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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/DS285/4 30 January 2004
	(04-0351)
	Original:    English

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

Communication from the Chairman of the Panel

            The following communication, dated 29 January 2004, addressed to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), is circulated in accordance with Article 12.9 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU).

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            Article 12.8 of the DSU stipulates that the period in which a panel shall conduct its examination, from the date that the composition and terms of reference of the panel have been agreed upon until the date that the final report is issued to the parties, shall, as a general rule, not exceed six months.

            Article 12.9 of the DSU states that when a panel considers that it cannot issue its report within six months, it shall inform the DSB in writing of the reasons for the delay, together with an estimate of the period within which it will issue its report.

            The Panel on United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services (WT/DS285) was established by the DSB on 21 July 2003, and composed on 25 August 2003.

            It will not, however, be possible for the Panel to complete its work in six months.  Various factors have had an impact on the Panel's timetable:  a Party's request for preliminary rulings, the intervention of the holiday season, the heavy agenda of the Panelists, as well as the complexity of the legal and factual questions which have been raised. 

            The Panel hopes to complete its work by the end of April 2004.

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