measures affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services Communication from the Appellate Body

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/DS285/9
7 April 2005

(05-1467)

Original: English

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

Communication from the Appellate Body

The following communication, dated 7 April 2005, from Mr. Yasuhei Taniguchi, Chairman of the Appellate Body, addressed to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is being circulated in accordance with Article 17.5 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes.

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It is my honour to transmit to you the Report of the Appellate Body in United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services, WT/DS285/AB/R. It will be circulated to Members of the World Trade Organization at 4 p.m. today, in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article 17 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes. It is a confidential document until its circulation. The three Members of the Appellate Body who served on this appeal were: Mr. Giorgio Sacerdoti as Presiding Member; Mr. Georges Abi-Saab and Mr. John Lockhart, as Members.

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