5th March 05

In a fascinating study of the WTO dispute on online gambling between Antigua and the USA, the respected publication Las Vegas Review-Journal this week comments on the fact that while Internet gambling may be illegal under federal law, at least one Las Vegas casino is offering online betting to customers within Nevada's borders.

The Journal reports that Station Casinos' online wagering service came up during hearings this week on a U.S. appeal of a ruling last year by the World Trade Organization. In March, the WTO declared that U.S. restrictions on Internet gambling are unfair trade barriers.

During hearings in Geneva, Switzerland, Stanford McCoy - a lawyer for the United States Trade Representative -- argued Internet gambling is harmful because it is "remote" gambling that is not regulated.

Mark Mendel, a lawyer representing the Caribbean nation of Antigua against the United States, criticized the "remote" gambling argument and cited Station Casinos.