[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 148 (Friday, August 1, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45306-45307]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19555]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[Docket No. WTO/DS-285]


WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding Federal, State, and 
Territorial Laws Affecting the Cross-Border Provision of Gambling and 
Betting Services From Antigua and Barbuda

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative 
(``USTR'') is providing notice that on June 13, 2003, the government of 
Antigua and Barbuda requested the establishment of a WTO dispute 
settlement panel pursuant to Article 6 of the World Trade Organization 
(``WTO'') Dispute Settlement Understanding (``DSU'') to consider its 
allegations that measures applied by the U.S. federal government and 
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the 
U.S. Virgin Islands affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and 
betting services are inconsistent with U.S. obligations under Articles 
VI, VIII, XI, XVI, and XVII of the WTO General Agreement on Trade in 
Services (``GATS'') and its schedule of specific commitments. USTR 
invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised 
in this dispute.

DATES: Although USTR will accept any comments received during the 
course of the dispute settlement proceedings, comments should be 
submitted on or before August 29, 2003, to be assured of timely 
consideration by USTR.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted (i) Electronically, to 
[email protected], with ``Gambling and Betting Dispute (DS285)'' in the 
subject line, or (ii) by fax, to Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-3640, with 
a confirmation copy sent electronically to the electronic mail address 
above, in accordance with the requirements for submission set out 
below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stanford K. McCoy, Assistant General 
Counsel, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th 
Street, NW., Washington, DC, (202) 395-3581.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Section 127(b) of the Uruguay 
Round Agreements Act (``URAA'') (19 U.S.C. 3537(b)(1)) USTR is 
providing notice that, on June 12, 2003, the United States received a 
request from the government of Antigua and Barbuda for the 
establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel to examine U.S. federal 
and state measures affecting cross-border gambling and betting 
services. Consultations with Antigua and Barbuda failed to resolve the 
matter. The panel was established pursuant to the DSU on July 21, 2003. 
It will hold its meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, and is expected to 
issue a report on its findings and recommendations within six to nine 
months after the date of establishment.

Major Issues Raised and Legal Basis of the Panel Request

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda alleges that the Federal, 
state and territorial legislation and other legal materials listed 
below violate U.S. specific commitments under the GATS, as well as 
Articles VI, VIII, XI, XVI, and XVII of the GATS, to the extent that 
these laws and other materials prevent or can prevent operators from 
Antigua and Barbuda from lawfully offering gambling and betting 
services in the United States. In support of its claims, the government 
of Antigua and Barbuda alleges, inter alia, that U.S. authorities (1) 
Allow operators of U.S. origin to offer gambling and betting services 
in the United States but do not allow foreign operators to obtain 
authorizations to provide such services from abroad; and (2) restrict 
international transfers and payments relating to gambling and betting 
services offered from outside the United States.
    A. Federal Legislation: 15 U.S.C. 3001 to 3007; 18 U.S.C. 2; 18 
U.S.C. 1081, 1084; 18 U.S.C. 1301 to 1307; 18 U.S.C. 1952; 18 U.S.C. 
1953; 18 U.S.C. 1955; 28 U.S.C. 3701 to 3704; 39 U.S.C. 3005.
    B. State, District of Columbia, and Territorial Legislation and 
Constitutional Provisions: Ala. Code 13A-12-20 to 13A-12-31 (1977); 
Alaska Stat. 05.15.180 (1997); Alaska Stat. 11.66.200 to 11.66.280 
(1978); Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 13-3301 to 13-3312 (2001); Ark. Stat. 
Ann. 5-66-101 to 5-66-119 (1987); Cal. Penal Code 319-337z (West Supp. 
2003); Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 19800-19807 (West. Supp. 2003); Colo. 
Const. art. XVIII, 2; Colo. Rev. Stat. 18-10-101 to 18-10-108 (1999); 
Colo. Rev. Stat. 12-47.1-101 to 12-47.1-106 (1996); Conn. Gen. Stat. 
53-278a to 53-278g (2001); Del Const. art. 2, 17; Del. Code Ann. tit. 
11, 1401-32, 1470-73 (2002); D.C. Code Ann. 22-1701 to 22-1712 (2001); 
Fla. Stat. 849.01 to 849.46 (2000); Ga. Const. art. 1, 2; Ga. Code Ann. 
16-12-20 to 16-12-62 (2003); Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. 712-1220 to 712-1231 
(Michie 1973); Idaho Const. art. III, 20; Idaho Code 18-3801 to 18-3810 
(1992); III. Rev. Stat. ch. 720, 5/28-1 to 5/28-9 (1993); Ind. Code 35-
45-5-1 to 35-45-5-8 (1998); Iowa Code 725.5 to 725.16 (1993); Kan. 
Crim. Code Ann. 21-4303 to 21-4308 (1995); Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. 528.010 
to 528.120 (Baldwin's 1974); La Const. art. XII, 6; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 
14:90.-.4 (West 1986); Me. Rev. Stat. Ann., tit. 17, 330-347 (1983); 
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann., tit. 17, 2305-2306 (1983); Md. Code Ann., Crim. 
Law, 12-101 to 12-307 (2002); Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 271, 1-50 (West 
2000); Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. 750.301-750.315a (West 1990); Minn. Stat. 
Ann. 609.75-609.763 (Supp. 2003); Miss. Code Ann. 97-33-1 to 97-33-203 
(1999); Mo. Ann. Stat. 572.010-572.125 (West 1995); Mont. Const. art. 
III, 9; Mont. Code Ann. 23-5-101 to 23-5-810 (1993); Neb. Rev. Stat 28-
1101 to 28-1117 (1995); Nev. Rev. Stat. 202.450 (1999); Nev. Rev. Stat. 
463.160 (2001); N. H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 647:2 (1999); N.J. Const. art. 
IV, 7; N.J. Stat. Ann. 2A:40-1 to 2A:40-9 (2000); N.J. Stat. Ann. 
2C:37-9 to 2C:37-9 (1995); N.J. Stat. Ann. 5:5-63 (1996); N.J. Stat. 
Ann. 5:12-1 to 5:12-210 (1996); N.M. Stat. Ann. 30-19-1 to 30-19-15 
(1978); N.Y. Const. art. I, 9; N.Y. Executive Law 430-439a (McKinney 
1996); N.Y. Penal Law 225.00-225.40 (McKinney 1999); N.Y. General 
Obligation Law 5-401 to 5-423 (McKinney 2001); N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-289 
to 14-309.4 (1994); N.D. Const. art. 11, 25; N.D. Cent. Code 12.1-28-01 
to 12.1-28-02 (1987); Ohio Const. art. XV,

[[Page 45307]]

6; Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 2915.01-2915.06 (1996); Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 
3A, 205.6 (West 1993); Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, 941.993 (West 2002); 
Or. Rev. Stat. 167.108-167.170 (2001); Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, 911 
(Purdon 1998); Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, 5513 (Purdon 2000); Pa. Stat. 
Ann. tit. 66, 2902 (Purdon 2000); R.I. Const. art. Vi, 22; R.I. Gen. 
Laws 11-19-1 to 11-19-45 (1993); R.I. Gen. Laws 11-51-1 to 11-51-2 
(1979); S.C. Code Ann. 16-19-10 to 16-19-160 (Law Co-op. 1996); S.D. 
Codified Laws 22-25-1 to 22-25-51 (Michie 1976); S.D. Codified Laws 22-
25A-1 to 22-25A-15 (Michie 2000); Tenn. Const. art. XI, V; Tenn. Code 
Ann. 39-17-501 to 39-17-509 (1989); Tex. Penal Code Ann. 47.01 to 47.10 
(West 2003); Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1101 to 76-10-1109 (1998); Vt. Stat. 
Ann. tit. 13, 2133-2156 (1957); Va. Code Ann. 18.2-325 to 18.2-340 
(Michie 1992); Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 4.24.070 (West 1988); Wash. Rev. 
Code Ann. 9.46.010 to 9.46.903 (West 1998); W. Va. Code 61-10-1 to 61-
10-5 (1970); Wis. Const. art. IV, 24; Wis. Stat. Ann. 945.01-945.13 
(West 2001); Wyo. Stat. 6-7-101 to 6-7-104 (1996); 9 Guam Code Ann. 
64.10 to 64.22A (2003); P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 33, 1241 to 1259 (1949); 
V.I. Code Ann. tit. 14, 1224-1226 (1985); V.I. Code Ann. tit. 32, 602-
646 (2001).
    C. Other Materials: United States v. Cohen, 260 F.3d 68 (2nd Cir. 
2001), cert. denied, 122 S. Ct. 2587 (2002); Florida Attorney General, 
Press Release: Western Union Cuts Off Sports Betting Accounts (December 
23, 1997); Kansas; Op. Att'y Gen. No. 96-31 (March 25, 1996); Kansas 
Attorney General, Internet Gambling Warning (visited March 13, 2003); 
http://www.accesskansas.org/ksag/contents/consumer/internetwarning.htm; 
Michigan Gaming Control Board, Frequently Asked Questions: Is it Legal 
to Gamble Over the Internet in Michigan http://www.michigan.gov/mgcb/
0,1607,7-120-7863-19182--F,00.html; Minnesota Attorney General, 
Statement of Minnesota Attorney General on Internet Jurisdiction 
(visited March 13, 2003) http://www.jmls.edu/cyber/docs/minn-ag.html; 
Vacco ex rel. People v. World Interactive Gaming Corp., 714 N.Y.S.2d 
844, 854 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 1999); New York Attorney General, Press 
Release: Ten Banks End Online Gambling With Credit Cards + Spitzer 
Hails Establishment of New Banking Industry Standard (11 February 
2003); New York Attorney General, Press Release: Agreement Reached with 
PayPal to Bar New Yorkers from Online Gambling + Campaign Against 
Illegal Gambling Web Site in New York Continues (21 August 2002); 
Attorney General of the State of the New York, Internet Bureau, In the 
matter of PayPal, Inc., Assurance of Discontinuance (16 August 2002); 
New York Attorney General, Press Release: Financial Giant Joins Fight 
Against Online Gambling + Leading Credit Card Issuer Agrees to Block 
Key Internet Transactions (14 June 2002); Attorney General of the State 
of New York, Internet Bureau, In the matter of Citibank (South Dakota), 
N.A., Assurance of Discontinuance (21 June 2002).

Public Comment: Requirements for Submissions

    Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning the issues raised in this dispute. Persons submitting 
comments may either send one copy by fax to Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-
3640, or transmit a copy electronically to [email protected], with 
``Gambling and Betting Dispute (DS285)'' in the subject line. For 
documents sent by fax, USTR requests that the submitter provide a 
confirmation copy to the electronic mail address listed above.
    USTR encourages the submission of documents in Adobe PDF format, as 
attachments to an electronic mail. Interested persons who make 
submissions by electronic mail should not provide separate cover 
letters; information that might appear in a cover letter should be 
included in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, 
any attachments to the submission should be included in the same file 
as the submission itself, and not as separate files.
    A person requesting that information contained in a comment 
submitted by that person be treated as confidential business 
information must certify that such information is business confidential 
and would not customarily be released to the public by the submitter. 
Confidential business information must be clearly marked ``BUSINESS 
CONFIDENTIAL'' at the top and bottom of the cover page and each 
succeeding page of the submission.
    Information or advice contained in a comment submitted, other than 
business confidential information, may be determined by USTR to be 
confidential in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of the Trade Act of 
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155(g)(2)). If the submitting person believes that 
information or advice may qualify as such, the submitting person--
    (1) Must so designate the information or advice;
    (2) Must clearly mark the material as ``SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE'' 
at the top and bottom of each page of the cover page and each 
succeeding page; and
    (3) Is encouraged to provide a non-confidential summary of the 
information or advice.
    Pursuant to section 127(e) of the URAA (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR 
will maintain a file on this dispute settlement proceeding, accessible 
to the public, in the USTR Reading Room, which is located at 1724 F 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508. The public file will include non-
confidential comments received by USTR from the public with respect to 
the dispute; if a dispute settlement panel is convened, the U.S. 
submissions to that panel, the submissions, or non-confidential 
summaries of submissions, to the panel received from other participants 
in the dispute, as well as the report of the panel; and, if applicable, 
the report of the Appellate Body. An appointment to review the public 
file (Docket No. WT/DS-285, Gambling and Betting Dispute) may be made 
by calling the USTR Reading Room at (202) 395-6186. The USTR Reading 
Room is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday.

Daniel E. Brinza,
Assistant United States Trade Representative for Monitoring and 
Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 03-19555 Filed 7-31-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-01-M