The UIGEA forced millions of Americans to withdraw from the online casinos and poker rooms of Europe. The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) is the body that represents these online gambling organizations in Europe.
Earlier the RGA had lodged a formal complaint with the European Union (EU) and requested them to take up the matter with the U.S.
Accordingly the EU asked for a meeting with US Trade Representative office (USTR) to discuss what it called a discriminatory trade practice and contrary to the principles of the World Trade Organization. The U.S. had cancelled several scheduled meetings at the last minute. A meeting was finally held last week but the USTR blocked any useful discussion.
Now the EU has the option of filing a complaint with the WTO. A decision to do so is expected to be taken by the end of this year. The outcome of this complaint could result in a claim of hundreds of millions of dollars against the U.S. in trade damages. Earlier Antigua too had been rebuffed by the U.S. on this issue and may well join hands with the EU.