diff --git a/src/devices/machine/steppers.cpp b/src/devices/machine/steppers.cpp
index 98e67916f01..d25f5f61459 100644
--- a/src/devices/machine/steppers.cpp
+++ b/src/devices/machine/steppers.cpp
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ void stepper_device::advance_phase()
 {
 	//Standard drive table is 2,6,4,5,1,9,8,a
 	//NOTE: This runs through the stator patterns in such a way as to drive the reel forward (downwards from the player's view, clockwise on our rose)
-	//The Heber 'Pluto' controller runs this in reverse
+	//The Heber 'Pluto' controller runs this in reverse, this needs checking on real hardware
 	switch (m_pattern)
 	{             //Black  Blue  Red  Yellow
 		case 0x02://  0     0     1     0
@@ -257,7 +257,8 @@ void reel_device::advance_phase()
 		case STARPOINT_48STEP_REEL : /* STARPOINT RMxxx */
 		case GAMESMAN_200STEP_REEL : /* Gamesman GMxxxx */
 		case STARPOINT_144STEP_DICE :/* STARPOINT 1DCU DICE mechanism */
-		case STARPOINT_200STEP_REEL :/* STARPOINT 1DCU DICE mechanism */
+		case STARPOINT_200STEP_REEL :
+		case SYS5_100STEP_REEL :
 		stepper_device::advance_phase();
 		break;
 
diff --git a/src/devices/machine/steppers.h b/src/devices/machine/steppers.h
index 3a07de01d62..fc9e5822870 100644
--- a/src/devices/machine/steppers.h
+++ b/src/devices/machine/steppers.h
@@ -35,6 +35,8 @@
 
 #define SRU_200STEP_REEL        11
 
+#define SYS5_100STEP_REEL       12
+
 
 class stepper_device : public device_t
 {
diff --git a/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.cpp b/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.cpp
index e99b7f1e020..c4dad0b8900 100644
--- a/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.cpp
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
     Known Issues:
         * Some features used by the AWP games such as reels are not emulated.
         * Timing for reels, and other opto devices is controlled by a generated clock
-        in a weird daisychain setup.
+        in a weird daisychain setup. We're using the later direct drive approach for now
 
     AWP game notes:
       The byte at 0x81 of the EVEN 68k rom appears to be some kind of
@@ -245,31 +245,32 @@ void jpmsys5_state::reel_0123_w(offs_t offset, uint16_t data, uint16_t mem_mask)
 {
 	logerror("%s: reel_0123_w %04x %04x\n", machine().describe_context(), data, mem_mask);
 
+
 	// only writes 0/1/2/3 to each reel?
 	if (data & 0xcccc)
 		popmessage("reel_0123_w upper bits set", data & 0xcccc);
 
 	if (m_reel[0])
 	{
-		m_reel[0]->update((data >> 0) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[0]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 0) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel1", *m_reel[0]);
 	}
 
 	if (m_reel[1])
 	{
-		m_reel[1]->update((data >> 4) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[1]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 4) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel2", *m_reel[1]);
 	}
 
 	if (m_reel[2])
 	{
-		m_reel[2]->update((data >> 8) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[2]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 8) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel3", *m_reel[2]);
 	}
 
 	if (m_reel[3])
 	{
-		m_reel[3]->update((data >> 12) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[3]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 12) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel4", *m_reel[3]);
 	}
 }
@@ -283,23 +284,23 @@ void jpmsys5_state::reel_4567_w(offs_t offset, uint16_t data, uint16_t mem_mask)
 
 	if (m_reel[4])
 	{
-		m_reel[4]->update((data >> 0) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[4]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 0) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel5", *m_reel[4]);
 	}
 	if (m_reel[5])
 	{
-		m_reel[5]->update((data >> 4) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[5]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 4) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel6", *m_reel[5]);
 	}
 #if 0
 	if (m_reel[6])
 	{
-		m_reel[6]->update(data >> 8) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[6]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 8) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel6", *m_reel[6]);
 	}
 	if (m_reel[7])
 	{
-		m_reel[7]->update((data >> 12) & 0x03);
+		m_reel[7]->update(reel_interface_table[(data >> 12) & 0x03]);
 		awp_draw_reel(machine(), "reel7", *m_reel[7]);
 	}
 #endif
@@ -850,20 +851,17 @@ void jpmsys5v_state::jpmsys5v(machine_config &config)
 
 void jpmsys5_state::reels(machine_config &config)
 {
-	// probably incorrect reel types, but they do seem to only require 2 bits to write?
-	// forcing 200 steps keeps j5fair main reels aligned, so probably needs a type
-	// with the same write patterns as MPU3_48STEP_REEL, but with 200 steps defining?
-	REEL(config, m_reel[0], MPU3_48STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
+	REEL(config, m_reel[0], SYS5_100STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
 	m_reel[0]->optic_handler().set(FUNC(jpmsys5_state::reel_optic_cb<0>));
-	REEL(config, m_reel[1], MPU3_48STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
+	REEL(config, m_reel[1], SYS5_100STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
 	m_reel[1]->optic_handler().set(FUNC(jpmsys5_state::reel_optic_cb<1>));
-	REEL(config, m_reel[2], MPU3_48STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
+	REEL(config, m_reel[2], SYS5_100STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
 	m_reel[2]->optic_handler().set(FUNC(jpmsys5_state::reel_optic_cb<2>));
-	REEL(config, m_reel[3], MPU3_48STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
+	REEL(config, m_reel[3], SYS5_100STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
 	m_reel[3]->optic_handler().set(FUNC(jpmsys5_state::reel_optic_cb<3>));
-	REEL(config, m_reel[4], MPU3_48STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
+	REEL(config, m_reel[4], SYS5_100STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
 	m_reel[4]->optic_handler().set(FUNC(jpmsys5_state::reel_optic_cb<4>));
-	REEL(config, m_reel[5], MPU3_48STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
+	REEL(config, m_reel[5], SYS5_100STEP_REEL, 1, 3, 0x00, 2, 200);
 	m_reel[5]->optic_handler().set(FUNC(jpmsys5_state::reel_optic_cb<5>));
 }
 
@@ -953,7 +951,7 @@ INPUT_PORTS_START( popeye )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_SERVICE ) PORT_NAME("Back door") PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_R) PORT_TOGGLE
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_SERVICE ) PORT_NAME("Cash door") PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_T) PORT_TOGGLE
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_SERVICE ) PORT_NAME("Refill key") PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_Y) PORT_TOGGLE
-	PORT_DIPNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Direct 0x08" ) // These are the % key, at least for popeye?
+	PORT_DIPNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Direct 0x08" ) // These are the % key, at least for popeye? But there's a pin missing if so, usually these have 4 bits
 	PORT_DIPSETTING(    0x08, DEF_STR( Off ) )
 	PORT_DIPSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( On ) )
 	PORT_DIPNAME( 0x10, 0x10, "Direct 0x10" )
@@ -968,29 +966,73 @@ INPUT_PORTS_START( popeye )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_CUSTOM )
 
 	PORT_START("COINS")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x03, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNUSED )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_COIN1 ) PORT_NAME("10p")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_COIN2 ) PORT_NAME("20p")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_COIN3 ) PORT_NAME("50p")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_COIN4 ) PORT_NAME("100p")
-	PORT_BIT( 0xc3, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNUSED )
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_COIN5 ) PORT_NAME("Token")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("STROBE0")
-	PORT_BIT(0xFF, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNKNOWN)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_NAME("00")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_NAME("01")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON3 ) PORT_NAME("02")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON4 ) PORT_NAME("03")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON5 ) PORT_NAME("04")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON6 ) PORT_NAME("05")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON7 ) PORT_NAME("06")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON8 ) PORT_NAME("07")
 
 	PORT_START("STROBE1")
-	PORT_BIT(0xFF, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNKNOWN)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("08")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("09")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("10")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("11")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("12")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("13")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("14")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("15")
 
 	PORT_START("STROBE2")
-	PORT_BIT(0xFF, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNKNOWN)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_START1 ) PORT_NAME("Start")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON6 ) PORT_NAME("Exchange")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON5 ) PORT_NAME("Collect")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON4 ) PORT_NAME("Hold 3/Lo")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON3 ) PORT_NAME("Hold 2/Hi")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_NAME("Hold 1")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1) PORT_NAME("Cancel")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("23")
 
 	PORT_START("STROBE3")
-	PORT_BIT(0xFF, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNKNOWN)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("24")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("25")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("26")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("27")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("28")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("29")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("30")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("31")
 
 	PORT_START("STROBE4")
-	PORT_BIT(0xFF, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNKNOWN)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("32")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("33")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("34")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("35")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("36")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("37")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("38")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("39")
 
 	PORT_START("STROBE5")
-	PORT_BIT(0xFF, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_UNKNOWN)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("40")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("41")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("42")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("43")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x10, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("44")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x20, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("45")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x40, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("46")
+	PORT_BIT( 0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_OTHER ) PORT_NAME("47")
 
 	PORT_START("UNKNOWN_PORT")
 	PORT_DIPNAME( 0x0001, 0x0000, "Unknown 0x0001" ) // if this and 0x0008 are on then j5popeye boots, what is it? something opto related?
diff --git a/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.h b/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.h
index 111e0c61346..58626504f6a 100644
--- a/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.h
+++ b/src/mame/jpm/jpmsys5.h
@@ -113,6 +113,8 @@ private:
 
 	uint16_t unk_r(offs_t offset, uint16_t mem_mask = ~0);
 
+	static inline constexpr uint8_t reel_interface_table[4] = {0x0a, 0x09, 0x06, 0x05};//An interface maps the 2-bit values to meaningful Starpoint patterns (Proconn do this too, put in steppers?)
+
 	uint16_t reellamps_0123_r(offs_t offset, uint16_t mem_mask = ~0);
 	void reellamps_0123_w(offs_t offset, uint16_t data, uint16_t mem_mask = ~0);
 	uint16_t reellamps_4567_r(offs_t offset, uint16_t mem_mask = ~0);
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/ac1clbmn.lay b/src/mame/layout/ac1clbmn.lay
index cf8183486c9..6852c5d89c0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/ac1clbmn.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/ac1clbmn.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -826,7 +826,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.40"/>
 		</text>
@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.40"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1158,7 +1158,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1178,7 +1178,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1198,7 +1198,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1218,7 +1218,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1238,7 +1238,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1258,7 +1258,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1518,7 +1518,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1538,7 +1538,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1558,7 +1558,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1578,7 +1578,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1598,7 +1598,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1618,7 +1618,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.23"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="£3.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/ac1gogld.lay b/src/mame/layout/ac1gogld.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/ac1primt.lay b/src/mame/layout/ac1primt.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/ac1pster.lay b/src/mame/layout/ac1pster.lay
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+		<text string="BIG £2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1522,7 +1522,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2156,23 +2156,23 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_116">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.16" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.28" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.39" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/ac1pstrt.lay b/src/mame/layout/ac1pstrt.lay
index 8c3a9282815..b6711fe1901 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/ac1pstrt.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/ac1pstrt.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -530,7 +530,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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@@ -590,7 +590,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -610,7 +610,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.22" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="BONUS &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="BONUS £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1918,23 +1918,23 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_43">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.16" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.28" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.39" width="0.90" height="0.11"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 		</text>
@@ -1968,7 +1968,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3; STRETCHER">
+		<text string="£ STRETCHER">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1984,7 +1984,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_94">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/ac1taklv.lay b/src/mame/layout/ac1taklv.lay
index 36d726586a1..d8b9d55020e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/ac1taklv.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/ac1taklv.lay
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="+ &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="+ £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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@@ -514,7 +514,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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@@ -1102,7 +1102,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1122,7 +1122,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1142,7 +1142,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1182,7 +1182,7 @@
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@@ -1202,7 +1202,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -1222,7 +1222,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1558,7 +1558,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 + &#xA3;2 Climber">
+		<text string="£4 + £2 Climber">
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 			<color red="0.03" green="0.14" blue="0.05"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -1622,7 +1622,7 @@
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@@ -1642,7 +1642,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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@@ -1702,11 +1702,11 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 +">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Clbr">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
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@@ -1866,7 +1866,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -2098,7 +2098,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -2244,23 +2244,23 @@
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+		<text string="£4.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.10"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.15" width="0.90" height="0.10"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.25" width="0.90" height="0.10"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.35" width="0.90" height="0.10"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.45" width="0.90" height="0.10"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/connect4.lay b/src/mame/layout/connect4.lay
index c32d80d8752..e4538a87c99 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/connect4.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/connect4.lay
@@ -217,44 +217,44 @@ license:CC0
 	</element>
 
 	<element name="100p" defstate="0">
-		<text string="100p" state="0">
+		<text string="£ 1" state="0">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
-		<text string="100p" state="1">
+		<text string="£ 1" state="1">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="0.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
 	</element>
 
 	<element name="200p" defstate="0">
-		<text string="200p" state="0">
+		<text string="£ 2" state="0">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
-		<text string="200p" state="1">
+		<text string="£ 2" state="1">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="0.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
 	</element>
 
 	<element name="500p" defstate="0">
-		<text string="500p" state="0">
+		<text string="£ 5" state="0">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
-		<text string="500p" state="1">
+		<text string="£ 5" state="1">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="0.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
 	</element>
 
