Peter Mandelson, the EU trade commissioner, has called for US
prosecutors to stop targeting online gambling companies with links to Europe -
including London-listed PartyGaming, Sportingbet and 888.
Peter Mandelson
The EU is backing an
industry group which says the US is breaking free trade commitments by seeking
to prosecute overseas online gambling companies that stopped taking bets from
America after prohibition 17 months ago. The support does not affect a deal
under which the US extended certain trade concessions after passing the
unlawful internet gambling enforcement act.
Yesterday's development
will be watched by London-listed companies which retreated from the US but
operate under the shadow of possible retrospective indictments. Many analysts
believe their value would climb if directors could give investors clarity on
the likely impact of a settlement with the US government. Others believe
companies may struggle if US prosecutors pursue large sums accrued by founders
who sold at the peak.
Mandelson
said: "The US has the right to address legitimate public policy concerns
relating to internet gambling, but discrimination against EU companies cannot
be part of the policy mix. "
The Remote Gambling Association is also
supporting complaints to Brussels against Greece, the Netherlands, Germany and
Sweden, claiming the member states have breached EU free trade rules. Almost
all RGA members - including PartyGaming, Sportingbet, 888 and state-owned
Totesport - have significant operations registered offshore for tax reasons.