|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
::::::
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online Blackjack News - IGREA Gains New Supporter in Struggle Against UIGEA
|
|
The IGREA Initiative, which is the title of an informational package on Internet gambling issues in the United States, was delivered by Casino Gambling Web representatives to all members of Congress on behalf of all freedom loving Americans a week ago. It provided in depth information to lawmakers who were previously unaware of the scope and depth of harm the UIGEA has created.
The IGREA (Internet Gambling, Regulation, and Enforcement Act), addresses concerns of all those that oppose Internet gambling, and has within its definitions, provisions to protect underage gambling, safeguards to identify and protect problem gamblers, opt-out provisions for Sporting Leagues, Indian Tribes, and States wishing to not participate or allow such services.
The U.S. has been taken to task over the passing of the UIGEA, which is considered a prohibition in the states, by the small nation of Antigua & Barbuda via the World Trade Organization. Antigua has argued that the U.S. is denying foreign countries and businesses the right to compete with domestic companies that offer similar services, and as such, is in violation of Trade Agreements which are included in the GATS.
The WTO has agreed that the U.S. has in fact violated their trade agreements made in the Uruguay Round and is using protectionist measures to preclude foreign nations to offer this type of service. Citing that intrastate gambling is currently available and in use via horseracing, lotteries, and certain Indian Tribal facilities that are owned and operated and up and running at the time in the U.S.
The decision of the WTO was that the U.S. must come into compliance. Either allow foreign companies to compete, or deny U.S. companies that right. When they did not, several countries filed monetary claims against the U.S. which could amount to many billions of dollars annually.
The United States Trade Representative has made an offer to those countries affected for compensation, however, that offer is seen as no offer at all by the European Union, as what was being offered is also included in the current round of trade talks in the Doha round of negotiations. Effectively, the U.S. is doing nothing to resolve this situation, which could result in the country of Antigua suspending its trade obligations in other areas that mandate the protections of Trademarks, Copyrights, and Intellectual Patents.
If this is allowed to happen, many giant U.S. companies will suffer. The music, film, software, and pharmaceutical companies that hold rights to products and services are just a few of the industries that could be affected.
|
| Source:
Blackjack2002 News Staff
| Tuesday, 2 October 2007 |
Related Articles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directory LinksThe new and improved Blackjack 2002 directory is currently in development. If you are interested in adding your link, just click on Add Links button.
Add Link
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2002-2010. All rights reserved.BLACKJACK2002.com |
|