 	<element name="1000p" defstate="0">
-		<text string="1000p" state="0">
+		<text string="£ 10" state="0">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
-		<text string="1000p" state="1">
+		<text string="£ 10" state="1">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="0.0" />
 			<bounds x="0" y="0.1" width="1" height="0.8" />
 		</text>
@@ -801,7 +801,8 @@ license:CC0
 			<param name="i" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="0" increment="9"/>
 			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
-				<color red="0.14" green="0.14" blue="0.14"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
 				<bounds x="~x~" y="120" width="9" height="14"/>
 			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/gamball.lay b/src/mame/layout/gamball.lay
index aee55014e55..6028aac4fd8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/gamball.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/gamball.lay
@@ -466,6 +466,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="17" increment="7"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="0" width="7" height="24"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2adnote.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2adnote.lay
index 38a7fbc0101..39d2310b449 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2adnote.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2adnote.lay
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -766,7 +766,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -786,7 +786,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1958,7 +1958,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1998,7 +1998,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2018,7 +2018,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2038,7 +2038,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2198,7 +2198,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2482,7 +2482,7 @@
 		<disk state="1"> <bounds xc="0.5" yc="0.5" width="0.583333" height="0.583333"/> <color red="1.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00"/> </disk>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_6">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2500,7 +2500,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_15">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2518,19 +2518,19 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_18">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_19">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_20">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2always.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2always.lay
index c25cfebda68..4fd2a55817c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2always.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2always.lay
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2bankch.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2bankch.lay
index dc576430b62..c777951903e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2bankch.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2bankch.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="NO &#xA3;1 COINS ACCEPTED">
+		<text string="NO £1 COINS ACCEPTED">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -598,7 +598,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -618,7 +618,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -638,7 +638,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -658,7 +658,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -678,7 +678,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -718,7 +718,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -950,7 +950,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -970,7 +970,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.04" green="0.25" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -990,7 +990,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -1090,7 +1090,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -1574,7 +1574,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
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@@ -1754,7 +1754,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -1849,31 +1849,31 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_96">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 	<element name="label_136">
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+		<text string="£4">
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 	<element name="label_137">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2bigbnk.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2bigbnk.lay
index 4e2e199804f..66d5d7d441d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2bigbnk.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2bigbox.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2bigbox.lay
index 0c2277b855c..ac9f9e38a70 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2bigbox.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2blustr.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2blustr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cashbn.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cashbn.lay
index 96588d4f894..a76e75f41d3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cashbn.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cashrl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cashrl.lay
index 2506b0fb43b..91945323c3f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cashrl.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cashro.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cashro.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cashro.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cashrv.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cashrv.lay
index fe727de7120..aa4cc6eae40 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cashrv.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cashtk.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cashtk.lay
index e61be0bb6ff..62e2ee38a84 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cashtk.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2coinsh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2coinsh.lay
index 89255ffb10e..c2d3514b486 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2coinsh.lay
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2coppot.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2coppot.lay
index e9826b241b5..880611db8de 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2coppot.lay
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-		<text string="Sevens &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="Sevens £2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2criscr.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2criscr.lay
index 8f7b2418a9f..c2896d2c71c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2criscr.lay
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 	<element name="label_3">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2crown.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2crown.lay
index adbe46dd48e..c62c870a99b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2crown.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cshalm.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cshalm.lay
index 17ceef03f03..ec12cb98acb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cshalm.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cshcrd.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cshcrd.lay
index b327e30d45a..9faa9c2fc66 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cshcrd.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cshfil.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cshfil.lay
index 53644be666c..dd665c202d4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2cshfil.lay
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index 93052494348..cc98905dfbe 100644
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index 33b40870a99..95915bbe8a9 100644
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Jackpot">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2cvault.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2cvault.lay
index 5d5f8fd7664..9e33824a041 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2droplt.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2droplt.lay
index 527a8525041..dd75ec1706e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2droplt.lay
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 	<element name="label_55">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2ewn.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2ewn.lay
index 781ef422bd0..a3aee24e5bd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2ewn.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2ews.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2ews.lay
index f4c3a0f8a2c..be86252ded3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2ews.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2exec.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2exec.lay
index 89046579860..a7751d90732 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2fiveln.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2fiveln.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2fqueen.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2fqueen.lay
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 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1654,7 +1654,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2frucnx.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2frucnx.lay
index 22f595a49a2..44d45651d90 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2frucnx.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2frucnx.lay
@@ -1282,7 +1282,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1541,7 +1541,7 @@
 		<disk state="1"> <bounds xc="0.5" yc="0.5" width="0.583333" height="0.583333"/> <color red="1.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00"/> </disk>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_66">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1559,7 +1559,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_81">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2fullhs.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2fullhs.lay
index 31f3a926d5e..a6427b68dda 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2fullhs.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2fullhs.lay
@@ -778,7 +778,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -838,11 +838,11 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Each Line = &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="Each Line = £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.30"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="4 Corners = &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="4 Corners = £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.35" width="0.90" height="0.30"/>
 		</text>
@@ -886,15 +886,15 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="1 Square  = &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="1 Square  = £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.22"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="2 Squares = &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="2 Squares = £4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.28" width="0.90" height="0.22"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string=" 3 Squares = &#xA3;10">
+		<text string=" 3 Squares = £10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.22"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1474,7 +1474,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1580,85 +1580,85 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_63">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_76">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_104">
-		<text string="&#xA3;25,&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£25,£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_105">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.80,&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£12.80,£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_106">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.80,&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£12.80,£75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_107">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.40,&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£6.40,£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_108">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.80">
+		<text string="£3.20,£12.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_109">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.80">
+		<text string="£3.20,£12.80">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_110">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_111">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_112">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_113">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_114">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_115">
-		<text string="40p,80p,&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="40p,80p,£3.20,£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2fws.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2fws.lay
index d597dea50be..5c3bff75999 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2fws.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2fws.lay
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="THREE  LINES &#xA3;2.40P">
+		<text string="THREE  LINES £2.40P">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@
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 		</text>
-		<text string="  &#xA3;1.20P">
+		<text string="  £1.20P">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="DOUBLE  LINE &#xA3;1.20P">
+		<text string="DOUBLE  LINE £1.20P">
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@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="DOUBLE  LINE &#xA3;1.80P">
+		<text string="DOUBLE  LINE £1.80P">
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@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -434,7 +434,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="THREE LINES &#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string="THREE LINES £1.80">
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@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="THREE LINES  &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="THREE LINES  £1.20">
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@@ -502,7 +502,7 @@
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -566,7 +566,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="FOUR LINES &#xA3;1.40P">
+		<text string="FOUR LINES £1.40P">
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@@ -586,7 +586,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="FOUR LINES &#xA3;2.40p">
+		<text string="FOUR LINES £2.40p">
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@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="FOUR LINES &#xA3;1.40P">
+		<text string="FOUR LINES £1.40P">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -654,7 +654,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80P">
+		<text string="£4.80P">
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@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20P">
+		<text string="£1.20P">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.80P">
+		<text string="£1.80P">
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@@ -774,7 +774,7 @@
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40P">
+		<text string="£2.40P">
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 		</text>
@@ -1178,7 +1178,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2ghostb.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2ghostb.lay
index 7e854622c35..4fece942c1d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2ghostb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2ghostb.lay
@@ -525,13 +525,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_185">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.">
+		<text string="£2.">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_210">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.">
+		<text string="£4.">
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 		</text>
@@ -549,13 +549,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_225">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.">
+		<text string="£1.">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_226">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.">
+		<text string="£1.">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2gldchy.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2gldchy.lay
index 861211aa01d..c807885cfe1 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2gldchy.lay
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@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£4">
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index 2908a908dc4..84bfe88245c 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hilocl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hilocl.lay
index 89a63779fc4..d561f8a9aeb 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hinote.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hinote.lay
index 98d7816de23..d572f9e1a51 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hiroll.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hiroll.lay
index 26daf61ebc9..0d6550f93bd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2hiroll.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2hiroll.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.23" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.23" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.23" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.23" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 Special">
+		<text string="£1 Special">
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@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.24" green="0.07" blue="0.01"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -974,7 +974,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1138,7 +1138,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1158,7 +1158,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1178,7 +1178,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1322,7 +1322,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1550,7 +1550,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="NO &#xA3;1 COINS">
+		<text string="NO £1 COINS">
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@@ -1954,7 +1954,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2054,25 +2054,25 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_14">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_15">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_16">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_17">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2114,7 +2114,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_54">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 		</text>
@@ -2132,13 +2132,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_65">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 Hi-Roller">
+		<text string="£1 Hi-Roller">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_80">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Hi-Roller">
+		<text string="£2 Hi-Roller">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hitmon.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hitmon.lay
index b73419d35ed..8415b492536 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2hitmon.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2hitmon.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.19" green="0.19" blue="0.19"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -842,7 +842,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -862,7 +862,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -882,7 +882,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.16" green="0.14" blue="0.09"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -1906,7 +1906,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1992,7 +1992,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_13">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hotpot.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hotpot.lay
index ab97ccd3a6f..d00e816ccdb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2hotpot.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2hotpot.lay
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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@@ -1278,7 +1278,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_51">
-		<text string="BANK &#xA3;">
+		<text string="BANK £">
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 	<element name="label_60">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 	<element name="label_69">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 	<element name="label_70">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	<element name="label_71">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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 	<element name="label_76">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hotsht.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hotsht.lay
index ca6e6056049..b7cadc96c6b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2hotsht.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2hotsht.lay
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@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@
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@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@
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@@ -590,7 +590,7 @@
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@@ -610,7 +610,7 @@
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@@ -630,7 +630,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
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 	<element name="label_98">
-		<text string="10p,20p,80p,&#xA3;12.50">
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 	<element name="label_101">
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 	<element name="label_104">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2hypnot.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2hypnot.lay
index d746af23413..49da56dfbc4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2hypnot.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
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 	<element name="label_106">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2jackbr.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2jackbr.lay
index b3126305d0e..69decf20c42 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2jackbr.lay
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@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -577,13 +577,13 @@
 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_18">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	<element name="label_19">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00 JACKPOT">
+		<text string="£4.00 JACKPOT">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2kingcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2kingcl.lay
index 27fd74fc33a..bfe3348e902 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2kingcl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2kingcl.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Each Lit Card Pays &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="Each Lit Card Pays £4">
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 		</text>
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Each Lit Card Pays &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="Each Lit Card Pays £2">
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 		</text>
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Each Lit Card Pays &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="Each Lit Card Pays £1">
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@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
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@@ -742,7 +742,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_59">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.80">
+		<text string="£3.20,£12.80">
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 	<element name="label_60">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.80">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_61">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 	<element name="label_62">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_63">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 	<element name="label_64">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
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 	<element name="label_65">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
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 	<element name="label_66">
-		<text string="40p,80p,&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="40p,80p,£3.20,£50">
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 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.40,&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£6.40,£50">
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 	<element name="label_68">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.80,&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£12.80,£75">
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 	<element name="label_69">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.80,&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£12.80,£100">
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 	<element name="label_70">
-		<text string="&#xA3;25,&#xA3;100">
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 	<element name="label_98">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_103">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -944,7 +944,7 @@
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2litean.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2litean.lay
index 5bcf1855b14..d0bcd4d20fc 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2litean.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2litean.lay
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	<element name="label_8">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -799,19 +799,19 @@
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 	<element name="label_18">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	<element name="label_19">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -841,7 +841,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_24">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2litnot.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2litnot.lay
index 29ace2c6d61..5cc726bf0a7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2litnot.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2litnot.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="no &#xA3;1 coin accepted">
+		<text string="no £1 coin accepted">
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@@ -914,7 +914,7 @@
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+		<text string="£150">
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+		<text string="£20">
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 		</rect>
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+		<text string="£30">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2lovshd.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2lovshd.lay
index 30f51c3c710..680b1d118d9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2lovshd.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2lovsht.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2lovsht.lay
index fce4c8d990d..74930ef94ee 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2lovsht.lay
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@@ -1569,13 +1569,13 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2luckar.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2luckar.lay
index 8872162fe28..1bc4656a1d3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2luckar.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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@@ -667,7 +667,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2lucky2.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2lucky2.lay
index d34d80607cf..44c2323e4ad 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2lucky2.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2maxima.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2maxima.lay
index 91d1e24c74d..1121165699a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2maxima.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2missis.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2missis.lay
index 3892e177f7d..9dfd1dd7f26 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2missis.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2monblt.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2monblt.lay
index 65b1905a61c..7ed4db71603 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2mongam.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2mongam.lay
index 836a81f5225..560d5b6f925 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2mongam.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2montrp.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2montrp.lay
index 51c8d5512a5..09a185980cd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2montrp.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2nolimt.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2nolimt.lay
index 6eb171397b1..28858022e8f 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2notesh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2notesh.lay
index 79e2e771c6f..4509e6c7c23 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2nudbnz.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2nudbnz.lay
index 742332d9022..633c3ce4264 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2nudbnz.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2nudfev.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2nudfev.lay
index 10f8f7d5e3e..549d39c1fd4 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2nudmon.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2nudmon.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2nudshf.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2nudshf.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2paypkt.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2paypkt.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1 PACKET">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2penny.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2penny.lay
index cc487098787..3fa3d3d7a49 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2penny.lay
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-		<text string="LINK COINS UP TO WIN MAXIMUM &#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="LIGHT NEXT ROW MAXIMIM &#xA3;1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2plsmnd.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2plsmnd.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2plsnud.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2plsnud.lay
index b04ee21abdd..52a0d4a9024 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2plsnud.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2pndrsh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2pndrsh.lay
index e1aee27a401..fc4c53d1d7b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2pndrsh.lay
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@@ -2330,7 +2330,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2467,25 +2467,25 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_133">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_134">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_135">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_136">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2rdclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2rdclb.lay
index 2ef9c65501a..c6cd137dde3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2rdclb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2rdclb.lay
@@ -806,7 +806,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -846,7 +846,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -866,7 +866,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1306,7 +1306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -1598,7 +1598,7 @@
 		<disk state="1"> <bounds xc="0.5" yc="0.5" width="0.583333" height="0.583333"/> <color red="1.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00"/> </disk>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_54">
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2reelbn.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2reelbn.lay
index 269ea7931bd..3a1be438c26 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2reelbn.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2reelbn.lay
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="PAYS &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="PAYS £1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.22" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.22" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.22" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 		</text>
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.22" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 		</text>
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.22" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
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@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1410,7 +1410,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1550,73 +1550,73 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_92">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.50,&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£12.50,£100">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_93">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.40,&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£6.40,£50">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_94">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£3.20,£25">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_95">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.50">
+		<text string="£3.20,£12.50">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_96">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_97">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_98">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_99">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_100">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="80p,£3.20">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_101">
-		<text string="40p,&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="40p,£1.60">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_102">
-		<text string="40p,&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="40p,£1.60">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_103">
