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The Backgammon: a skill game for money

One of the fastest growing internet card games in terms of popularity is Backgammon. Unlike traditional online casino games like Baccarat and Roulette, Backgammon is considered a skill game. Although a game like blackjack can and should be played with a skillful strategy, blackjack is still considered a game of chance, and does not offer the same degree of skill that bettors can exercise while playing Backgammon. On the contrary, Backgammon is more like a game of poker or chess. In fact, many players describe Backgammon as a happy medium between checkers and chess - Offering players the chance to use in-depth strategy, but also providing a fun and entertaining game of simple structure. More and more internet casinos are beginning to offer Backgammon as part of their regular lineup of traditional games. And considering that Backgammon is designated as a skill game, it is well-equipped to slide under the radar of the recently passed Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. Consequently, internet gamblers should expect to see more of Backgammon in the online casinos. Real-time Backgammon software first hit the Web in 1992, which since time has developed and blossomed into a graphically intense and user-friendly software platform and playing interface. There are numerous commercial websites and casinos now offering this recreational game in real-time form in both play-for-fun and real-money betting environments. Two of the Web's largest search engine's, Yahoo and MSN both have their own offering of live games, which include Backgammon. Yahoo! Games has offered a Java-based Backgammon for nearly ten years, while MSN offers a sharp Backgammon game that can be played with ActiveX controls.

WTO and USA - The WTO Resolution about Gambling Ban

World Trade Organization
	WT/DS285/11 9 June 2005
	(05-2365)
	Original:    English

UNITED STATES – MEASURES AFFECTING THE CROSS-BORDER SUPPLY
OF GAMBLING AND BETTING SERVICES

Request from Antigua and Barbuda for Arbitration under Article 21.3(c) of the DSU

            The following communication, dated 6 June 2005, from the delegation of Antigua and Barbuda to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated at the request of that delegation.

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            On 20 April 2005, the Dispute Settlement Body (the "DSB") of the World Trade Organization (the "WTO") adopted the Appellate Body Report and the Panel Report in United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services (WT/DS285/AB/R and WT/DS285/R).

            At the DSB meeting of 19 May 2005, the United States announced that it would require a reasonable period of time to comply with the recommendations and rulings of the DSB.  Unfortunately, Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have been unable to agree on a reasonable period of time.

            As a result, Antigua and Barbuda requests that the reasonable period of time be determined through binding arbitration pursuant to Article 21.3(c) of the WTO's Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (the "DSU") within 90 days after the adoption of the recommendations and rulings.  According to our calculations, this date would be 19 July 2005.

            Antigua and Barbuda remains ready to enter into consultations with the United States with a view to reaching agreement on an arbitrator within the ten day period provided for in footnote 12 to Article 21.3 of the DSU.

            Thank you very much, and please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

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