Brussels, 30/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 26 March, the European Commission finalised the report of its investigation following a complaint by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) at the end of 2007 (see EUROPE 9620) about online gambling measures imposed by the United States which it felt were discriminatory. In its complaint, the RGA, which counts among its members nine of the 10 largest European gambling providers, accused Washington of infringing WTO rules by threatening foreign online gambling companies with criminal proceedings, but not their US competitors, which are booming, particularly in betting on horse races. In its report, which the RGA has welcomed in a press release, the Commission says it has found US legislation on online gambling infringes WTO rules. “The investigation has found that US laws on remote gambling … constitute an obstacle to trade that is inconsistent with WTO rules,” the Commission says in a press release. “The provisional conclusions of the report imply that WTO proceedings against US measures would be justified,” it goes on, giving assurances, nonetheless, that it will seek a negotiated settlement with the US administration. “It is for the US to decide how best to regulate internet gambling in its market, but this must done in a way that fully respects WTO obligations,” said Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton, adding: “I am hopeful that we can find a swift, negotiated solution to this issue”. The report, drafted by DG Trade, will now be discussed by member states to be finalised before it is published, within a month. The United States is involved in a number of international disputes for obstacles it imposes on gambling and betting through foreign-based internet sites. The WTO has, for instance, already found against Washington on a complaint brought by Antigua and Barbuda (DS 285). (E.H./transl.rt)