-		<text string="20p,40p,&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="20p,40p,£1.60,£25">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2reelbo.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2reelbo.lay
index ab9b4879b47..c678c1201b9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2reelbo.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2reelbo.lay
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.24" green="0.20" blue="0.00"/>
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+		<text string="£1">
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 			<color red="0.24" green="0.20" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="Or Diagonally Pay &#xA3;2.">
+		<text string="Or Diagonally Pay £2.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
+		<text string="£1.60,£6.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_97">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.80">
+		<text string="£3.20,£12.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_98">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;12.80">
+		<text string="£3.20,£12.80">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_99">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.40,&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£6.40,£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_100">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.80,&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£12.80,£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_101">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.80,&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£12.80,£75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_102">
-		<text string="&#xA3;25,&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£25,£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2reelcz.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2reelcz.lay
index fa09843fd5a..dedf1705e08 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2reelcz.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2reelcz.lay
@@ -646,7 +646,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -746,7 +746,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -846,7 +846,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -866,7 +866,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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@@ -910,7 +910,7 @@
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.09"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="0=&#xA3;1">
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 		</text>
@@ -1002,7 +1002,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -1275,19 +1275,19 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_44">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_45">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_46">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
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 		</text>
@@ -1315,7 +1315,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_60">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2reelmc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2reelmc.lay
index 596c600c69e..8f04edbada3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2reelmc.lay
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@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.30"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="Or Diagonally Pay &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="Or Diagonally Pay £2">
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@@ -810,7 +810,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -830,7 +830,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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@@ -850,7 +850,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
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@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
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@@ -890,7 +890,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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@@ -910,7 +910,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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@@ -1150,7 +1150,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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@@ -1210,7 +1210,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
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@@ -1350,7 +1350,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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@@ -1370,7 +1370,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
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@@ -1410,7 +1410,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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@@ -1554,7 +1554,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
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@@ -1888,85 +1888,85 @@
 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.50,&#xA3;100">
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 	<element name="label_68">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_69">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.40,&#xA3;50">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_70">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20,&#xA3;25">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_71">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;6.40">
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 	<element name="label_72">
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 	<element name="label_73">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
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 	<element name="label_74">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
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 	<element name="label_75">
-		<text string="80p,&#xA3;3.20">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_76">
-		<text string="40p,&#xA3;1.60">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_77">
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 	<element name="label_78">
-		<text string="20p,40p,&#xA3;1.60,&#xA3;25">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_90">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_125">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2reelmo.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2reelmo.lay
index 42a99cfae52..2ff93c8036c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2reelmo.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2reelmo.lay
@@ -1054,7 +1054,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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@@ -1074,7 +1074,7 @@
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@@ -1094,7 +1094,7 @@
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@@ -1114,7 +1114,7 @@
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@@ -1134,7 +1134,7 @@
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@@ -1374,7 +1374,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2silvcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2silvcl.lay
index 02498f81da8..60621957076 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2silvcl.lay
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2silvsh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2silvsh.lay
index 14373aa4f1f..6125b31979b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2silvsh.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2sldgld.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2sldgld.lay
index bd652601d64..490a7758738 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2sldgld.lay
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-		<text string="BIG &#xA3;2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2slvrgh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2slvrgh.lay
index 8433dfa2abb..c990427201a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2slvrgh.lay
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@@ -709,25 +709,25 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2spcrsv.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2spcrsv.lay
index d808ff2b605..9b91cdbc139 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2sstrea.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2sstrea.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2stahed.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2stahed.lay
index b282e6685c3..cc7be53391c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2stahed.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2supfrc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2supfrc.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/j2supfrc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2suprsh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2suprsh.lay
index 0c828e90610..c2175e0a37c 100644
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	<element name="label_35">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -1475,25 +1475,25 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 	<element name="label_66">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_68">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 	</element>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2supsft.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2supsft.lay
index 12bbf79c15d..e2ca26afa56 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2supsft.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 cOINS aCCEPTED">
+		<text string="No £1 cOINS aCCEPTED">
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+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£3">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -882,7 +882,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -902,7 +902,7 @@
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+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -3079,13 +3079,13 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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 	<element name="label_57">
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+		<text string="£3">
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 	<element name="label_60">
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+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£1">
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 	<element name="label_133">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2supstp.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2supstp.lay
index c7aa1e30f87..b7a089525c8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2supstp.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j2supstp.lay
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 	<element name="label_56">
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 	<element name="label_57">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	<element name="label_58">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2suptrk.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2suptrk.lay
index d9330120e6a..5d104e85b47 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2suptrk.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2swbank.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2swbank.lay
index 085688854b5..47883ee6508 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2swbank.lay
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+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2take2.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2take2.lay
index 81b5c2b14f5..2d62513c7c9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2take2.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2trail.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2trail.lay
index b470c285369..3e4f537906e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2trail.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j2tstplt.lay b/src/mame/layout/j2tstplt.lay
index 7dbe4a84b2a..6443a67bac4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j2tstplt.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5ar80cla.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5ar80cla.lay
index abc211410f3..02f4908d952 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5cira.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5cira.lay
index 4f5070f9f1f..dc8bf1c38f4 100644
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="3 Hits=&#xA3;1 ">
+		<text string="3 Hits=£1 ">
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@@ -1202,15 +1202,15 @@
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-		<text string="4 Hits=&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="4 Hits=£2">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="5 Hits=&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="5 Hits=£3">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="6 Hits=&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="6 Hits=£6">
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@@ -1430,7 +1430,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1450,7 +1450,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2082,7 +2082,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5fairp.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5fairp.lay
index fe48fd1e8ab..fd1aea13aea 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5fairp.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j5fairp.lay
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -362,7 +362,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -450,7 +450,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -986,7 +986,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1006,7 +1006,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1250,7 +1250,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1270,7 +1270,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -1290,7 +1290,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -1310,7 +1310,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="goto &#xA3;4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="3 NUTS &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="3 NUTS £1">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="4 NUTS &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="4 NUTS £2">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="5 NUTS &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="5 NUTS £4">
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@@ -2912,19 +2912,19 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_110">
-		<text string="21 PAYS &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="21 PAYS £4">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.18"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="20 PAYS &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="20 PAYS £2">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="19 PAYS &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="19 PAYS £1.60">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="18 PAYS &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="18 PAYS £1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5firebl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5firebl.lay
index 020e4bf5dba..a7c2eefb889 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5firebl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j5firebl.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
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@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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@@ -514,7 +514,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -609,7 +609,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_3">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5hollyc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5hollyc.lay
index 3e4dbd27c30..8779348c050 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5hollyc.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5indsum.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5indsum.lay
index 4e9a0eeaf74..6e6d47ef634 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5intr.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5intr.lay
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index fa6bcea1c70..6adc8e35f6c 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5palma.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5palma.lay
index 65377f177e5..602c1cf4736 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5palma.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5popeye.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5popeye.lay
index 74f7808bc01..77f3fc1e49f 100644
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-		<text string="5 HITS = &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="5 HITS = £3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.56" width="0.90" height="0.13"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5sizl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5sizl.lay
index 7b7f05c4c1e..e4f1c743cbd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5sizl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j5sizl.lay
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string="£2.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -749,7 +749,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_106">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5supbara.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5supbara.lay
index b3bc3cf05b8..3791f01df6e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5supbara.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j5supbara.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.80">
+		<text string="£4.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="NO &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="NO £1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -530,7 +530,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -774,7 +774,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -794,7 +794,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.02" blue="0.02"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -814,7 +814,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.04" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1208,7 +1208,7 @@
 		<disk state="1"> <bounds xc="0.5" yc="0.5" width="0.583333" height="0.583333"/> <color red="1.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00"/> </disk>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_7">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5suphi.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5suphi.lay
index 460ccbd5777..3a6631c3f84 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5suphi.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j5suphi.lay
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -354,7 +354,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -842,7 +842,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -962,7 +962,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.20" green="0.20" blue="0.17"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1182,7 +1182,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1202,7 +1202,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2070,7 +2070,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2330,7 +2330,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_83">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2348,7 +2348,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_86">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2366,7 +2366,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_89">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5swop.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5swop.lay
index fb7a1a14411..4fd6917e5b3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5swop.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j5swop.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.50">
+		<text string="£12.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.50">
+		<text string="£3.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.17" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
+		<text string="£2.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;12">
+		<text string="£12">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5term.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5term.lay
index 7369a28f5f0..0f8b8154700 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5term.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5topshp.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5topshp.lay
index 534e00d1f33..0cfc74d0ced 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5topshp.lay
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="No &#xA3;1 Coins Accepted">
+		<text string="No £1 Coins Accepted">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5trail.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5trail.lay
index 1e4a321a052..7813ff5dd74 100644
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+		<text string="£20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
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+		<text string="£200">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	<element name="label_56">
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+		<text string="£">
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@@ -1869,7 +1869,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_85">
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+		<text string="£">
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 	<element name="label_96">
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5ujb.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5ujb.lay
index 93a281fc18d..595e3aea41f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5ujb.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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 	<element name="label_36">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 	<element name="label_40">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	<element name="label_50">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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 	<element name="label_53">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 	<element name="label_54">
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 	<element name="label_55">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j5wsc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j5wsc.lay
index aef210ba9e5..e1047286977 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j5wsc.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6aceclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6aceclb.lay
index e445f8ce5d5..0bdcde5c830 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6aceclb.lay
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 		</rect>
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+		<text string="£250 - 4 x RED 7">
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 		</rect>
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 		</rect>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;100 - 4 x PEAR">
+		<text string="£100 - 4 x PEAR">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6acehi.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6acehi.lay
index 7bdf7783387..37ff43ed1c0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6acehi.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6amdrm.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6amdrm.lay
index 1d044c5da23..167db430c86 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6amdrm.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6arcadee.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6arcadee.lay
index 408af30bfce..67a87b8629a 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6big50.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6big50.lay
index 21625d044fb..1a2a9d93d34 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6big50.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6bigbukc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6bigbukc.lay
index dd39fc13530..efa08920f7f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6bigbukc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6bigtopa.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6bigtopa.lay
index b71e123a8ad..b675257aa04 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6bigtopa.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -344,7 +344,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -364,7 +364,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;250">
+		<text string="£250">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3344,7 +3344,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3499,13 +3499,13 @@
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="For &#xA3;75">
+		<text string="For £75">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_134">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3517,7 +3517,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_145">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3529,7 +3529,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_151">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3573,19 +3573,19 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_177">
-		<text string="5 -  &#xA3;25     4 -  &#xA3;10">
+		<text string="5 -  £25     4 -  £10">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_178">
-		<text string="3 -    &#xA3;5      2 -     &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="3 -    £5      2 -     £2">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_179">
-		<text string="1 -    &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="1 -    £1">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6bnza.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6bnza.lay
index 63de83eb396..79f4beb9f97 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6bnza.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6bnza.lay
@@ -643,7 +643,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -663,7 +663,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1043,7 +1043,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1131,7 +1131,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1175,7 +1175,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1327,7 +1327,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string="£1.80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1419,7 +1419,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1483,7 +1483,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1679,7 +1679,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1787,7 +1787,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1899,7 +1899,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2811,7 +2811,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3151,43 +3151,43 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_7">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_8">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_9">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_10">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_11">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_12">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_13">
-		<text string="  &#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="  £6.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -4394,6 +4394,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="295" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0" blend="add">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.14" green="0.14" blue="0.14" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="320" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0" blend="add">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.14" green="0.14" blue="0.14" alpha="1.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6btbwd.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6btbwd.lay
index e8bb708bc7c..4943bc379a2 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6btbwd.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6btbwd.lay
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1000 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£1000 Jackpot">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1000">
+		<text string="£1000">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;200">
+		<text string="£200">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1000">
+		<text string="£1000">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;80">
+		<text string="£80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -566,7 +566,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -586,7 +586,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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index 1bc1308c603..ead6e3dddcd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6camelt.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_83">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -3802,6 +3802,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="149" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="347" width="17" height="30"/>
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 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6casclaf.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6casclaf.lay
index db0c2d19e4c..3d880d3c343 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6casclaf.lay
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@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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+		<text string="£200">
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+		<text string="£150">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.">
+		<text string="£2.">
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+		<text string="£1.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£10.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.">
+		<text string="£6.">
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+		<text string="£4.">
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+		<text string="£8.">
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+		<text string="£100">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6cascze.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6cascze.lay
index 43a9eeea150..05bbd670947 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6cascze.lay
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+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6colcsh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6colcsh.lay
index c13b27ad0e6..c88f6ec645b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6colcsh.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6cpal.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6cpal.lay
index b54764a2199..341c21d0aeb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6cpal.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6crack.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6crack.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6drdogh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6drdogh.lay
index 38f02fa6539..0560b4bc599 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6drdogh.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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+		<text string="£10">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6euphor.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6euphor.lay
index 6fae4149a94..c1a2655ac21 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6euphor.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6ewn.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6ewn.lay
index 9a4a75bb81d..612388191fe 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6ewn.lay
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+		<text string="£">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -530,7 +530,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -610,7 +610,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -630,7 +630,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -690,7 +690,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -750,7 +750,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -830,7 +830,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -910,7 +910,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15. jackpot">
+		<text string="£15. jackpot">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -930,7 +930,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -950,7 +950,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -970,7 +970,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -990,7 +990,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1010,7 +1010,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="jackpot   &#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="jackpot   £15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2404,6 +2404,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="144" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="472" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6fastfr.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6fastfr.lay
index fcde9553c8e..0ffb58339c3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6fastfr.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6fastfr.lay
@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1006,7 +1006,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1026,7 +1026,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1046,7 +1046,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1066,7 +1066,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1086,7 +1086,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1106,7 +1106,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1126,7 +1126,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1146,7 +1146,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1166,7 +1166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1186,7 +1186,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -1206,7 +1206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -1226,7 +1226,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -1266,7 +1266,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
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@@ -1306,7 +1306,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
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@@ -1526,7 +1526,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -1966,7 +1966,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
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@@ -2026,7 +2026,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
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@@ -2086,7 +2086,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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@@ -2358,7 +2358,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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@@ -2462,7 +2462,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2482,7 +2482,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
