Machine owners facing prosecution

Politicians are concerned the machines are addictive

Owners of gambling machines in Jersey that pay out more than £25 are being reminded they are illegal and must be taken out of betting shops.

Economic Development Committee boss Deputy Gerald Voisin said bookmakers had until the end of the year to get rid of the machines.

Although most machines in Jersey do pay out more than £25, Deputy Voisin said they had never been legal.

If the machines are not removed by 31 December, bookmakers face prosecution.

Deputy Voisin said: "We believe it's a problem because we don't want to allow machines into the island that are proven to be highly addictive and that is why we haven't licensed them."