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As expected a study on United States policy toward online casinos has lead the European Commission to the conclusion that the country stands in violation of international trade agreements.  It is the opinion of the European Commission that the ban on online casinos in the United States is discriminatory and lacks legal justification.

The investigations into the United States ban on online casinos were sparked after the Remote Gambling Association filed a Trade Barrier Regulation complaint with the European Commission, the regulatory branch of the European Union.  The caused the commission to launch a formal investigation that would determine whether the ban violated World Trade Organization agreements.  The Remote Gambling Association represents the gambling companies all across the European continent.

The United States is not finding much international support on their policies.  The closest thing to support they can hope for is best expressed by European Union Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton.  Ashton has said that the United States can create any policy it wishes with regards to online casinos but it is obligated by international trade laws to do them” in a way that fully respects WTO obligations.”

It is very likely that the United States will attempt to strike some sort of compromise with the European Commission, if not, it is the responsibility of the commission to bring the matter before the World Trade Organization. 

“This would provide not only fair competition, but protection for individuals and families, and a legal basis on which substantial revenue could be raised at a time of considerable pressure on public finances,” said David Blunkett, a member of the United Kingdom Parliament.

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