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@@ -2582,7 +2582,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
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@@ -2646,7 +2646,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2666,7 +2666,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2686,7 +2686,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2706,7 +2706,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2806,7 +2806,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2826,7 +2826,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;12">
+		<text string="£12">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2866,7 +2866,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2886,7 +2886,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2986,7 +2986,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3006,7 +3006,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -3026,7 +3026,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -3086,7 +3086,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -3106,7 +3106,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
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@@ -3166,7 +3166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3186,7 +3186,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3206,7 +3206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3226,7 +3226,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3286,7 +3286,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3306,7 +3306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3346,7 +3346,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3366,7 +3366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3466,7 +3466,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3486,7 +3486,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3506,7 +3506,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3550,7 +3550,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3570,7 +3570,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3610,7 +3610,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;12">
+		<text string="£12">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3630,7 +3630,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3794,7 +3794,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -4108,7 +4108,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_106">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -5536,6 +5536,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="289" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="352" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6ffce.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6ffce.lay
index 4c8f454238a..a97cd585769 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6ffce.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6ffce.lay
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20.00">
+		<text string="£20.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30.00">
+		<text string="£30.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50.00">
+		<text string="£50.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75.00">
+		<text string="£75.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;250">
+		<text string="£250">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1022,7 +1022,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1042,7 +1042,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1062,7 +1062,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1670,7 +1670,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1690,7 +1690,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1710,7 +1710,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1730,7 +1730,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1750,7 +1750,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1770,7 +1770,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1998,7 +1998,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2018,7 +2018,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;250">
+		<text string="£250">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2038,7 +2038,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2922,7 +2922,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -4184,6 +4184,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="227" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="438" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6frtpot.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6frtpot.lay
index 8e9aaf89e08..9f02588aff3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6frtpot.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6frtpot.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£15">
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+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
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+				<bounds x="~x~" y="247" width="17" height="26"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6gidogh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6gidogh.lay
index bc83cb5e457..dcdf3e125c9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6gidogh.lay
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00 JP">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6gldclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6gldclb.lay
index 38949860e94..84ee6a72910 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6gldclb.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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+		<text string="£100">
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+		<text string="£50">
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+		<text string="£30">
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+		<text string="£20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£1000">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;500">
+		<text string="£500">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;200">
+		<text string="£200">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -3567,13 +3567,13 @@
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 	<element name="label_22">
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+		<text string="£">
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 	<element name="label_28">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6gogold.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6gogold.lay
index 6c00b03dd0c..deda4631127 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6gogold.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6goldgla.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6goldgla.lay
index c20c7d8abe5..9aa1da9296d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6goldgla.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6goldgla.lay
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
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@@ -2022,7 +2022,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2042,7 +2042,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2062,7 +2062,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -2102,7 +2102,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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@@ -2162,7 +2162,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -2182,7 +2182,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -2414,7 +2414,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
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@@ -2434,7 +2434,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -2454,7 +2454,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2474,7 +2474,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -2494,7 +2494,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -2554,7 +2554,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -2574,7 +2574,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -2594,7 +2594,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -2614,7 +2614,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -2634,7 +2634,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -2654,7 +2654,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -2674,7 +2674,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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@@ -2694,7 +2694,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2714,7 +2714,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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@@ -2734,7 +2734,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00">
+		<text string="£25.00">
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@@ -2754,7 +2754,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -3554,7 +3554,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -3798,7 +3798,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -4158,7 +4158,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -5957,6 +5957,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="103" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="441" width="17" height="31"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6guabc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6guabc.lay
index ecd9c7e8ed5..c646761b646 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6guabc.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6guabc.lay
@@ -1273,7 +1273,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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@@ -1293,7 +1293,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;700">
+		<text string="£700">
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@@ -1333,7 +1333,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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@@ -1353,7 +1353,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -1373,7 +1373,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -1393,7 +1393,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -1413,7 +1413,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -1433,7 +1433,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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@@ -2079,7 +2079,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -2475,7 +2475,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_87">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -2491,7 +2491,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_148">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6guabcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6guabcl.lay
index 58e1b470932..7d2782f2b8f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6guabcl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6guabcl.lay
@@ -2380,7 +2380,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X Mixed Bar &#xA3;15">
+		<text string="4X Mixed Bar £15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2400,7 +2400,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X Grapes &#xA3;25">
+		<text string="4X Grapes £25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2420,7 +2420,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X JPM &#xA3;50">
+		<text string="4X JPM £50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2440,7 +2440,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X Single Bar &#xA3;75">
+		<text string="4X Single Bar £75">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2460,7 +2460,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X Triple Bar &#xA3;150">
+		<text string="4X Triple Bar £150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2480,7 +2480,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4x GUAB &#xA3;250">
+		<text string="4x GUAB £250">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2500,7 +2500,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X Double Bar &#xA3;100">
+		<text string="4X Double Bar £100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2520,7 +2520,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Cherry &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="3X Cherry £1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2540,7 +2540,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Mixed Bar &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="3X Mixed Bar £1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -2560,7 +2560,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Grapes &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="3X Grapes £1.60">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2580,7 +2580,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X JPM &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="3X JPM £2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2600,7 +2600,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Single Bar &#xA3;3">
+		<text string="3X Single Bar £3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -2620,7 +2620,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Double Bar &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="3X Double Bar £4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2640,7 +2640,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Triple Bar &#xA3;5">
+		<text string="3X Triple Bar £5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2660,7 +2660,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X GUAB &#xA3;6">
+		<text string="3X GUAB £6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2680,7 +2680,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Cashpot &#xA3;8">
+		<text string="3X Cashpot £8">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2700,7 +2700,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="4X Cherry &#xA3;10">
+		<text string="4X Cherry £10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -3000,7 +3000,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6hapyhrb.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6hapyhrb.lay
index 23f899ccd3b..7c298e285ad 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6hapyhrb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6hapyhrb.lay
@@ -846,7 +846,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Blue 7 &#xA3;5">
+		<text string="Blue 7 £5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -866,7 +866,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Single Bar &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="Single Bar £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -886,7 +886,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Mixed 7 &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="Mixed 7 £1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -906,7 +906,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Red 7 &#xA3;15">
+		<text string="Red 7 £15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Double Bar &#xA3;3">
+		<text string="Double Bar £3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Triple Bar &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="Triple Bar £4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1048,7 +1048,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 		</text>
@@ -1279,7 +1279,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_72">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6impuls.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6impuls.lay
index b55c3a200cc..e46dd3b3279 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6impuls.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6impuls.lay
@@ -1830,7 +1830,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Triple Bar &#xA3;5">
+		<text string="3X Triple Bar £5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1850,7 +1850,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Double Bar &#xA3;4.40">
+		<text string="3X Double Bar £4.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1870,7 +1870,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Single Bar &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="3X Single Bar £4">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1890,7 +1890,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X [Boxed] &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="3X [Boxed] £1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1910,7 +1910,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Mixed Bar &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="3X Mixed Bar £1.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1930,7 +1930,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Melon &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="3X Melon £2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1950,7 +1950,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Grapes &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="3X Grapes £1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1970,7 +1970,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Pear &#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="3X Pear £2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1990,7 +1990,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Bell &#xA3;3">
+		<text string="3X Bell £3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2010,7 +2010,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X JPM &#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="3X JPM £3.60">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2030,7 +2030,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2050,7 +2050,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2250,7 +2250,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6impuls15.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6impuls15.lay
index e315d7a2d58..0b3d143dd57 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6impuls15.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6impuls15.lay
@@ -1066,7 +1066,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 + ">
+		<text string="£15 + ">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1090,7 +1090,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 + ">
+		<text string="£15 + ">
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@@ -1114,7 +1114,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 + ">
+		<text string="£15 + ">
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@@ -1842,7 +1842,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Triple Bar &#xA3;10">
+		<text string="3X Triple Bar £10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1862,7 +1862,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Double Bar &#xA3;7">
+		<text string="3X Double Bar £7">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1882,7 +1882,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Single Bar &#xA3;5">
+		<text string="3X Single Bar £5">
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@@ -1902,7 +1902,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X [Boxed] &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="3X [Boxed] £1">
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@@ -1922,7 +1922,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Mixed Bar &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="3X Mixed Bar £1.20">
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@@ -1942,7 +1942,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Melon &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="3X Melon £2">
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@@ -1962,7 +1962,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Grapes &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="3X Grapes £1.60">
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@@ -1982,7 +1982,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Pear &#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="3X Pear £2.40">
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@@ -2002,7 +2002,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X Bell &#xA3;3">
+		<text string="3X Bell £3">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2022,7 +2022,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3X JPM &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="3X JPM £4">
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@@ -2042,7 +2042,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="435" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6indy6.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6indy6.lay
index 9ca9eb88d95..64201ac9ca9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6indy6.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6indy6.lay
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£4">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Melon">
+		<text string="£2 Melon">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 JPM">
+		<text string="£3 JPM">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6 Triple Bar">
+		<text string="£6 Triple Bar">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 Double Bar">
+		<text string="£5 Double Bar">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 Single Bar">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60 Grapes">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20 Mixed Bar">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6indy8.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6indy8.lay
index 53490191c2b..a18108465d7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6indy8.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Melon">
+		<text string="£2 Melon">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2144,7 +2144,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 JPM">
+		<text string="£3 JPM">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2164,7 +2164,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8 Triple Bar">
+		<text string="£8 Triple Bar">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2184,7 +2184,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 Double Bar">
+		<text string="£5 Double Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2204,7 +2204,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 Single Bar">
+		<text string="£4 Single Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2224,7 +2224,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60 Grapes">
+		<text string="£1.60 Grapes">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2244,7 +2244,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20 Mixed Bar">
+		<text string="£1.20 Mixed Bar">
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 		</text>
@@ -2264,7 +2264,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 Cherry">
+		<text string="£1 Cherry">
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@@ -2344,7 +2344,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2678,7 +2678,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6kfc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6kfc.lay
index a2a118dc074..1b6a005477a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6kfc.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6kfc.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
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@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
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@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
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@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
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@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
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@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;250">
+		<text string="£250">
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@@ -1946,7 +1946,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -2185,13 +2185,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_143">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_144">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -2203,7 +2203,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_155">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6kungfu.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6kungfu.lay
index 238a2db1e36..320cdc64470 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6kungfu.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6kungfu.lay
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.35" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Repeat">
+		<text string="£3 Repeat">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.35" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.35" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7 Repeat">
+		<text string="£7 Repeat">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.35" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 Repeat">
+		<text string="£5 Repeat">
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@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 Repeat">
+		<text string="£4 Repeat">
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@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -1680,7 +1680,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1966,7 +1966,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_52">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -2577,6 +2577,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="281" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="382" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6megbck.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6megbck.lay
index e6bf6ddad62..b77c89a7105 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6megbck.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6megbck.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@
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+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
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+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00 JACKPOT+ Repeat">
+		<text string="£15.00 JACKPOT+ Repeat">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;14.00">
+		<text string="£14.00">
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@@ -2446,7 +2446,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12.00">
+		<text string="£12.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -2718,7 +2718,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -3642,7 +3642,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6mono60.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6mono60.lay
index 4dcae7a1412..0c94a471928 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6mono60.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6mono60.lay
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string=" £2.20">
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@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.60">
+		<text string=" £2.60">
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@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.80">
+		<text string=" £2.80">
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@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string=" £2.20">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string=" £1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1180,7 +1180,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string=" £3.60">
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-		<text string=" &#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string=" £3.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string=" £1.80">
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-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string=" £1.80">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string=" £1.60">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string=" £1.40">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string=" £1.40">
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@@ -2204,7 +2204,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 3x Cherry">
+		<text string="£1 3x Cherry">
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@@ -2224,7 +2224,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.20 3x Mixed Bar">
+		<text string=" £1.20 3x Mixed Bar">
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@@ -2244,7 +2244,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;1.60 3x Grapes">
+		<text string=" £1.60 3x Grapes">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -2264,7 +2264,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 3x Melon">
+		<text string="£2 3x Melon">
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@@ -2284,7 +2284,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 3x JPM">
+		<text string="£3 3x JPM">
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@@ -2304,7 +2304,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 3x Single Bar">
+		<text string="£4 3x Single Bar">
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@@ -2324,7 +2324,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 3x Triple Bar">
+		<text string="£15 3x Triple Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -2344,7 +2344,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 3x Double Bar">
+		<text string="£5 3x Double Bar">
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@@ -2520,7 +2520,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -3647,6 +3647,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="260" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="383" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6mono6010.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6mono6010.lay
index 3f09dc47e4d..3b0705a0239 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6mono6010.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6mono6010.lay
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string=" £2.20">
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@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.60">
+		<text string=" £2.60">
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@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string=" &#xA3;2.80">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6mono608.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6mono608.lay
index 3852c8ea086..d2325121862 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6mono608.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6monst.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6monst.lay
index 138accc1ce8..db4c96aae82 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6monst.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6monst.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6montlk.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6montlk.lay
index 9565cf1b4f6..303fb8ebde5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6montlk.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6montlk.lay
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.80">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6 Rpt">
+		<text string="£6 Rpt">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Rpt">
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+		<text string="£1.80">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00 ">
+		<text string="£8.00 ">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;0.80">
+		<text string="£0.80">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;0.40">
+		<text string="£0.40">
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Rpt">
+		<text string="£3 Rpt">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2341,17 +2341,17 @@
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 	</element>
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+		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar£,Melon,JPM,Single Bar,Cherry,JPM,Grapes£,Cherry,Melon,Double Bar£,Melon,Grapes,Cherry,Single Bar,Grapes£,Cherry">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 		</reel>
 	</element>
 	<element name="reel1" defstate="0">
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+		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar,Melon£,JPM,Double Bar,Cherry,JPM,Grapes,Cherry£,Melon,Single Bar,Melon£,Grapes,Cherry,Double Bar,Grapes,Cherry£">
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 		</reel>
 	</element>
 	<element name="reel2" defstate="0">
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+		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar,Melon,JPM£,Single Bar,Cherry,JPM£,Grapes,Cherry,Melon,Double Bar,Melon,Grapes,Cherry£,Single Bar,Grapes,Cherry£">
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 	</element>
@@ -3328,6 +3328,12 @@
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1" />
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+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="319" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6montlk6.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6montlk6.lay
index 3e81748218d..b9e6a1f7c7c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6montlk6.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6 Rpt">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Rpt">
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+		<text string="£1.80">
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@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -830,7 +830,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -874,7 +874,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -938,7 +938,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00 ">
+		<text string="£6.00 ">
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@@ -982,7 +982,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -1002,7 +1002,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -1042,7 +1042,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;0.80">
+		<text string="£0.80">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1062,7 +1062,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;0.60">
+		<text string="£0.60">
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@@ -1082,7 +1082,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;0.40">
+		<text string="£0.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1126,7 +1126,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1666,7 +1666,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1686,7 +1686,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1706,7 +1706,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1766,7 +1766,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1786,7 +1786,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1806,7 +1806,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1826,7 +1826,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Rpt">
+		<text string="£3 Rpt">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1846,7 +1846,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1866,7 +1866,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1886,7 +1886,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1906,7 +1906,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2330,7 +2330,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2341,17 +2341,17 @@
 		</rect>
 	</element>
 	<element name="reel0" defstate="0">
-		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar&#xA3;,Melon,JPM,Single Bar,Cherry,JPM,Grapes&#xA3;,Cherry,Melon,Double Bar&#xA3;,Melon,Grapes,Cherry,Single Bar,Grapes&#xA3;,Cherry">
