It appears that the United States and the European Union are prepared to resolve their differences over the issue of online casinos.  Earlier this week an outline was issued in an attempt to resolve the issue and prevent the European Union from taking any further action against the United States.

The whole dispute happened back in 2006 when the United States passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act which restricted online casinos in the United States.  The international trade community accused the United States of protectionism and of being in violation of international trade laws.

The European Commission investigated the matter and indeed found the United States in violation of International trade agreements.  They gave the United States a grace period to amend the issue before taking it before the World Trade Organization to pursue serious action.

The European Union and the United States have begun talks and it appears both government bodies are ready to but the issue around online casinos to rest.

“Today was not a day to resolve any problems, but rather to set out the approach we are going to take, who would do what, and to agree to keep in touch,” said European Union Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton.

“We think are ripe to be looked at again to see if we can find a creative solution.”

The approaching resolution may have something to do with the bill that Barney Frank is attempting to pass in the House of Representative that will regulate online casinos in the United States.