The Gambling Commission has announced that five illegal or unlicensed gaming machines have been seized following raids on a number of fast food outlets in Manchester on Tuesday 14 August. Four outlets were raided in total, and these were situated in central and southern parts of the city. The Commission said that the machines were being "operated without permits" and that enquiries will continue to be made about the supplier.

"Protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by Gambling is a key objective for the Gambling Commission," said David Thornton, who is the Compliance Manager for the Gambling Commission. "Illegal gaming machines are often situated in premises such as chip shops and takeaways which are frequented by children.

"These illegal machines are unlicensed and unregulated and may have had their mechanisms tampered with and this puts the public at risk. The confiscated machines were being operated without permits and the Commission will be conducting continuing enquiries with regard to the supplier.

"We are determined to crack down on the suppliers and operators of these illegal machines and are grateful to Greater Manchester Police and HM Revenue & Customs for their support in undertaking this successful operation."

The Gambling Commission was established in 2005 and is responsible for regulating casinos, lotteries and bingo as well as gaming machines. As of Saturday 1 September the Commission also regulates betting and remote gambling.

"The vast majority of premises across Manchester are more than aware of the licensing laws and act responsibly to keep their premises as they should be," said Sgt Gareth Parking of Greater Manchester Police. "It is unfortunate there are a select few that think they can act above the law and this kind of operation is here to make it clear to them that they can't.

"We are pleased with the outcome of this exercise and the premises in question will be continually monitored in the future. We will also be ensuring that we are providing the necessary guidance and advice to the licensees in order to support them wherever we can."