World's smallest country 'could be online gambling base'

2007-01-09 15:00:00

The owners of the world's so-called smallest independent state have put the island are up for sale, and suggested that the area could be used as a base for online gambling.

Paddy Roy Bates, a retired army major, has said that he wants to sell the island, which he himself took over in the 1960s.

The state itself is comprised of just one former anti-aircraft platform, occupying 10,000 square feet ten miles off the east coast of England.

Though the government does not recognise the sovereignty of the platform, Mr Bates nonetheless declared the island, named Sealand, a free-trade zone without customs duties or gaming restrictions.

Sealand has its own currency, equivalent to one US dollar, along with its own stamps and passport. It was Mr Bates son Michael who suggested that the platform be used as a gaming region when speaking to BBC radio about the sale.

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