WTO Stalled on Online Gambling Rules

Internet gambling is a complex and delicate area according to the World Trade Organization. Of course this was a while ago but it appears that not much has been said since this partially true declaration last July. When it comes to free trade on the internet the WTO is dragging it's feet preferring to keep the lines of communication open rather than putting it's foot down and demanding action. The US and China have been keeping their cards very close their chests and are not sure what it is they should do about making the internet an international business venue.

In China's censorship campaign aimed at ensuring social stability in the vast country it will simply not allow certain western influences or businesses to enter their web space. Not terribly different from the USA and it's prohibition on online gambling, both stop the use of the internet as a commercial vehicle. Is this the same aim that America has to see that it's cultural fabric is not destroyed by the online gambling going within it's borders? Protectionism is a word that seems to coincide with national pride, buying locally and keeping the hard earned dollars at home seems like a good idea in tough economic times. How does that work when agreements to allow free trade among nations through the World Trade Organization have been signed by the governments of participating countries? The European Union investigation concluded that America did violate WTO rules with it's new ban on online gambling companies in the USA, reportedly initiated as a result of a complaint by UK trade group the Remote Gambling Association. All progress seems stalled as the various regulatory bodies are just waiting for someone to take a crack at the problem again. Who will come forward and do this no one seems to know. Perhaps the RGA will lodge another complaint and more talks will begin.