Antigua Wins Again

The WTO has handed down another comprehensive defeat for U.S. efforts to ban online gambling. A panel of three trade judges ruled that the nation of Antigua had only strengthened its case since it won a 2005 complaint against U.S. anti-gambling laws.

If, as expected, the U.S. ignores the ruling, Antigua will be permitted to retaliate. And the tiny island nation has been floating the delicious prospect of retaliating by turning itself into a haven for copyright pirates. Which would set the stage for a steel-cage showdown between the entertainment and software industries and the anti-gambling prudes in Congress and the Justice Department.

Thanks to Sallie James for the tip.

Comments

Kwix | March 30, 2007, 1:17pm | #

Let's get ready to Rumble!!

Seriously though, what advantage does Antigua think it has over say Russia or China? Well, other than the sanction of the WTO of course.

JimmyDaGeek | March 30, 2007, 1:37pm | #

But will the residents of Antigua agree to shaving their heads bald if they lose the cage match?

Passenger 57 | March 30, 2007, 1:46pm | #

Let me give you a word of advice. Always bet on Antigua!

Pain | March 30, 2007, 1:49pm | #

I'm not one to root against the good ol'US of A, but go Antigua!

Lamar | March 30, 2007, 1:50pm | #

I can't imagine the WTO would ever sanction a haven for stealing real property or manufactured goods, yet copyright is on the table. Another counterpoint to the "copyright is the same as real property" argument. Boy, if copyright were like real property, we could set up a full-scale, sanctioned stolen goods swap shop in Antigua.

Honestly, I doubt that Antigua would remain a "pirate haven" long enough to attract any pirate capital. Arrrrg, matey...

Ubermensch | March 30, 2007, 2:04pm | #

I know our politicians are fond of moralizing on a range of topics, but the gambling thing really leaves me curious. The conspiracy-theorist side of me wonders whether there is a domestic gambling lobby pushing for online gambling restrictions, because they're afraid of the competition.

ed | March 30, 2007, 2:04pm | #

How many brigades does Antigua have?

de stijl | March 30, 2007, 2:10pm | #

Ubermensch,

That's no conspiracy theory. You hit it exactly.

ed,

LOL. Not as funny as you, but ...

How many brigands does Antigua have?

Aresen | March 30, 2007, 2:10pm | #

"The conspiracy-theorist side of me wonders whether there is a domestic gambling lobby pushing for online gambling restrictions, because they're afraid of the competition."

Yes. There is. And they are.

asdf | March 30, 2007, 2:11pm | #

Ubermensch | March 30, 2007, 2:04pm | #
I know our politicians are fond of moralizing on a range of topics, but the gambling thing really leaves me curious. The conspiracy-theorist side of me wonders whether there is a domestic gambling lobby pushing for online gambling restrictions, because they're afraid of the competition.

Uber,

There's no conspiracy theory there. Politicians will always scream about morals, but in reality it all boils down to money from lobbyists.

Gimme Back My Dog | March 30, 2007, 2:28pm | #

Uber,

I also suspect that some politicians are not soley motivated by their desire to perform public service.

Warren | March 30, 2007, 2:34pm | #

Cool. Will this be on PPV?

wsdave | March 30, 2007, 2:36pm | #

Uber,

Look no further than pumping up State lottery revenues.

wsdave | March 30, 2007, 2:39pm | #

Speaking of state lotteries, when is someone going sue the states and force them to keep their filthy, sinful lotto machines and advertisments at least 1000 feet from schools, churches, civic centers and all the other places where impressionable children will pick up the gambling habit, just like they see on bus ads?

joe | March 30, 2007, 3:03pm | #

We have to fight them in Antigua, or we'll be fighting them in Anaheim.

de stijl | March 30, 2007, 3:09pm | #

when is someone going sue the states and force them to keep their filthy, sinful lotto machines and advertisments at least 1000 feet from schools, churches, civic centers and all the other places where impressionable children ...

We'll put them in the homes of registered sex offenders.

Mad Max | March 30, 2007, 3:31pm | #

"Arrrrg, matey..."

It's "Arrrrr," not "Arrrrg." See

http://talklikeapirate.com/howto.html#basic

Lamar | March 30, 2007, 4:12pm | #

C'mon, Maxie, or Maddie as you prefer, I'm a fraud, with a capital exclamation point. It turns out I just drank too much mate.

Separate alternative defense: I was mislead by Big Search Engine.

Kokomo is only in INDIANA | March 30, 2007, 5:19pm | #

Aruba Antigua oooh I wanna to take you to
Bermuda Bahama c'mon pretty mamma.

jb | March 30, 2007, 6:35pm | #

What good will Antigua being a copyright haven do me? I live in Chicago and use Bittorrent.

Lamar | March 30, 2007, 7:13pm | #

No "copyright is just like real property" people today? Or are you scouring the internets for talking points?

brotherben | March 30, 2007, 7:14pm | #

a few years ago here in Alabama there was an attempt to start up a state lottery, The bible thumpers got real excited and lobbied like crazy against it. Come to find out, the christians were being funded second hand by the casino folks in mississippi. The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways.

Have a truly fine weekend all.
Peace out

Deus | March 31, 2007, 3:10am | #

In related news, the founder of BetOnSports.com was extradited from the Dominican Republic and arrested on Wednesday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6512699.stm.