From iGaming Business – In the latest chapter of its long-running iGaming dispute with the United States, the tiny nation of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that it is planning to suspend certain concessions and other obligations with its northern giant.

The quarrel dates to 2003 when Antigua filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the United States for violations of its commitments under the General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS) in not allowing it to provide online gaming services to players based in America.

In a subsequent ruling, the international organisation found in the Caribbean country’s favour but the dispute has lingered with Antigua claiming that it is owed $3.4bn per year in damages for being denied access to the United States iGaming market. In a later move, the WTO authorised Antigua to violate $21m per year from 2006 in intellectual property despite both sides agreeing to seek a fair settlement.

With no progress this far, Antigua has now established the seven-member WTO Remedies Implementation Committee chaired by Attorney General Justin Simon to oversee the suspensions’ implementation process, which could include intellectual property rights.