Following the World Trade Organization (WTO) holding the United Stated liable to Antigua for the sum of $21 million per year caused by prohibiting online casino gambling, the tiny island will now be going head to head with the American giant to discuss the dispute and try to reach an agreement.

It was only in December 2007 that the WTO finally held the US responsible for damages made to Antigua following the UIGEA. Despite that the $21 million is only a fraction of what Antigua had initially pursued ($3.44 billion), the US is still refusing to pay up, yet alone negotiate a settlement. The WTO allowed them a 6-month period whereby the 2 countries could discuss possible agreements for the affects of the online casino ban, yet with no significant development since, the looming end of the grace period will force them to sit down and conclude the matter.

The Minister of Finance and Economy for Antigua, Dr. Errol Cort, has already traveled to Washington in an attempt to begin talks this Friday with Susan Schwab, the US Trade representative. The issue, however, began 3 years prior to the online casino gambling ban of 2006, when the US blocked American citizens from using online casino platforms, many of which based in Antigua. The US has since disagreed to comply with the WTO’s ruling that there wad no legitimate way for the country to prevent online casino operators from doing business with citizens.