07 May 2007

US fights to keep Internet Gambling Ban

http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSWAT00742720070504?pageNumber=3

The USA has long had a ban on interstate gambling. The US Gambling lobby is pretty darn strong. For example the current junior Senator from Nevada's father was formerly President of Mandalay Bay Resort Group (now part of Kirkorian's MGM). In the day and age when the US is espousing open commerce for all is seems ironic that one of the Web's best businesses is denied a chance to flourish in its largest market.

For a personal reference I dislike gambling - but that is a matter of personal taste. I defend anyone's right to gamble if they choose.

So I hope that the WTO does indeed sanction the USA for this absurd situation. Selective trade scope seems to be rather protectionist. Perhaps Costa Rica and Antigua should declare war on the USA and then we can have a real headline match. Reminds me of a Peter Sellers movie http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053084/

Cheers

Timothy

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