Police raided popular Hamilton bar The Palace yesterday, seizing what are believed to be bingo machines.

Around 20 officers were involved in the operation, with the investigation now focusing on whether the law banning gaming machines has been breached.

Speaking at the scene, Inspector Nicholas Pedro of the Fraud Unit said the search was mounted at 5.30 p.m. Around eight patrons were present in the Spurling Hill establishment at the time.

"A number of devices have been seized and we have forensic and IT experts examining them to determine whether or not they meet the definitions within the Prohibition of Gaming Machines Act," he said.

He said initial indications were that the machines played bingo. While this is a popular activity in the Island's clubs in its traditional format, electronic machines that play games of chance are banned.

"Obviously, this is in the very early stage of investigation and these are our initial observations," stressed Inspector Pedro. "We will be reviewing the evidence in due course and taking advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions."

He confirmed that the investigation was looking at activities at The Palace in relation to the Criminal Code, the Prohibition of Gaming Machines Act and the Liquor Licence Act. However, he declined to comment on the exact number of machines seized or whether anyone had been arrested. Officers remained at the scene late last night.

The Palace's website yesterday advertised: "State of the art bingo terminals. This is not your grandmother's bingo. Win big ? up to $30,000".

No-one from the venue could be reached for comment last night.

News of the raid came as the debate about gambling laws in Bermuda rumbled on. A recent poll conducted by Research.bm showed 54 percent of 400 people questioned against legalising new forms of gambling. A total of 40 percent were in favour, with six percent undecided.