+		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar£,Melon,JPM,Single Bar,Cherry,JPM,Grapes£,Cherry,Melon,Double Bar£,Melon,Grapes,Cherry,Single Bar,Grapes£,Cherry">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 		</reel>
 	</element>
 	<element name="reel1" defstate="0">
-		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar,Melon&#xA3;,JPM,Double Bar,Cherry,JPM,Grapes,Cherry&#xA3;,Melon,Single Bar,Melon&#xA3;,Grapes,Cherry,Double Bar,Grapes,Cherry&#xA3;">
+		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar,Melon£,JPM,Double Bar,Cherry,JPM,Grapes,Cherry£,Melon,Single Bar,Melon£,Grapes,Cherry,Double Bar,Grapes,Cherry£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 		</reel>
 	</element>
 	<element name="reel2" defstate="0">
-		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar,Melon,JPM&#xA3;,Single Bar,Cherry,JPM&#xA3;,Grapes,Cherry,Melon,Double Bar,Melon,Grapes,Cherry&#xA3;,Single Bar,Grapes,Cherry&#xA3;">
+		<reel reelreversed="0" stateoffset="-5461" numsymbolsvisible="3" symbollist="Triple Bar,Melon,JPM£,Single Bar,Cherry,JPM£,Grapes,Cherry,Melon,Double Bar,Melon,Grapes,Cherry£,Single Bar,Grapes,Cherry£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 	</element>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin.lay
index 4af89ec583c..f22d7624d9d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin.lay
@@ -1284,7 +1284,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1493,7 +1493,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_47">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1505,25 +1505,25 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_68">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_69">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_70">
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin10.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin10.lay
index 4af89ec583c..f22d7624d9d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin10.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6oxobin10.lay
@@ -1284,7 +1284,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -1493,7 +1493,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_47">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
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@@ -1505,25 +1505,25 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_68">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_69">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_70">
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6quick.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6quick.lay
index d81c22de7ad..8035fa703a7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6quick.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6quick.lay
@@ -748,7 +748,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1008,7 +1008,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1052,7 +1052,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1096,7 +1096,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1284,7 +1284,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1328,7 +1328,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1372,7 +1372,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1608,7 +1608,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1652,7 +1652,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1804,7 +1804,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Mixed Bar &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="3x Mixed Bar £1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1824,7 +1824,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Grapes &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="3x Grapes £1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1844,7 +1844,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Melon &#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="3x Melon £2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1864,7 +1864,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Strawberry &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="3x Strawberry £3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1884,7 +1884,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Pear &#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="3x Pear £4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1904,7 +1904,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Single Bar &#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="3x Single Bar £5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1924,7 +1924,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Cherry &#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="3x Cherry £1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1944,7 +1944,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Red 7 &#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="3x Red 7 £15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1964,7 +1964,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Triple Bar &#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="3x Triple Bar £7.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1984,7 +1984,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Double Bar &#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="3x Double Bar £6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2292,7 +2292,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3228,6 +3228,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="94" increment="15"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="281" width="15" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6ra.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6ra.lay
index fe2794e04f8..b6104da31c8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6ra.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6ra.lay
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -646,7 +646,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -666,7 +666,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -706,7 +706,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -746,7 +746,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -766,7 +766,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -786,7 +786,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -806,7 +806,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -826,7 +826,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1266,7 +1266,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1546,7 +1546,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1566,7 +1566,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1586,7 +1586,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1606,7 +1606,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1626,7 +1626,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1726,7 +1726,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1746,7 +1746,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1766,7 +1766,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1786,7 +1786,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1806,7 +1806,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2370,7 +2370,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2550,49 +2550,49 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_107">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_108">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_109">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_110">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_111">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_112">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_113">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_114">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2608,13 +2608,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_125">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_126">
-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3498,6 +3498,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="267" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="382" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6redarwf.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6redarwf.lay
index 045fb32c47a..1db7012cbca 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6redarwf.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6redarwf.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -582,7 +582,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -694,7 +694,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -854,7 +854,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -994,7 +994,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1134,7 +1134,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1274,7 +1274,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1354,7 +1354,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1454,7 +1454,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1694,7 +1694,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
+		<text string="£2.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1714,7 +1714,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1738,7 +1738,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;12.00">
+		<text string="£12.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1778,7 +1778,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00 MELONS">
+		<text string="£2.00 MELONS">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1798,7 +1798,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1818,7 +1818,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1862,7 +1862,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1882,7 +1882,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1902,7 +1902,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1982,7 +1982,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00 GRAPES">
+		<text string="£1.00 GRAPES">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2002,7 +2002,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2022,7 +2022,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2042,7 +2042,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2458,7 +2458,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2518,7 +2518,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2538,7 +2538,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2558,7 +2558,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -4033,6 +4033,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="202" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="479" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6reelmn.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6reelmn.lay
index 536b7947c9f..72559395d4e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6reelmn.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6reelmn.lay
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20 3x Mixed Bar">
+		<text string="£1.20 3x Mixed Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 3x Cherry">
+		<text string="£1 3x Cherry">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60 3x Grapes">
+		<text string="£1.60 3x Grapes">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 3x Reel Money">
+		<text string="£15 3x Reel Money">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 3x Single Bar">
+		<text string="£3 3x Single Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 3x Melon">
+		<text string="£2 3x Melon">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -456,7 +456,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 3x Bell">
+		<text string="£2 3x Bell">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -476,7 +476,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 3x Triple Bar">
+		<text string="£5 3x Triple Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -496,7 +496,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 3x Double Bar">
+		<text string="£4 3x Double Bar">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8 3x Red 7">
+		<text string="£8 3x Red 7">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -536,7 +536,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6 3x Blue 7">
+		<text string="£6 3x Blue 7">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1436,7 +1436,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1508,7 +1508,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1752,7 +1752,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_48">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1762,7 +1762,7 @@
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="Pays &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="Pays £1">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1788,7 +1788,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_77">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="1.0" green="1.0" blue="1.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6rh6cld.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6rh6cld.lay
index 0e2af46a420..cf4d52fb676 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6rh6cld.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6rh6cld.lay
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1000 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£1000 Jackpot">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
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+		<text string="£1000">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6rhchil.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6rhchil.lay
index 858ef436aaf..bc6b8d596cb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6rhchil.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6rico10.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6rico10.lay
index 62ff8a8ad86..2b7727ad844 100644
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+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£5">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6roller10.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6roller10.lay
index ec069dce8c4..d7f6d6b1978 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6roller10.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6roller10.lay
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -618,7 +618,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2002,7 +2002,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -2142,7 +2142,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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@@ -2202,7 +2202,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6roller15.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6roller15.lay
index 820b18352db..6cb68bb193f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6roller15.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6roller15.lay
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2002,7 +2002,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -2302,7 +2302,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -3583,6 +3583,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="270" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="379" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6roller8.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6roller8.lay
index af0393f7b2d..5be36d6298e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6roller8.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6roller8.lay
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -618,7 +618,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6slagng.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6slagng.lay
index b82d9b627b1..e027a54d69f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6slagng.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6slagng.lay
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -4513,6 +4513,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="183" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="444" width="17" height="31"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6snakes.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6snakes.lay
index 9f9ec86d209..bb9de13b216 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6snakes.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6snakes.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 Cherry">
+		<text string="£1 Cherry">
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@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20 Mixed Bar">
+		<text string="£1.20 Mixed Bar">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60 Grapes">
+		<text string="£1.60 Grapes">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Melon">
+		<text string="£2 Melon">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 JPM">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7 Double Bar">
+		<text string="£7 Double Bar">
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-		<text string=" &#xA3;10 Triple Bar">
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@@ -5003,6 +5003,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="252" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="382" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6sonic10.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6sonic10.lay
index 7569c30caba..ffe65b96f8d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6sonic10.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6sonic10.lay
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10 Repeater">
+		<text string="£10 Repeater">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -368,7 +368,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -568,7 +568,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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@@ -688,7 +688,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -772,7 +772,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -952,7 +952,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -1012,7 +1012,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1572,7 +1572,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1680,7 +1680,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -1760,7 +1760,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -1940,7 +1940,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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@@ -2064,7 +2064,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2104,7 +2104,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -2144,7 +2144,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2164,7 +2164,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2184,7 +2184,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2204,7 +2204,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -2244,7 +2244,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6stards.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6stards.lay
index bd07ae2fe94..2b23577e852 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6stards.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6stards.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Cherry &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="3x Cherry £1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -912,7 +912,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Stardust &#xA3;10">
+		<text string="3x Stardust £10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -932,7 +932,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Triple Bar &#xA3;7">
+		<text string="3x Triple Bar £7">
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@@ -952,7 +952,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Double Bar &#xA3;6">
+		<text string="3x Double Bar £6">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -972,7 +972,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Single Bar &#xA3;5">
+		<text string="3x Single Bar £5">
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@@ -992,7 +992,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x JPM &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="3x JPM £4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -1012,7 +1012,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Bell &#xA3;3">
+		<text string="3x Bell £3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -1032,7 +1032,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Melon &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="3x Melon £2">
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@@ -1052,7 +1052,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Grapes &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="3x Grapes £1.60">
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@@ -1072,7 +1072,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="3x Mixed Bar &#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
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@@ -1932,7 +1932,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
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@@ -2012,7 +2012,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6swpdrp.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6swpdrp.lay
index bd82c22cdaa..b4a738b945e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6swpdrp.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25 JACKPOT">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6tombc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6tombc.lay
index 549a28fd714..a3278545ec0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6tombc.lay
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6topflg.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6topflg.lay
index 90fbcda7884..d36ed4ea512 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6topflg.lay
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@@ -6029,6 +6029,12 @@
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+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
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+				<bounds x="~x~" y="421" width="17" height="30"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6twst.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6twst.lay
index d49901af24f..9da652ed6ba 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6twst.lay
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@@ -2620,6 +2620,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
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+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
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+				<bounds x="~x~" y="434" width="17" height="31"/>
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 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6untch.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6untch.lay
index a248af70a3b..7fce25d67c7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6untch.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6vindal.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6vindal.lay
index fc441967077..e584c773d96 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6vindal.lay
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+		<text string="£5">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 + REP">
+		<text string="£4 + REP">
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+		<text string="£7">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 + REP">
+		<text string="£3 + REP">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10 + REP">
+		<text string="£10 + REP">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25 + REP">
+		<text string="£25 + REP">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1 In - 0 (Zero)">
+		<text string="£1 In - 0 (Zero)">
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@@ -3904,6 +3904,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
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 			<param name="x" start="200" increment="12"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="457" width="12" height="24"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6vivark.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6vivark.lay
index 853bae27e77..7957fc66db8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6vivark.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12.00">
+		<text string="£12.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -4150,6 +4150,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
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 			<param name="x" start="164" increment="20"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="478" width="20" height="28"/>
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 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6wizardd.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6wizardd.lay
index e4e109b876d..971af495fbc 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6wizardd.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6wizardd.lay
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.60">
+		<text string="£5.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.40">
+		<text string="£4.40">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="£3.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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 	<element name="label_169">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_170">
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_171">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_172">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_173">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_174">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_175">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_176">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_177">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 	<element name="label_178">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j6wldkng.lay b/src/mame/layout/j6wldkng.lay
index 52abc7c4202..264de832bf3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j6wldkng.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j6wldkng.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7 3X Cashpot">
+		<text string="£7 3X Cashpot">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 3X Red 7">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 3x Double Bar">
+		<text string="£2 3x Double Bar">
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--- a/src/mame/layout/j80bac.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80bounc.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80bounc.lay
index 171d9845c7c..3dab7c3f2b9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80bounc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80frogh.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80frogh.lay
index 82c78e3479b..8384df6aefa 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80frogh.lay
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-		<text string="(20p - 50p - &#xA3;1 - &#xA3;2)">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80golds.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80golds.lay
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index e850e4b0ad9..e54d9ce45a0 100644
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 	<element name="label_57">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80nudg2.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80nudg2.lay
index d5941c0cf40..4bc1d41196f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80nudg2.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80rr.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80rr.lay
index e03c783ccd5..7de953d3ea8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80rr.lay
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 	<element name="label_29">
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 	<element name="label_33">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80supbk.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80supbk.lay
index 843dba0a609..c2d6bd788ea 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80supbk.lay
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 		</text>
@@ -1308,19 +1308,19 @@
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 	<element name="label_29">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_30">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_31">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 	<element name="label_69">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80supst.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80supst.lay
index d9762473221..ef286e97d7d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80supst.lay
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 	<element name="label_69">
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@@ -1379,7 +1379,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_75">
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@@ -1457,13 +1457,13 @@
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 	<element name="label_104">
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 	<element name="label_108">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80topsp.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80topsp.lay
index 06cc6f1816b..cb487daddab 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80topsp.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/j80topsp.lay
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
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@@ -1386,13 +1386,13 @@
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 	<element name="label_87">
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 	<element name="label_88">
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+		<text string="£3">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/j80wsprt2.lay b/src/mame/layout/j80wsprt2.lay
index ea57a26ae31..547ea3ce811 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/j80wsprt2.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
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 	<element name="label_51">
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 	<element name="label_52">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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 	<element name="label_53">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 	<element name="label_56">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/jpmimpct.lay b/src/mame/layout/jpmimpct.lay
index 433baf98fb0..9aa55551cf6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/jpmimpct.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/jpmimpct.lay
@@ -34,6 +34,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="x" start="10" increment="9" />
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1" />
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0" />
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="200" width="9" height="17" />
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
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@@ -65,6 +71,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="x" start="10" increment="9" />
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1" />
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0" />
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="200" width="9" height="17" />
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/jpmsys5.lay b/src/mame/layout/jpmsys5.lay
index b8e51a1d088..97215ca175f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/jpmsys5.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/jpmsys5.lay
@@ -40,6 +40,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="x" start="10" increment="9" />
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1" />
+			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0" />
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="200" width="9" height="17" />
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
@@ -85,6 +91,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="x" start="10" increment="9" />
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1albsqp.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1albsqp.lay
index 7ec038d784f..3694a2677d3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1albsqp.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1apollo2.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1apollo2.lay
index bfcf132df44..cb260f5f2e7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1apollo2.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 Repeater">
+		<text string="£5 Repeater">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 Repeater">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Repeater">
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-		<text string="Insert &#xA3;1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1bargnc.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1bargnc.lay
index a607d102e32..6b50f23d436 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1bargnc.lay
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@@ -1620,7 +1620,7 @@
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1bghou.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1bghou.lay
index 9a7332b9b5e..3af7671c580 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1bghou.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1bigdel.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1bigdel.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1calypsa.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1calypsa.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1casclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1casclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1casroy1.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1casroy1.lay
index 5d699893202..34e57118913 100644
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index 5b3a90b69f8..9896ead3c4d 100644
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index 0d67998a34f..ad032f69e29 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1cluecb1.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1cluecb1.lay
index 493cea498f5..247743be6cc 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1cluecb1.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1cluedo4.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1cluedo4.lay
index 0da4a82ceab..346d6a23a95 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1cluessf.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1cluessf.lay
index c86b7e32727..251973070e9 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1cororrk.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1cororrk.lay
index 2b6ba3bb176..c0e9e506efc 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1dkong91n.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1dkong91n.lay
index 9d046eb0912..194ec731fef 100644
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index 4e1c3732b18..5a9788dec38 100644
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00+">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_27">
-		<text string="1 Station &#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="1 Station £1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.22"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="2 Stations &#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="2 Stations £2.00">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="3 Stations &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="3 Stations £3.00">
