Antigua to Expand E-Gaming Industry

Antigua will continue developing its Internet gambling industry despite pressure from the United States to prohibit the practice, the finance minister said last week.

Finance Minister Errol Cort said at least 10 new online gambling companies will open on the Caribbean island next year, joining 14 others that already have been granted operating licenses.

Mr. Cort said the new companies will generate some 500 new jobs and more than $2 million in gambling licenses fees.

The United States contends that Internet gambling should be prohibited because it violates some U.S. state laws. Antigua says the U.S. position is contrary to global trade rules.

Antigua´s has taken the dispute to the World Trade Organization, which has yet to rule on the matter.