More licensees to join Antigua jurisdiction

01.12.2005

Antigua will continue developing its Internet gambling industry despite pressure from the United States to prohibit the practice, the finance minister said this week.

Finance Minister Errol Cort said at least 10 new online gambling companies will open on the Caribbean island next year, joining 14 that already have been granted operating licenses.

Cort said the new companies will generate some 500 new jobs and more than $2 million in gambling licenses fees.

The United States contends that Internet gambling should be prohibited because it violates some state laws. Antigua says the U.S. position is contrary to global trade rules and the two have clashed in the World Trade Association which has yet to finally rule on the issue following a US appeal.

Addressing Parliament during his annual budget presentation, Cort said the government will tightly regulate Internet gambling to meet "the most stringent international ... practices."

It is to be hoped their enforcement and dispute handling will improve as a consequence - at present it is almost impossible to get a response from the island authorities.