PRIME Minister Gordon Brown may be back-tracking over promises for more casinos in Britain - but now the country has one right on its doorstep.Independent mini-state Sealand - which stands seven miles off Felixstowe and is visible from the resort's prom - has launched an offshore casino as its latest business venture.

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown may be back-tracking over promises for more casinos in Britain - but now the country has one right on its doorstep.

Independent mini-state Sealand - which stands seven miles off Felixstowe and is visible from the resort's prom - has launched an offshore casino as its latest business venture.

The casino is promising tax-free winnings for players - and says they can be transferred to any bank account in the world.

It is the latest in a string of bizarre stories to emerge from the former war-time fort, still known by the British government as Roughs Tower and not recognised by it as a principality.

Sealand's royal family Prince Roy and Princess Joan Bates, and their son Prince Michael, Prince Regent, who set up the principality 40 years ago, have announced, it could be handed over to new rulers for £65 million.

However, so far there has been no deal - Spanish estate agency Inmonaranja is handling the sale and has said the new tenants of Sealand would not be able to change the name of the country - and limited interest.

A spokesman for Sealand said the casino was being operated on-line and so people do not need to visit the country - accessible by helicopter or with difficulty from a boat - or have pockets full of Sealand dollars.

He said: “Sealand Casino features over 300 games to choose from, including fifteen progressive jackpots - currently rising to over £2m in value.

“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.

“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.”

Earlier this year there were rumours the 550 sq m principality could be bought by an on-line gambling company in order to escape American laws banning internet bookies.

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