the wholesale denial of trade rights protected by the World Trade Organisation."