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@@ -2087,7 +2087,7 @@
 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_85">
-		<text string="Whitehall with hotel = &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="Whitehall with hotel = £3.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1eastndl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1eastndl.lay
index daa91f68bff..c798f3958c8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1eastndl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1eastndl.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -2432,13 +2432,13 @@
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 	<element name="label_43">
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+		<text string="£">
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 	<element name="label_78">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1eastqv3.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1eastqv3.lay
index 3f2ff47218f..897eac5c2ac 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1eastqv3.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 Repeat">
+		<text string="£4 Repeat">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1fightb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1fightb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1grescb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1grescb.lay
index 7f8663bacf6..6af156d082e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1grescb.lay
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index db5632a34ed..8b83f347e0e 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1hotpoth.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1hotpoth.lay
index 486816374a2..89c8b8bbe01 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1hotpoth.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1htclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1htclb.lay
index b4d90538d4b..161ead22be3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1htclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1imclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1imclb.lay
index 793f6468a0d..e65af05059b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1imclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1infern.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1infern.lay
index 9223db32207..999d7619d30 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1infern.lay
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 		</disk>
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@@ -1562,7 +1562,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1702,7 +1702,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2062,7 +2062,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.24" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="Double Bars &#xA3;3.00+">
+		<text string="Double Bars £3.00+">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2082,7 +2082,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.23" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="Single Bars &#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="Single Bars £2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2102,7 +2102,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.22" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="Bells &#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="Bells £2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2122,7 +2122,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="Melons &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="Melons £1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2142,7 +2142,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.20" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="Mixed Bars &#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="Mixed Bars £1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2162,7 +2162,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.19" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="Cherries &#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="Cherries £1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2202,7 +2202,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2222,7 +2222,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2262,7 +2262,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2282,7 +2282,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 		</text>
@@ -2302,7 +2302,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2322,7 +2322,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2342,7 +2342,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2362,7 +2362,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2706,7 +2706,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2746,7 +2746,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2766,7 +2766,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2786,7 +2786,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2806,7 +2806,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2846,7 +2846,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1inwinc.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1inwinc.lay
index 9f8d6e19356..e3522920250 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1inwinc.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1inwinc.lay
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 		</text>
@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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@@ -866,7 +866,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -886,7 +886,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -906,7 +906,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@
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+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -986,7 +986,7 @@
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@@ -1006,7 +1006,7 @@
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@@ -1026,7 +1026,7 @@
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@@ -1046,7 +1046,7 @@
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@@ -1066,7 +1066,7 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1086,7 +1086,7 @@
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@@ -1106,7 +1106,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1126,7 +1126,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1186,7 +1186,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -1206,7 +1206,7 @@
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@@ -1226,7 +1226,7 @@
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@@ -1246,7 +1246,7 @@
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@@ -1266,7 +1266,7 @@
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+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -1286,7 +1286,7 @@
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@@ -1470,7 +1470,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -1630,7 +1630,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1786,7 +1786,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -1942,7 +1942,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -2102,7 +2102,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2606,7 +2606,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£ 1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3; 1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1jpmult.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1jpmult.lay
index 54b5d274a70..164380ef38e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1jpmult.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -992,7 +992,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_13">
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1lucknon.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1lucknon.lay
index e381445df29..ccadfe91aad 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1lucknon.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1lucknon.lay
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-		<text string=" &#xA3; &#xA3; &#xA3;">
+		<text string=" £ £ £">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1luxorb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1luxorb.lay
index a414b3c997a..59eb17a8dc7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1luxorb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1manhat.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1manhat.lay
index a647a39a21a..44f86fcc677 100644
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index 90b82bbfa17..d3bdac80fcc 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1mongam.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1mongam.lay
index 944422f9c5c..be84abcb13a 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1monmon.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1monmon.lay
index 9a32e9a7235..26f0da34472 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1monmon.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1monou.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1monou.lay
index b145903235b..f2150e26b25 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1monou.lay
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+		<text string="Angel Islington £1.00">
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-		<text string="Pentonville Road &#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="Vine St &#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="Vine St £2.00">
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-		<text string="M'boro St &#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string="M'boro St £1.80">
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-		<text string="Bow St &#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string="Bow St £1.80">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="North'land &#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="North'land £1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Whitehall &#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="Whitehall £1.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Pall Mall &#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="Pall Mall £1.40">
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@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Piccadilly &#xA3;2.80">
+		<text string="Piccadilly £2.80">
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@@ -598,7 +598,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Park Lane &#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="Park Lane £4.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -666,7 +666,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Bond St &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="Bond St £3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -706,7 +706,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Oxford St &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="Oxford St £3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Regent St &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="Regent St £3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -810,7 +810,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -830,7 +830,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string="£2.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -850,7 +850,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 		</text>
@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -890,7 +890,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1174,7 +1174,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Strand &#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string="Strand £2.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1222,7 +1222,7 @@
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="Sq &#xA3;2.60">
+		<text string="Sq £2.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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@@ -1242,7 +1242,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Coventry St &#xA3;2.60">
+		<text string="Coventry St £2.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1302,7 +1302,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Trafalgar Square &#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="Trafalgar Square £2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1322,7 +1322,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Fleet St &#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string="Fleet St £2.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1770,7 +1770,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1981,7 +1981,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_69">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2005,19 +2005,19 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_78">
-		<text string="1 Station Lit &#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="1 Station Lit £1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_79">
-		<text string="2 Stations Lit &#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="2 Stations Lit £2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_80">
-		<text string="3 Stations Lit &#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="3 Stations Lit £3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1nhp.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1nhp.lay
index a676ffd5444..8c2dd5276fc 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1nhp.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1nhp.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string="£2.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -646,7 +646,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.60">
+		<text string="£2.60">
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 		</text>
@@ -890,7 +890,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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 		</text>
@@ -1158,7 +1158,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -1178,7 +1178,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1290,7 +1290,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1390,7 +1390,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -1826,7 +1826,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1866,7 +1866,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -1986,7 +1986,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Repeat">
+		<text string="£3 Repeat">
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@@ -2006,7 +2006,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -2026,7 +2026,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -2046,7 +2046,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -2146,7 +2146,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2726,7 +2726,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1nudbnke.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1nudbnke.lay
index c7a9bc08d60..b579baf5105 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1nudbnke.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1nudbnke.lay
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
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@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1omega.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1omega.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1pinkpc.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1pinkpc.lay
index 5b69871c367..7f111fabf89 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1pinkpc.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.80">
+		<text string="£2.80">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00 RPT">
+		<text string="£3.00 RPT">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1przeeb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1przeeb.lay
index c8e3ce38ddf..f9b01f0249e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1przeeb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1przeeb.lay
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_166">
-		<text string="Awards Select a Prize or Exchange for &#xA3;6">
+		<text string="Awards Select a Prize or Exchange for £6">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1retpp.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1retpp.lay
index bdc29732b1d..9111e4cffea 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1retpp.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m1retpp.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1search.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1search.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/m1search.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1startr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1startr.lay
index c19eecce721..f7dba7f5b12 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1startr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1sudnima.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1sudnima.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1thatlfc.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1thatlfc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1topstr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1topstr.lay
index 5f8a08bb072..8c409a67f97 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1topstr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1trtr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1trtr.lay
index c0115f3330a..cc41d192a39 100644
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1ttcash.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1ttcash.lay
index 8d8e1c298f0..6d1393ddca9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1ttcash.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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 	<element name="label_63">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5+Repeat">
+		<text string="£5+Repeat">
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 	<element name="label_64">
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 	<element name="label_74">
-		<text string="27 Ways to win &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="27 Ways to win £1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1wldzner.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1wldzner.lay
index dfa0a9fe8e8..ea8ba885e13 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1wldzner.lay
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-		<text string="BULLSEYE PAYS &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="BULLSEYE PAYS £1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m1wotwa.lay b/src/mame/layout/m1wotwa.lay
index 515ddee449b..522d02ff995 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m1wotwa.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3acech.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3acech.lay
index c936b421b7c..0747cf655cc 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3acech.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3autort.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3autort.lay
index 711666ec795..91b9e96eec8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3autort.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3biggam.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3biggam.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/m3biggam.lay
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 	<element name="label_70">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00 (&#xA3;1.50)">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3bigsht.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3bigsht.lay
index 65e854724ba..5a3581774c7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3bigsht.lay
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+		<text string="£2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3cabreta.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3cabreta.lay
index bfdab13f37a..6f208700a5c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3cabreta.lay
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-		<text string="20p/50p/&#xA3;1/&#xA3;2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2/40p">
+		<text string="£2/40p">
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+		<text string="£15/£5">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3chase.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3chase.lay
index 5a0b50439e8..f796d5a874d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3chase.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3circle.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3circle.lay
index 5a6d14fc93f..4772a652986 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3cskill.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3cskill.lay
index 06081d099ba..82a9ea72964 100644
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 	<element name="label_23">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00 JP">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3cunlim.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3cunlim.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/m3cunlim.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3fortun.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3fortun.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/m3fortun.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3gmine.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3gmine.lay
index ad686ec5ce4..8cc69eb2a51 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3gmine.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3lineup.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3lineup.lay
index 3b8d8761042..32e223bbd56 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3lineup.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3loony.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3loony.lay
index a9e8055c1b2..60cf9b7e023 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3loony.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3nnice.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3nnice.lay
index f31e12aa6dc..6547400d4ed 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3nnice.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3oddson.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3oddson.lay
index 99b82560b0b..60daa95f3ab 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3online.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3online.lay
index 9e0aa38c5ba..f09d86e3af6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3online.lay
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index a77f3eb5574..95094fdfeab 100644
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index 40b8087d7a3..c9ee875f915 100644
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@@ -1476,25 +1476,25 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_65">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_66">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	<element name="label_67">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3replay.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3replay.lay
index 48127a50f24..e789a2c14b0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3replay.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m3replay.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -1252,25 +1252,25 @@
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 	<element name="label_86">
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+		<text string="£3.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_87">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 	<element name="label_88">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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 	<element name="label_89">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3rockpl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3rockpl.lay
index 1e5c2bb9033..ccb4580d567 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3rockpl.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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 	<element name="label_72">
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 	<element name="label_73">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3rollem.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3rollem.lay
index eebce1c14e8..42a9a6a2f89 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3rollem.lay
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@@ -1470,7 +1470,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£3 Jackpot">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3rxchng.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3rxchng.lay
index 69c213123c4..0280716a22e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3rxchng.lay
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@@ -1445,103 +1445,103 @@
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 	<element name="label_21">
-		<text string="3X &#xA3;10">
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 	<element name="label_22">
-		<text string="4X &#xA3;50">
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 	<element name="label_23">
-		<text string="3X &#xA3;10">
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 	<element name="label_24">
-		<text string="4X &#xA3;25  ">
+		<text string="4X £25  ">
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 	<element name="label_25">
-		<text string="3X &#xA3;5.60">
+		<text string="3X £5.60">
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 	<element name="label_27">
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 	<element name="label_29">
-		<text string="3X &#xA3;2">
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 	<element name="label_30">
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 	<element name="label_31">
-		<text string="3X &#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="4X &#xA3;10">
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-		<text string="3X &#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="4X &#xA3;5.60">
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 	<element name="label_35">
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 	<element name="label_36">
-		<text string="4X &#xA3;4">
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 	<element name="label_40">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3sexcu.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3sexcu.lay
index 6b5a3755bd9..2873b136973 100644
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 	<element name="label_25">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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 	<element name="label_26">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 	<element name="label_54">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3slight.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3slight.lay
index 434d245a32a..1263f1be0db 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3slight.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m3slight.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3snaphp.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3snaphp.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3supadr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3supadr.lay
index 45f04172cb2..cf1d8151e88 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3supadr.lay
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index ca2bffbf9ec..fe6170ce65f 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3supspo.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3supspo.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3supwin.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3supwin.lay
index a8a79bc31a3..e49e11ab9a1 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3sweep.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3sweep.lay
index edc480a6b9b..bf6c65da30c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3sweep.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3tfair.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3tfair.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3winstr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3winstr.lay
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m3xchngg.lay b/src/mame/layout/m3xchngg.lay
index 61ad386d770..7b2d8b2fec5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m3xchngg.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m3xchngg.lay
@@ -478,7 +478,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -498,7 +498,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -1210,13 +1210,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_78">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_79">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4aao.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4aao.lay
index 34d8e5b9389..5a8d586b9ca 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4aao.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4aao.lay
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_81">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4actbnk.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4actbnk.lay
index 3fcfa8a2af7..c3f066f79d0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4actbnk.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4actbnk.lay
@@ -646,7 +646,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -666,7 +666,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -706,7 +706,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1206,7 +1206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 CASH REPEAT">
+		<text string="£4 CASH REPEAT">
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 		<rect state="0">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_38">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 	<element name="label_39">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_40">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_41">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_42">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_43">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_62">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -1633,13 +1633,13 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_66">
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+		<text string="£8.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_152">
-		<text string="&#xA3;8+REPEAT CHANCE">
+		<text string="£8+REPEAT CHANCE">
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@@ -2151,6 +2151,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="683" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="559" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4actclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4actclb.lay
index 2bda9170bae..aef2fed2b2c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4actclb.lay
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@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1942,37 +1942,37 @@
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 	<element name="label_50">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_51">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="£3.20">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_52">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_57">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 	<element name="label_58">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_59">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -1984,7 +1984,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_61">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 		</text>
@@ -2022,7 +2022,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_119">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4actpak.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4actpak.lay
index 2a12fa03303..1f4a9c6fc51 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4actpak.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4actpak.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£8">
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+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.30">
+		<text string="£1.30">
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@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
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 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.10">
+		<text string="£1.10">
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@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string="£1.80">
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@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2+">
+		<text string="£2+">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1879,7 +1879,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_7">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -1967,7 +1967,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_21">
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+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -1979,13 +1979,13 @@
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 	<element name="label_35">
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+		<text string="£2">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_36">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -2001,7 +2001,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_38">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4addr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4addr.lay
index bb4aaeefbea..c8a8e6571da 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4addr.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4addr.lay
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.21" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.60">
+		<text string="£2.60">
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 			<color red="0.21" green="0.21" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.80">
+		<text string="£1.80">
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+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6 JACKPOT">
+		<text string="£6 JACKPOT">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.20">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -2106,7 +2106,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -3264,6 +3264,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="105" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="305" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4alladv.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4alladv.lay
index dfa8d2d0527..20a2dd0a824 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4alladv.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4alladv.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
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+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -963,13 +963,13 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_14">
-		<text string="27 Ways to win &#xA3;1!">
+		<text string="27 Ways to win £1!">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_18">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£4 Jackpot">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4alpha.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4alpha.lay
