The controversy over the ban on online gambling imposed by the during the Bush Administration continues to rage.  In the latest development, the European Commission recently completed its report on the effect that the ban has had on foreign providers of online gambling services.  The report is a continuance of an on-going investigation brought by the Remote Gambling Association against the U.S. that concludes that the U.S. ban on online gambling within its jurisdiction denies access and is discriminatory toward the foreign entities that supply online gambling and wagering services.

The investigation determined that the laws prohibiting online gambling within its confines hinder trade operations in violation of World Trade Organization rules.  The European Commission is pushing for a negotiation and settlement with the   While the European Commission wholeheartedly respects the right of the to regulate internet gambling, it feels that it must be done in such a way as to preserve the obligations and regulations of the World Trade Organization.   

Furthermore, the European Commission determined that the is still prosecuting online gambling enterprises, even though European countries withdrew from the American markets at the time of the online gambling ban.  We’ll keep a close watch on further developments in this area in the weeks and months to come.

State of Florida Ponders Lowering Legal Gambling Age

As reports circulated last month about the huge increase in the number of college students engaging in online gambling, the Senate Regulated Industries in Florida has passed two bills this month which could dramatically affect online gambling.  The result of these measures is that, if passed, the bills will lower the legal age of gambling from twenty-one down to eighteen years of age, which might impact online gambling in a positive manner.

At the present time, eighteen year olds in the State of Florida are permitted legally to play poker, play the lottery and wager on the ponies.  Yet, they can not play slots, blackjack or any other Class III casino game.

The Chairman of the Committee, Dennis James, believes that lowering the age to eighteen for all gambling activities is a good thing because it would bring uniformity to the laws.  There will be debate in the legislative branch of the Government of the State of Florida later this month.  This is another ongoing situation that will be monitored over the course of the next few months.