SIX illegal gambling machines which cost the taxpayer about £19,000 in unpaid tax, have been seized from pubs in Selby.

Officers from HM Revenue and Custom visited five pubs in the town on Tuesday, February 20.

The operation uncovered the illegally sited and unregistered gaming machines, where duty was not being paid, at all of the premises visited. HMRC also seized £5,500 cash.

Alan Tume, of HMRC, said: “It is the business’s responsibility to register gaming machines and pay duty on machines that pay out cash prizes. Anyone found illegally operating gaming machines faces the possibility of being fined and having the machines seized.

“Anyone with information about tax fraud should report it to HMRC online or contact our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

Cllr Chris Pearson, chair of Selby council’s licensing committee, said: “The council was involved in this operation because we are the licensing authority – that means we have a duty to ensure that businesses are acting within the law. The vast majority of companies in our area do exactly that, and this is about making sure there’s a level playing field for everyone.”

Richard Watson, Gambling Commission Programme Director said: “Keeping crime out of gambling is a priority for us so we were pleased to support HMRC on this operation.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “When it comes to dealing with suspected tax fraud, we work closely with a number of organisations including HMRC to carry out both investigative and enforcement action across North Yorkshire and help bring perpetrators to justice.”