index 8a5a4c82f35..ef8de4c758e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4alpha.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4alpha.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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-		<text string="Pays &#xA3;4">
+		<text string="Pays £4">
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-		<text string="Pays &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="Pays £1">
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@@ -2480,25 +2480,25 @@
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 	<element name="label_136">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_140">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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 	<element name="label_144">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 	<element name="label_148">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -3357,6 +3357,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="413" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="433" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4andybt.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4andybt.lay
index 34654b419a4..f1debc6544c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4andybt.lay
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+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4andycp.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4andycp.lay
index 30944f2859a..e3fd481c4dd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4andycp.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.80">
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@@ -2383,6 +2383,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="210" increment="13"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
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+				<bounds x="~x~" y="252" width="13" height="30"/>
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 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4andyfh.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4andyfh.lay
index 922bca115e6..4cc7cd7d575 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4andyfh.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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 	<element name="label_25">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_26">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_27">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_28">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_29">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_33">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4andyge.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4andyge.lay
index c3684e25c63..50a3b730d92 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4andyge.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4andyge.lay
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.20">
+		<text string="£3.20">
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10 ">
+		<text string="£10 ">
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.20">
+		<text string="£2.20">
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@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.22" green="0.22" blue="0.04"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£10.00 Jackpot">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1843,6 +1843,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="268" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="362" width="17" height="30"/>
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4apachg.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4apachg.lay
index 858e282277b..b077e4fcefe 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4apachg.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m4apachg.lay
@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£7">
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+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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@@ -2888,6 +2888,12 @@
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1"/>
 			<param name="x" start="259" increment="17"/>
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
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+				<bounds x="~x~" y="381" width="17" height="30"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m4tenten.lay b/src/mame/layout/m4tenten.lay
index 4ac8851116e..78517bd5d74 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m4tenten.lay
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index 630375496ee..6fc0de5e8dd 100644
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index 4afa4255cfa..3cecc1e656b 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5barmy.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5barmy.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5baxe04.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5baxe04.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5bbro.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5bbro.lay
index aa2be23b8e2..e57e937afbd 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5bbrocl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5bbrocl.lay
index 91da57c200d..ac85cb58b7c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5bbrocl.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5beansa.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5beansa.lay
index 0c65c6e864f..681f994a4d2 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5beansa.lay
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index 07a6be5e285..a209960cb0d 100644
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index 25f47cffc8c..3b530fc7d0f 100644
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index cbd02e849ae..8020922f1e0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5bling.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5blkwht11.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5blkwht11.lay
index cfc20c0c251..09828761967 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5blkwht11.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5bnzclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5bnzclb.lay
index ca47a0f2cf7..047dd11c9a8 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5btlbnk.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5btlbnk.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5bttf.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5bttf.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5bwaves.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5bwaves.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5cashrn.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5cashrn.lay
index 0d14a12c5c9..7ea34733f38 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5cashrn.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5cashrn.lay
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+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£3.60">
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+		<text string="£4">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5cbw.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5cbw.lay
index ed21da43334..b5d05378458 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5cbw.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5centcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5centcl.lay
index 065276ce108..34f3d7f9a88 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5centcl.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5circlb33.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5circlb33.lay
index 4e37e753625..a0a846016d3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5circlb33.lay
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5circus0a.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5circus0a.lay
index d2b6b8d7410..fd0c32168d4 100644
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index 20249430cc1..8983090ce9c 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5clown11.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5clown11.lay
index 716f3793352..9bb5ad642fc 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5clown11.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5codft.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5codft.lay
index a46a582d9c8..2a7441f0ec5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5codft.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5cosclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5cosclb.lay
index 5625ba1fddf..2ac555b475a 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5crzkni.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5crzkni.lay
index 893bf2f04a7..76bb119f420 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5crzkni.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5crzkni.lay
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index e570aa27c69..1ee25ea9c76 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5dblqtsb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5dblqtsb.lay
index d351e4c6d97..2a97d6fdb45 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5dblqtsb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5dblqtsb.lay
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index a9e3ad9d350..12496dcd67f 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5egr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5egr.lay
index ea311a26b63..1003f03a631 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5egr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5evgrhr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5evgrhr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5ewn.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5ewn.lay
index ceae8914a07..e32441ca72e 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5extrm.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5extrm.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5fiddle.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5fiddle.lay
index 90aab44b1de..36f2c01ae0c 100644
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@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -658,7 +658,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -678,7 +678,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -718,7 +718,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -738,7 +738,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -1004,31 +1004,31 @@
 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_30">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 	<element name="label_31">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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 	<element name="label_32">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 	<element name="label_33">
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_34">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		</text>
@@ -1046,7 +1046,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_77">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5fire.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5fire.lay
index 8bf07fe9bef..f3c9ddb59a7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5fire.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5fire.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -2178,7 +2178,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
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@@ -2198,7 +2198,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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@@ -2218,7 +2218,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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@@ -2282,7 +2282,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="Insert &#xA3;1 Coin">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5firebl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5firebl.lay
index 8deca518516..9f9494fb6b3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5firebl.lay
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@@ -4052,55 +4052,55 @@
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 	<element name="label_72">
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+		<text string="£25">
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 	<element name="label_73">
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+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£8">
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 	<element name="label_75">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5flipcr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5flipcr.lay
index 0d1b5ddb134..05d346344b5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5flipcr.lay
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 		</text>
-		<text string="0 = Insert &#xA3;1 Coin">
+		<text string="0 = Insert £1 Coin">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5fortby.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5fortby.lay
index d4ff8947a25..3b7e1eabbaa 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5fortby.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5fortby.lay
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1 + ">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5frnzy.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5frnzy.lay
index dc7831e45a8..39605d83551 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5frnzy.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5funsun.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5funsun.lay
index be752eae397..926bae98782 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5funsun.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5gdrag.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5gdrag.lay
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--- a/src/mame/layout/m5gdrag.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5ggems20.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5ggems20.lay
index 4f4af011674..45cd95937e1 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5ggems20.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5gimmie.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5gimmie.lay
index 5f1871787ff..341728eb7fc 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5grush.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5grush.lay
index aebc928197d..913af6cb0fb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5grush.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5grush5.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5grush5.lay
index a9653f9a7f6..4ea8251738b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5grush5.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5gsstrk07.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5gsstrk07.lay
index 2867c6a9880..2dada118558 100644
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@@ -857,7 +857,7 @@
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5gstrik.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5gstrik.lay
index b246e27620a..88fcfff7acd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5gstrik.lay
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+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12">
+		<text string="£12">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£8">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hellrz.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hellrz.lay
index 62f4a641f61..deb1f8f36ab 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5hellrz.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00 +">
+		<text string="£5.00 +">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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+		<text string="£4.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hgl14.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hgl14.lay
index 0d356748373..84fc5700d65 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5hgl14.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 + Repeat">
+		<text string="£3 + Repeat">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 + Repeat">
+		<text string="£4 + Repeat">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 + Repeat">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1 + Repeat">
+		<text string="£1 + Repeat">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hiclau.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hiclau.lay
index 91f73f96f2a..5c382fbbc7f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5hiclau.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hifly.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hifly.lay
index 5e9ed1a69d1..10149058517 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5hifly.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 + RPT">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hilok.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hilok.lay
index 060142beb1b..19617068488 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hisprt.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hisprt.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hlsumo.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hlsumo.lay
index 02e5743be20..f7f090b3be6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5hlsumo.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5holy.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5holy.lay
index ed1e22fe9d6..3960bc681a2 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5holy.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hopidl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hopidl.lay
index 05037fc3257..c18f95042fe 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5hotstf.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5hotstf.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5jackp2.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5jackp2.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5jackpt.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5jackpt.lay
index b2be5aa57e5..046c5b51549 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5korma.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5korma.lay
index 64b243381b7..36232eb4a06 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5korma.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5loony.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5loony.lay
index 5d80cbb0a35..76365103326 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5loony.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5loot.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5loot.lay
index f0a9d97a701..fa4ffb63778 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5mega.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5mega.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5monmst.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5monmst.lay
index b1000710fc5..7c033223c99 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5monmst.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5mpfc.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5mpfc.lay
index 62d73e5891a..43755b1c20d 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5nnww.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5nnww.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5oohaah.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5oohaah.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5overld.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5overld.lay
index 63291dba694..99e5b901afe 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5overld.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25 Jackpot Repeater">
+		<text string="£25 Jackpot Repeater">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5peepsh.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5peepsh.lay
index 7d22c340b59..6d38f9bafe4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5peepsh.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5peepsh.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15 + Rep Chance">
+		<text string="£15 + Rep Chance">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5piefac.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5piefac.lay
index 3b2b650a639..410746e5809 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5piefac.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="Multi      &#xA3;15">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.18"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="Red             &#xA3;2">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="Yellow   &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="Yellow   £1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5piefcr.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5piefcr.lay
index c8201a8ba16..01c2140b542 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5piefcr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5ppussy.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5ppussy.lay
index 8b5536a5622..12ccbbc2ec4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5ppussy.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5psyccl01.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5psyccl01.lay
index 6fe837b82c0..f1e6c577378 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5psyccl01.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5ptyani.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5ptyani.lay
index f608c723dad..e6a0c4e07f6 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5qdrawb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5qdrawb.lay
index a677e9bf224..141d8d8810c 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5qshot04.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5qshot04.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5ratpka.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5ratpka.lay
index fd21cc4130e..81e43250e6f 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5razdz10.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5razdz10.lay
index 937c74d5046..7320b39df3e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5razdz10.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5redbal.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5redbal.lay
index 308a46c1c0e..0b703f60fe0 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5redrcka.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5redrcka.lay
index e97d097a1c1..5499a20700a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5redrcka.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5resfrg.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5resfrg.lay
index aec725f2121..094f65980d0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5resfrg.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5revo13.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5revo13.lay
index 29f0fa7c930..52001609334 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5revo13.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5rfymc.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5rfymc.lay
index a13c1c66423..16af1119f74 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5rfymc.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5rfymc.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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+		<text string="£">
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@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
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+		<text string="£250">
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+		<text string="£50 RPT">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5rgclb12.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5rgclb12.lay
index a9177721b44..bb8f1830b11 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5rgclb12.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5rgclb12.lay
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5rollup.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5rollup.lay
index fa5923973a4..bf5945c6d01 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5rub.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5rub.lay
index e59afb0d008..97fa049a887 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5rwb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5rwb.lay
index 9a76f7f0116..067b6d5e204 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5scharg.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5scharg.lay
index 784696a8d5d..0e0bf98e185 100644
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5seven.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5seven.lay
index bccb2eb6e78..399ea18a91b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5seven.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5shark.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5shark.lay
index c29a4b61bc1..483a131c519 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5shark.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5sheik.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5sheik.lay
index b02aaf2f55c..27c21d42b68 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5sheik.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5sondra.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5sondra.lay
index c9e85b0d2e6..d611a3d9f00 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5speccl.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5speccl.lay
index 033705fe9fc..01c941f35b2 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5spiker.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5spiker.lay
index 1f47de2160d..d2151a05161 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5spiker.lay
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index 985c203d2dd..3a5d866a723 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5stars26.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5stars26.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5stax.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5stax.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5supnov.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5supnov.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5tempp.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5tempp.lay
index 38048ed87f0..24d0d2c307b 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5tempt2.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5tempt2.lay
index de714ff7c31..5e4476933b4 100644
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5tictacbwb.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5tictacbwb.lay
index 012ccc19d07..1e4f9409a52 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5tictacbwb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5tictacbwb.lay
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00">
+		<text string="£25.00">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5trail.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5trail.lay
index 8cc430f3c03..16074182e67 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5trail.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5trail.lay
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
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+		<text string="£50">
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+		<text string="£75">
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+		<text string="£500">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_184">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1000 / &#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£1000 / £30">
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 	<element name="label_185">
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 	<element name="label_186">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;50 / &#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£50 / £8">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_190">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="/ &#xA3;3">
+		<text string="/ £3">
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 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_191">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="/ &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="/ £2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
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 	<element name="label_192">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="/ &#xA3;1">
+		<text string="/ £1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.50" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5ultimo04.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5ultimo04.lay
index 05db79eefeb..bec02ea2c8d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5ultimo04.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£15 Jackpot">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -450,7 +450,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -538,7 +538,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -642,7 +642,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -722,7 +722,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -1850,7 +1850,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1890,7 +1890,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1910,7 +1910,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1930,7 +1930,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1950,7 +1950,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1970,7 +1970,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1990,7 +1990,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -2070,7 +2070,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -2310,7 +2310,7 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -2350,7 +2350,7 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -2370,7 +2370,7 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1 ">
+		<text string="£1 ">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£8">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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+		<text string="£2.40">
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+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2638,7 +2638,7 @@
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+		<text string="£4">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5upover.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5upover.lay
index a2d92b8238e..83929fdc051 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5upover.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5upover.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5wking05.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5wking05.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5wonga.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5wonga.lay
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@@ -3329,55 +3329,55 @@
 		<disk state="1"> <bounds xc="0.5" yc="0.5" width="0.583333" height="0.583333"/> <color red="1.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00"/> </disk>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_134">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_144">
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_145">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_146">
-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_147">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_148">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_149">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_150">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_151">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5wthing20.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5wthing20.lay
index aa6bcb50629..9af5862a0ba 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5wthing20.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5wthing20.lay
@@ -1598,7 +1598,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;80">
+		<text string="£80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1618,7 +1618,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1638,7 +1638,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;80">
+		<text string="£80">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1658,7 +1658,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;60">
+		<text string="£60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1678,7 +1678,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1698,7 +1698,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1718,7 +1718,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;60">
+		<text string="£60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1738,7 +1738,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1938,7 +1938,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2406,7 +2406,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/m5xfact11.lay b/src/mame/layout/m5xfact11.lay
index 50dcff3169d..3d408060223 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/m5xfact11.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/m5xfact11.lay
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/mpu3.lay b/src/mame/layout/mpu3.lay
index d03015dfd77..b7189595ab8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/mpu3.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/mpu3.lay
@@ -34,6 +34,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1" />
 			<param name="x" start="0" increment="9" />
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0" />
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="0" width="9" height="17" />
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/mpu4.lay b/src/mame/layout/mpu4.lay
index a7ba8433682..95ee1e7b74f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/mpu4.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/mpu4.lay
@@ -297,6 +297,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1" />
 			<param name="x" start="0" increment="9" />
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0" />
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="0" width="9" height="17" />
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/mpu4ext.lay b/src/mame/layout/mpu4ext.lay
index f13470dbaef..7e5d7f93cdb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/mpu4ext.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/mpu4ext.lay
@@ -34,6 +34,12 @@ license:CC0
 		<repeat count="16">
 			<param name="n" start="15" increment="-1" />
 			<param name="x" start="0" increment="9" />
+			<element name="vfdblank~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
+				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0" />
+				<bounds x="~x~" y="0" width="9" height="17" />
+			</element>
 			<element name="vfd~n~" ref="vfd0" state="0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
 				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0" />
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1_vfd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1_vfd.lay
index 877d2a83dcf..7f5820bd094 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1_vfd.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc1_vfd.lay
@@ -185,13 +185,13 @@ license:CC0
 			<param name="i" start="0" increment="1" />
 			<param name="x" start="0" increment="9" />
 			<element name="vfdblank~i~" ref="vfd0">
-				<color red="0.14" green="0.14" blue="0.14" />
 				<bounds x="~x~" y="280" width="9" height="17" />
 			</element>
 
