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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

World Trade Organization
	WT/DS285/3 26 August 2003
	(03-4429)

united states – measures affecting the cross-border supply
of gambling and betting services

Constitution of the Panel Established at the Request of Antigua and Barbuda

Note by the Secretariat

1.         At its meeting on 21 July 2003, the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) established a Panel pursuant to the request of Antigua and Barbuda in document WT/DS285/2, in accordance with Article 6 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding.

2.         At that meeting, the parties to the dispute agreed that the Panel should have standard terms of reference.  The terms of reference are, therefore, the following:

"To examine, in the light of the relevant provisions of the covered agreements cited by Antigua and Barbuda in document WT/DS285/2, the matter referred to the DSB by Antigua and Barbuda in that document, and to make such findings as will assist the DSB in making the recommendations or in giving the rulings provided for in those agreements."
3.         On 15 August 2003, Antigua and Barbuda requested the Director-General to determine the composition of the Panel, pursuant to paragraph 7 of Article 8 of the DSU.  This paragraph provides:

"If there is no agreement on the panelists within 20 days after the date of the establishment of a panel, at the request of either party, the Director-General, in consultation with the Chairman of the DSB and the Chairman of the relevant Council or Committee, shall determine the composition of the panel by appointing the panelists whom the Director-General considers most appropriate in accordance with any relevant special or additional rules or procedures of the covered agreement or covered agreements which are at issue in the dispute, after consulting with the parties to the dispute.  The Chairman of the DSB shall inform the Members of the composition of the panel thus formed no later than 10 days after the date the Chairman receives such a request."
4.         On 25 August 2003, the Director-General accordingly composed the Panel as follows:

Chairman:        Mr. B.K. Zutshi

            Members:         Mr. Virachai Plasai
                                   Mr. Richard Plender

5.         Canada, the European Communities, Japan, Mexico and Chinese Taipei have reserved their rights to participate in the Panel proceedings as a third party.

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