European Union Demands Money from America

You have to hand it to President Bush. When his administration screws something up, they don’t do it halfway. Take the online gambling issue, for example. Instead of just taxing the industry and allowing everyone to profit, the Republicans go and push through the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (or UIGEA) which seeks to totally eradicate the online gambling industry.. The international community protests, but Bush doesn’t pay that any attention. Hell, he’s the President of the United-freakin’-States. Why should he have to listen to a bunch of snotty Europeans, anyway?

THE RENT IS OFFICIALLY DUE

Now, the European Union (or EU) is pursuing a $100 billion compensation bid on behalf of leading figures in the European gambling industry. It seems that these fellows are more than a little steamed about all the lost revenue caused by the “Bushies” and the damnable UIGEA. The last I heard, our Prez was trying to schedule a hunting retreat with Dick “Friendly Fire” Cheney and these individuals to “talk things over.”

Since the UIGEA was passed into law (making it illegal for banks to accept US money transfers to and from gambling sites), European gambling firms such as PartyGaming and Sportingbet have been forced to sever all ties with the US market. Luckily, our friends at Bodog have their own bank and continue to do business.

According to one expert, “The US has used an illegal trade barrier. This sets a precedent. If the EU does not act, it could encourage the US to do the same elsewhere.”

A PROBLEM THAT WON’T GO AWAY

Last week, the US tried to make the issue go away by offering some form of compensation to the EU. Obviously not satisfied, the EU rejected the offer and set a deadline of October 22nd for America to pay up. According to EU Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson, “The offer made by the US so far is insufficient. We are continuing to negotiate to secure improvements.”

That’s a nice way of saying, “We’re not letting you off the hook that easily.”

For more on the UIGEA, read the following:

UIGEA Receives Criticism

Rep. Berkley Introduces Gambling Legislation

European Union Demands Money from America