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The controversy involving the United States and online casinos has ramifications well beyond Internet gambling.  As the economy continues to slow down and no clear sign of recovery is yet evident, workers in the United Kingdom are seeking service jobs on the Internet.  Bans on online casinos just seem to be one symptom of the protectionist disease that has spread across the globe when it comes to the online sector.  The European Union is trying desperately to fight these policies with its trade partners.

The World Trade Organization judged it illegal for the United States to place a ban on online casinos.  Gambling is not illegal in the United States and some institution, like horse racing, are allowed to receive wagers over the Internet.  The ban on online casinos and other forms of Internet gambling is just a way for the United States to block international companies from competing in the web based market.

As a means of routing out protectionism in the online sector, both the European Union and the World Trade Organization have outlined clear rules for web trade. 

Attempting to take full advantage of the digital age, the European Union has largely turned to the Internet and the information industry as a means of solving economic distress.  The eEurope action plan comes directly from the European attempt to jump start online industries, including online casinos.

The protectionist issue remains tricky.  Many governments are inclined to help domestic industries in an attempt to generate more money in a time when budgets are being slashed.  However this solution is the root to the problem facing the larger world market.

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