Sealand Casino Opening To US Players

As published August 1st (Internet-Poker.co.uk/Poker-News | New Microgaming Online Casino Launched Sealand Casino), Sealand Casino will be opening their doors from a Micronation off the east coast of Great Britain, the Principality of Sealand. The launch date is set for September 2nd, the anniversary of the micronation's establishment in 1967.

According to reports, Sealand Casino believes they have found a loophole in US legislation that would allow them to take on members from across the globe, including poker enthusiasts residing in the United States.

By accepting deposits from US players utilizing offshore bank accounts, Sealand Casino and the financial institutions facilitating these transactions may be able to avoid repercussions from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) enacted by the US in October of 2006.

The United States Department of Justice is reportedly not taking the news very well, and will likely make every effort to stop the Micronation from achieving this goal, whether by going after the online casino operation, or by attempting to cause problems for the Principality itself.

With nothing but 500+ square meters of land containing a decommissioned wartime fort, the Principality of Sealand was so-called 'illegally' founded in 1967 by British Major Paddy Roy Bates, who claimed it for himself. Bates made himself 'King' of Sealand, claiming sovereignty to no other country.

The issue of Sealand's rights as an independent nation has been scrutinized by several countries as well as the media over the years. However, nothing has ever been done or even attempted by any country to claim or reclaim the territory.