The fight that tiny Antigua brought to the WTO may bear fruit this week as the trade organization is expected to rule on whether the US should drop its prohibition on American gamblers playing at offshore casinos. Antigua’s case centers on their allegation that the US prohibition is an unfair trade embargo and that the US is violating trade agreements it signed when it became a member of the 140-nation WTO. The potential precedent here means more than just Antigua would benefit.

All online gambling sites are located outside the US and most market extensively to US players. Many operate offshore in the Caribbean where the local governments welcome gaming companies. Gaming companies contribute taxes and employ thousands helping the economies of Antigua, Curacao, Costa Rica and other Caribbean islands.

Forbes Article