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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/DS285/8 11 March 2005
	(05-1023)
	Original:    English

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

Communication from the Appellate Body

            The following communication, dated 8 March 2005, from the Chairman of the Appellate Body addressed to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 17.5 of the  Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes.

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            I am writing to you pursuant to Article 17.5 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, which stipulates that, as a general rule, the Appellate Body will circulate its report no later than 60 days after the appellant has formally notified the Dispute Settlement Body of its decision to appeal.  Article 17.5 states, furthermore, that when the Appellate Body considers that it cannot provide its report within 60 days, it shall inform the Dispute Settlement Body in writing of the reasons for the delay together with an estimate of the period within which it will submit its report.

            The United States notified the Dispute Settlement Body on 7 January 2005 of its decision to appeal certain issues of law covered in the Panel Report and legal interpretations developed by the Panel in this case, with the result that the 60-day period expires on Tuesday, 8 March 2005.  Due to the time required for completion and translation of the Report, the Appellate Body will not be able to circulate its Report in this appeal by Tuesday, 8 March 2005.  We estimate that the Appellate Body Report will be circulated to WTO Members no later than Thursday, 7 April 2005.

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