BRUSSELS, March 26 (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Thursday that U.S. laws on remote gambling hampered trade and thus were inconsistent with World Trade Organisation rules.
"It is for the U.S. to decide how best to regulate Internet gambling in its market, but this must be done in a way that fully respects WTO obligations," EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
She said a draft Commission report implied that WTO proceedings against the U.S. measures would be justified.
However, the issue should be addressed with the U.S. administration with a view to finding a negotiated solution, the statement said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee and Dale Hudson)