RGA urges EU to persevere on US claims

The chief executive of the UK-based Remote Gaming Association, Clive Hawkswood has come out with a strong recommendation to European Union trade commissioner Peter Mandelson to push hard for solid compensation from the United States following its withdrawal of its World Trade Organisation treaty obligations concerning gambling.

The RGA counts most of Britain's major online gambling groups among its members, and it is understood that the EU is negotiating with the US Trade Representative on an EU claim for compensation worth up to $100 billion, along with claims from six other nations. The negotiations have been prolonged until December 14 to give the United States time to consider the claims and make counter offers, or seek final arbitration via the WTO.

Addressing a press conference, Hawkswood said: "The EU clearly hasn't accepted the first offer. But it needs to do more. The UK is clearly a big player. We want the UK government to press the EU to hold a strong line."

Hawkswood had earlier led a high level delegation from gaming companies in a discussion on the issue with Mandelson in Brussels to underline the importance of securing a fair deal from the Americans.