Antigua and Barbuda: What Concerns the US “Gambling Monopoly”?

As per a media report by St. Lucia times, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States representative in the WTO has suggested the US comply with the ruling of the WTO DSB (Dispute Settlement Body). This is in reference to the cross-border supply of betting and gambling services brought by Barbuda and Antigua as the plaintiff. As per the reports, the head of the OECS mission, Geneva HE Colin Murdoch, and the ambassador at the WTO took the United States to task for its deterioration to reach a final settlement with Barbuds and Antigua. This is with reference to the case DS 285 which has been pending for multiple years.

WTO General Council

The WTO general council conducted the 15th Trade Policy review where the WTO member states reviewed the US sports, the WTO secretariat on the United States trade policy. A number of speakers commented on the reports and raised questions about this controversial situation in the US.

The DS 285 Case

This is definitely not the first time when the US has been looked down upon due to its double standards. However, this one has been extremely intriguing and points out the differences between Barbuda and Antigua, and the United States. The relationship between the two countries dates back to 2003. Barbuda and Antigua were tiny Caribbean Island which was majorly dependent on tourism and tried to diversify their gambling sector in order to attract tourists. From 119 gambling stores, it reduced to only 28, and online employees in the sector reduced to 500 from 3000. A few days later, news came across that Antigua and Barbuda had challenged the US in WTO. In fact, even Canada has often raised concerns over the US not favoring the bustling online casino scene that dominates the Canadian markets. For example, with an amazing list of Ontario casinos published on thegruelingtruth.com, the passion and industry viability of gambling across Canadian markets is unquestionable. Toronto has actually witnessed a sharp rise in tourism, thanks to the trending land-based and online casinos that have been luring players from all over the world. Along with its heritage and cultural offering, modern buildings, and unparalleled prospects.

Us vs Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua claimed that the United States had violated the laws of the WTO via cross-border gambling along with its anti-internet betting policies which prevented credit card banks and companies from respecting Antigua’s online gambling transactions. The US lost and Antigua suffered a major loss of $315 million. To answer the issue, the United States stressed the fact that the US GSP scheme (Generalised System of Preferences), St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda are unqualified due to their high per capita income. However, it is important to note that the state of an economy cannot be judged only through the GDP per capita.

The United States Lost the Case

In 2004, the US lost against Antigua and Barbuda and had to compensate $21 million annually by the WTO. Over the years, this issue has not completely vanished. St John vs Washington case is yet to be settled. The country has lost over $315 million which is equivalent to 1/4th of its annual GDP and 0.1% of the economy in the US. The WTO had awarded Antigua its right for using trade sanctions for regaining its losses. However, they chose a settlement. Washington is still accusing Antigua and Barbuda over the politics played.

In a Nutshell

The US had a major fear of monopoly loss in online betting. It fought against Antigua and Barbuda for its personal gains since the nation felt threatened by a smaller Caribbean nation. The United States betting market is one of the biggest markets globally. The US betting industry stood at a value of $ 2.65 billion in 2021. The market anticipates reaching 7.61 billion USD by 2028, at a CAGR OF 16.4%.