ANTIGUA 'SURPRISED' AT UK WHITELIST ADVERTISING RULING

18 January 2008

Caribbean island government says it met requirements


Departing on a flight to Washington for further talks on the WTO struggle with the United States Trade Representative this week, Antigua's Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort digressed sufficiently to tell reporters that he was surprised and disappointed by the UK government decision not to grant advertising whitelist status to his country.

Last week the British government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport declined to give Antigua and Kahnawake whitelist status, which would have enabled online gambling companies licensed in those jurisdictions to advertise in the United Kingdom. Tasmania, on the other hand was included, joining respected jurisdictions like Gibraltar, Malta, Alderney and the Isle of Man.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission was more outspoken, hinting that it may seek to take the matter further through the United Nations (see previous InfoPowa report)

Dr. Cort said that the rejection was particularly surprising as an Antiguan delegation is set to meet the UK Minister of Sport next week to discuss the issue. The finance minister disclosed that he will lead a delegation to London next week Thursday, to meet with the UK minister responsible for gaming, and intends to continue discussions with the gaming authorities in the UK in hopes of achieving this goal.

Cort said the delegation hopes to return with a better understanding of what is hindering the process. In earlier statements Cort had said he was confident whitelist status would be achieved after cooperating with the DCMS on its requirements.

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