ALL AT SEA

3 August 2007

Sealand and Microgaming offer an imaginative new online gambling destination

The self-proclaimed "Principality of Sealand" has opened what it claims is the first ever national online casino, located in a remote North Sea wartime fort and powered by top industry turnkey provider Microgaming.

The Sealand Casino.com operates from a decommissioned military fort in the ocean six miles off the east coast of Great Britain. The self-proclaimed world’s smallest state has traditionally claimed to operate under its own sovereign jurisdiction (see previous InfoPowa reports).

Sealandcasino.com’s opening coincides with the 'state's' upcoming 40th year anniversary on 2 September, and offers full multi-currency financial and Support facilities together with a 300 games inventory from which online players can choose.

To commemorate the national casino opening, the Principality of Sealand is offering to match 100 percent all first deposits or provide new players with a GBP100 sign-up bonus.

"The Royal Family of Sealand’s high regard for the loyalty of its subjects is extended towards all Sealand Casino users, with players gaining Loyalty Points each time they place a bet," says a tongue-in-cheek statement from the Pricipality.

"These can then be redeemed for credits in the casino or cashed out as required. Tax-free winnings will be privately transferred in any currency to any account in the world."

The Principality of Sealand is a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former Maunsell Sea Fort located in what is claimed as territorial waters using a twelve-nautical-mile radius.

Since 1967, the installation has been occupied by associates and family of Paddy Roy Bates, a former radio broadcaster and former British Army Major, who claims it is a sovereign and independent state. Critics, as well as court rulings in the United States and in Germany, have claimed that Roughs Tower has always remained the property of the United Kingdom, a view that is disputed by the Bates family. The population of the facility rarely exceeds ten, and its habitable area is 550 m² (5920 sq ft).

Sealand's claims to sovereignty and legitimacy are not recognised by any country, yet it is sometimes cited in debates as an interesting case study of how various principles of international law can be applied to a territorial dispute.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa