UIGEA examined by EU Delegation

Online Gambling has always been a source of controversial views and opinions. There have always been two sides- for and against fighting with each other. Yet, recently, things have gone really far…

UIGEA attacked and the reaction was obvious.

All of those who treat online gambling as an important part of their lives will not sit still doing nothing and watching as the UIGEA discriminately places financial hardships on other countries and continues violate the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade and Services.

Congressman Barney Frank successfully got the markup on a bill that seeks to clarify the UIGEA. Yet, actually nothing else has been done that could potentially overturn the UIGEA and/or replace it with some valid regulatory legislation.

Much depends on the results of European Union delegation visit.
Headed by E.U trade official and head of the Dispute Settlement Office at the \European Commision, M.Jean-Francois Brakeland, an EU delegation met with the U.S Congress and members of the executive branch to investigate allegations that the U.S is breaching international treaties and World Trade Organization trade laws by implementing the UIGEA.

As stated by the EU, it will think carefully all options and courses of action based on its investigation. In addition to opening WTO court proceedings and imposing sanctions on the U.S for violating trade laws, it will possibly take into consideration another step- imposing a block on the enforcement of the legislation itself.
Pragmatically speaking, it’s very probable that the U.S will get no help in trying to enforce the UIGEA in Europe. Whatever is planned by the U.S Department of Justice, it may turn out to be not so easy. If they seek extradition of CEO’s or try to seize funds like they did with online gambling eWallet, Neteller, they may unexpectedly face some obstacles.