Web a gambler's hideaway

Antigua contends the decision means the United States cannot block other countries from offering Internet gambling to U.S. residents, even if they live in states like Utah, where gambling is illegal. Government officials maintain the United States can continue to impose restrictions to protect "public morals."

Cabot said the United States basically must decide between liberalizing its stance on Internet gambling or prohibiting all forms of remote gambling, including off-track betting on horse races. Nothing has been decided yet.

"It's a pie that's half baked," he said. "No one knows how it is going to come out."

Assistant Utah Attorney General Roberts said his review of the most recent WTO ruling indicates it would have no effect on Utah.

Earlier this month, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff joined 28 other attorneys general in a letter to U.S. trade officials calling for states to have more say in future trade talks. Shurtleff said Antigua has no business trying to write Utah's gambling laws.

Still, Cabot says states are powerless to stop online gambling.

"Off-shore gaming sites will today and forever welcome Utah residents," he said. "A state, in my opinion, is completely unable to control gambling on the Internet."

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