are being sold over the counter, or through special machines, on licensed premises across the Island.

One East End pub owner has confirmed that Police officials recently visited his place of business and told him they were not legal and asked him to discontinue the service.

Last night, Police spokeswoman Evelyn James-Barnett confirmed that the Attorney General has deemed the cards to have no legal standing.

She said: "Based on the advice of the Attorney General, it is illegal for these machines to be operated to the public. Police have received reports of these machines operating on licensed premises and we have been visiting them to caution the proprietor that it is illegal for the machines to be operated.'' She said"The establishments have been buying the cards from individuals to put into the machines and then the public would put their money in the machine to pull out a card, which tells you if you have won a sum of money.'' One business that has already had such a Police visit is Freddie's Pub on the Square. Operator Alan Powell said he immediately removed the cards.

Mr. Powell confirmed: "We took them out. They told us it was contrary to the Liquor Licencing Act, that it was classified as gambling and that it was illegal to sell them. And we were told to stop selling them, right then and there.

"It was a great revenue loss, but my liquor licence is more important and produces more revenue.

"I don't know if everybody else has stopped selling them. I suppose it is not my concern, but I have heard that others are still selling them. The Police told me that they would be advising others that it is not legal.'' At least one city establishment where a machine has been prominently displayed for many months learned of the Police cautions and has also taken steps to remove their machine.