For the Record -- The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda (Antigua) said today that it had formally solicited the World Trade Organization (WTO) to authorize $3.4 billion, annually, in commercial sanctions against the United States. On June 20, Antigua informed the Geneva-based trade referee of its intention to seek concessions, primarily through the suspension of its obligations regarding U.S. copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs and patents. "The level sought by Antigua is several times higher than Antigua's gross domestic product of all goods and services," U.S. trade lawyer Juan Millan reportedly told the WTO dispute settlement body today.
Ducks in a Row -- GamCare has launched GamCare Trade Services (GTS), an electronic, educational initiative created to assist in ensuring that operators are aware of--and compliant with--their new social responsibility-related obligations under the U.K. Gambling Act. GamCare has partnered with training software consultancy Absolutely Training to develop the program. Absolutely and GamCare were introduced through Betfair, which indicated it would be among the first to register for the service. "GamCare training has always been an important part of Betfair's social responsibility program," said Betfair social responsibility manager Kate Stewart. "This new e-learning solution will enable us to ensure that all staff, across all locations, onshore and offshore, can benefit from GamCare's high standards of training.
EC to France: Open the Market -- The European Commission has issued its response to draft legislation from France, which seeks to prohibit foreign I-gaming operators from offering services to French residents. News service Thomson Financial said Monday that Brussels has instructed the French government to modify the legislation to allow foreign I-gaming firms to operate in France. An EU spokesman told the news service that the France has one month, until Aug. 24, to make the necessary adjustments under threat of action before the European Courts.
GSB Partners with Microgaming -- Globet Casino, the casino arm of Gibraltar-based Global Sports Betting, has added Microgaming's Viper gaming platform to its offering. "When we made the move to Microgaming's flash platform in 2006, we know it was only a matter of time before adding its . . . Viper software," said GlobetCasino.com general manager Sandra Snashfold.
Coming Soon -- Scientific Games said Monday that it would release results for the second quarter on Aug. 2.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, PartyGaming was down 0.75p to 30.25, Rank was down 4.25p to 179.25 and 888 was down 2p to 116.50.