the Island's bars will continue now that officers have received legal guidelines from the Attorney General's Chambers.

Questions over the legality of the machines -- which allow customers to play card games such as poker and blackjack and win cash -- were raised by members of the community when they appeared.

Findings from an initial Police investigation were forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers.

And last night a Police spokesman said: "We have received a letter from the Attorney General's Chambers which indicates that there may be offences being committed related to the use of these types of machines.

"The subject is quite complex and based on the information from the Attorney General's Chambers, we will have to look into the matter further before determining what course of action should be taken.'' Amongst those who raised concerns about the machines was a Spanish Point resident which prompted Pembroke West MP Gary Pitman to look into the matter.

He said he tried one of the machines and was convinced that they broke the Island's gambling laws.

Last night he said he had heard the machines had been ruled illegal which did not surprise him at all.