measures affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services Notification of Other Appeal by Antigua and Barbudaunder Article 16.4 and Article 17 of DSU, and under Rule 23(1) of the Working Procedures for Appellate Review

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/DS285/7/Corr.1
17 February 2005

(05-0677)

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

Notification of Other Appeal by Antigua and Barbuda
under Article 16.4 and Article 17 of DSU, and under Rule 23(1) of the
Working Procedures for Appellate Review

Corrigendum

In numbered paragraph 1, the final reference in the last sentence of the paragraph should be to "GATS Article XXVIII(a)", and not to "GATS Article XVIII(a)", so as to read:

"In making this finding, the Panel misinterpreted Antigua’s Panel request and incorrectly interpreted and applied DSU Article 6.2 and GATS Articles I:1, I:3(a), XXIII and XXVIII(a)."

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