International Trade Agreements and Online Gambling

online gambling

International Trade Agreements and Online Gambling

The World Trade Organization is the multinational regulatory body that sets up and enforces trading agreements between members of the World Trade Organization. Antigua and Barbuda claimed that online gambling provided thousands of jobs and was harming its economy. In 2004, the WTO ruled against the United States, stating that U.S. laws regulating online gambling were in violation of international trade agreements. In response, the United States refused to change its position on online gambling.

The UIGEA was first drafted in the late 1990s and failed to pass. Two Senators, Jon Kyl and Bob Goodlatte, introduced bills to regulate Internet gambling, excluding state lotteries and horse races. However, neither bill was passed, and in 2007, Barney Frank introduced HR 2046 to change the UIGEA and require licenses for internet gambling facilities. Since then, several similar bills have been introduced.

Internet gambling is legal in many countries. To play, you must have an internet connection and a device to access the site. It is a risky endeavor, so be sure to read the rules of each game before betting. Also, choose a user name that doesn’t reveal any personal information. When you use an Internet casino, make sure to use strong passwords. If you are new to online gambling, it may be helpful to try playing for fun first, because these games offer higher payouts.