 			<element name="vfd~i~" ref="vfd0">
 				<animate name="vfdduty0" />
-				<color red="0.00" green="1.00" blue="1.00" />
+				<color state="0" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="0.0"/>
+				<color state="31" red="0.00" green="0.6" blue="1.00" alpha="1.0"/>
 				<bounds x="~x~" y="280" width="9" height="17" />
 			</element>
 		</repeat>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1barcd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1barcd.lay
index 29c2e3ac0d0..075c294d09b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1barcd.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc1barcd.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00 ">
+		<text string="£3.00 ">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1010,7 +1010,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1264,7 +1264,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_79">
-		<text string="BANK &#xA3;">
+		<text string="BANK £">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1bartk.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1bartk.lay
index acc58cdc4e4..fa88fc9491e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1bartk.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc1bartk.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1cl65.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1cl65.lay
index f1e9f939289..908367d19e5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1cl65.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc1cl65.lay
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.41" width="0.90" height="0.18"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£150 Jackpot">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.77" width="0.90" height="0.18"/>
 		</text>
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;150">
+		<text string="£150">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -438,7 +438,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -458,7 +458,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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-		<text string="STAKE &#xA3;1">
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@@ -1378,7 +1378,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_46">
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1clbtma.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1clbtma.lay
index f7998f2311a..5571f71b4a6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1clbtma.lay
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+		<text string="£150">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£20">
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+		<text string="£30">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1cwcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1cwcl.lay
index c1d31a91fde..e01ab2deda5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1cwcl.lay
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+		<text string="£150 / £20">
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+		<text string="£100 / £10">
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+		<text string="£50 / £8">
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+		<text string="£30 / £6">
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+		<text string="£20 / £4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10 / &#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£10 / £2">
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+		<text string="£8 / £1.60">
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 	<element name="label_80">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 / 80p">
+		<text string="£2 / 80p">
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 	<element name="label_81">
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 	<element name="label_82">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 / &#xA3;1 / 40p">
+		<text string="£2 / £1 / 40p">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1dblch.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1dblch.lay
index 1a1c8651bb5..35db54cc92d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1dblch.lay
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 	<element name="label_14">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1pwrl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1pwrl.lay
index 4c26372f2e6..6c0347ca8ca 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1pwrl.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1sirb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1sirb.lay
index 5056389707f..a195b1b7201 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1sirb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc1spct.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc1spct.lay
index 145452979a3..ec33558e9ca 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc1spct.lay
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 	<element name="label_15">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2casr2.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2casr2.lay
index 68aa2a42e76..dc373dce66b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc2casr2.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2copcl7.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2copcl7.lay
index eca21920264..7318768c4c6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc2copcl7.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2cpe.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2cpe.lay
index 3947ad03d64..06b37bc0e61 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc2cpe.lay
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@@ -1246,7 +1246,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_51">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -1878,91 +1878,91 @@
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 	<element name="label_91">
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+		<text string="£250">
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 	<element name="label_92">
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 	<element name="label_93">
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 	<element name="label_104">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2cpg.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2cpg.lay
index 70c02e150d2..192fc8a74b3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc2cpg.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc2cpg.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2heypr.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2heypr.lay
index df804050945..dbde567b420 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc2heypr.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2majes.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2majes.lay
index cce0d7d118b..234975386b3 100644
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index 49695b54401..071d474c0b6 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc2prom.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc2prom.lay
index 1214feb9a3e..86d4e22b5a5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc2prom.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4bedcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4bedcl.lay
index fe42ea0ff02..2bb81429865 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4bedcl.lay
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@@ -1486,7 +1486,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1594,7 +1594,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -1686,7 +1686,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -1886,7 +1886,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -1906,7 +1906,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.00" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -2006,7 +2006,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2346,7 +2346,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3666,7 +3666,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4blast.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4blast.lay
index 86bff2122eb..37e04a13075 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4blast.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4blast.lay
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00 REPEAT">
+		<text string="£25.00 REPEAT">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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 		</text>
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 +R">
+		<text string="£4 +R">
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@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -566,7 +566,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25 +R">
+		<text string="£25 +R">
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@@ -586,7 +586,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@
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 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -646,7 +646,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 +R">
+		<text string="£5 +R">
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@@ -666,7 +666,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -706,7 +706,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
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 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 +R">
+		<text string="£3 +R">
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@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1 +R">
+		<text string="£1 +R">
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@@ -746,7 +746,7 @@
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 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2 +R">
+		<text string="£2 +R">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
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@@ -766,7 +766,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
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+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2286,7 +2286,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 +R">
+		<text string="£5 +R">
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@@ -2306,7 +2306,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -2326,7 +2326,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3 +R">
+		<text string="£3 +R">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2346,7 +2346,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
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@@ -2366,7 +2366,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4 +R">
+		<text string="£4 +R">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2386,7 +2386,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2406,7 +2406,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25  +R">
+		<text string="£25  +R">
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 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2426,7 +2426,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
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@@ -2446,7 +2446,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.10" y="0.10" width="0.80" height="0.80"/>
 		</text>
@@ -2726,7 +2726,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4blokq.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4blokq.lay
index 98eb33fde4e..ef740829bcd 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4blokq.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4blokq.lay
@@ -3582,7 +3582,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3622,7 +3622,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3642,7 +3642,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -3682,7 +3682,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -3722,7 +3722,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -3742,7 +3742,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -4306,7 +4306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4bobcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4bobcl.lay
index ec367ed0388..8b1cd7ffe28 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4bobcl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4bobcl.lay
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40 +">
+		<text string="£40 +">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40 +">
+		<text string="£40 +">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
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@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@
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index 39c6d08f24a..121c3ddcca7 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cabin.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cabin.lay
index 869d2bbd6aa..0bfc9a47934 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cabin.lay
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@@ -2246,7 +2246,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4canca.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4canca.lay
index 5e124f7aef4..cc1520ae68e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4canca.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4canca.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.">
+		<text string="£5.">
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@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.">
+		<text string="£2.">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4captn.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4captn.lay
index e56201afcc3..2f201c0cac6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4captn.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4captn.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -1170,7 +1170,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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@@ -1190,7 +1190,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.80">
+		<text string="£2.80">
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@@ -1278,7 +1278,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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@@ -1298,7 +1298,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.oo">
+		<text string="£2.oo">
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@@ -1318,7 +1318,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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@@ -1358,7 +1358,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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@@ -1378,7 +1378,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -1398,7 +1398,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -1418,7 +1418,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -3436,67 +3436,67 @@
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 	<element name="label_148">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_149">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_150">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.40">
+		<text string="£1.40">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_151">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_152">
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_153">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_154">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_187">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_188">
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_189">
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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 	<element name="label_190">
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00+rpt">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cariqd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cariqd.lay
index 2ad8ac8437d..deae5c2bf0b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cariqd.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4cariqd.lay
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4carrya.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4carrya.lay
index 464a4fc6171..fd323138137 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4carrya.lay
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 	<element name="label_72">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cashm.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cashm.lay
index 91e2a6bb6f4..f58bbbd82f7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cashm.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cclasd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cclasd.lay
index 63498ea0055..5016a6ae1b9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cclasd.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cclim.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cclim.lay
index aaf3ed29d08..3db800fefa7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cclim.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4chainb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4chainb.lay
index bfe0af07d9d..b971573d92c 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4chavy.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4chavy.lay
index 8eb797adaac..608ab343a25 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4chick.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4chick.lay
index ded9e592b0d..70aac7777bb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4chick.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4chuba.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4chuba.lay
index 88544fe138a..fe1ca42deb8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4chuba.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4clashd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4clashd.lay
index 4e619230b03..db79ccc3feb 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4clue.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4clue.lay
index 118fe584838..c7e6ccc838c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4clue.lay
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+		<text string="£5.00">
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+		<text string="£8.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cmania.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cmania.lay
index a995c7e555b..1c14a69c8c6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cmania.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cmous.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cmous.lay
index e0cbbddb57e..77551157aea 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cmous.lay
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index 6523883a77e..6856eeb6ae2 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4coro.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4coro.lay
index cef2f3adb0a..d1c3b15172b 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4crc.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4crc.lay
index 6e704a72cb3..d47bfe13c3b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4crc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4crcla.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4crcla.lay
index 33bc85b1f13..5c3cd7601f6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4crcla.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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+		<text string="£40">
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+		<text string="£250">
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+		<text string="£250">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
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+		<text string="£40">
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@@ -2710,7 +2710,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
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@@ -2730,7 +2730,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -2750,7 +2750,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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@@ -2770,7 +2770,7 @@
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+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -2790,7 +2790,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12">
+		<text string="£12">
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@@ -2810,7 +2810,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -2830,7 +2830,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;9">
+		<text string="£9">
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@@ -2850,7 +2850,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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@@ -2870,7 +2870,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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@@ -2890,7 +2890,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4crzgna.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4crzgna.lay
index af3e8ba53c6..2339d2384fa 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4crzgna.lay
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@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@
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 	<element name="label_43">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -325,31 +325,31 @@
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 	<element name="label_46">
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+		<text string="£15">
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 	<element name="label_47">
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+		<text string="£5">
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 	<element name="label_48">
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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 	<element name="label_49">
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+		<text string="£2">
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 	<element name="label_50">
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4crzkya.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4crzkya.lay
index 1eac4a37363..ed2346757eb 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4crzkya.lay
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cvanif.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cvanif.lay
index b1b4509a39b..0d14fd9b72b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cvanif.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4cvclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4cvclb.lay
index 9d697385d4a..f7181cdaa01 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4cvclb.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;250 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£250 Jackpot">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;50.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;40.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4dayltf.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4dayltf.lay
index de9aebe9781..cf2688b8716 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4dayltf.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4deepi.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4deepi.lay
index 0f01bbb54de..14202acbb9b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4deepi.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4derby.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4derby.lay
index 019adc7b6c5..54b813bf296 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4dmineb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4dmineb.lay
index c97da7e692c..d8f8f828f18 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4dmineb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4drubyb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4drubyb.lay
index ad04010d74d..2b598071739 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4drubyb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4duckqa.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4duckqa.lay
index 8717c967c76..747e34d496b 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4dyna.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4dyna.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4eascsc.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4eascsc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4fever.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4fever.lay
index 458f307ea39..8732bc1f2a6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4fever.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4fire.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4fire.lay
index f2c5f091a63..e795dd722a0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4fire.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4fpitcb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4fpitcb.lay
index f633feef60a..15340e68394 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4fpitcb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4fpitcb.lay
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 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.06" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8.00">
+		<text string="£8.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£8">
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+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4ftopib.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4ftopib.lay
index 1e2f988d298..249a63189ca 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4ftopib.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4ftopib.lay
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+		<text string="£25.00+">
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+		<text string="£25.00 ">
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+		<text string="£5.00  ">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4fullt.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4fullt.lay
index 04c54bddd45..f8ec35ad7a7 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4fullt.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4fwpcs.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4fwpcs.lay
index a217d16ed1c..8fe44c444aa 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gaga.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gaga.lay
index c7c67f00713..29a893bf042 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4gaga.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gball.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gball.lay
index 71673da7ef9..7f2e2e6cf7a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4gball.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gd.lay
index f645da95711..012fd753aad 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4gd.lay
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+		<text string="£10 Note Acceptor">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 Note Acceptor">
+		<text string="£5 Note Acceptor">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;20 Note Acceptor">
+		<text string="£20 Note Acceptor">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10 +Rep">
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+		<text string="£15 +Rep">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 +Rep">
+		<text string="£4 +Rep">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3 +Rep">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gdclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gdclb.lay
index c76c37e475d..bd85f9aa296 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4gdclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4ggdlxf.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4ggdlxf.lay
index eca15a87f7d..e5eae82c1af 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4ggdlxf.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gldcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gldcl.lay
index c0210d82896..0bc452f16be 100644
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-		<text string="x3 = &#xA3;4">
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 	<element name="label_202">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gslam.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gslam.lay
index f967141ea24..f07e4b47306 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4gslam.lay
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+		<text string="£20">
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+		<text string="£50">
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+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£20">
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+		<text string="£50">
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+		<text string="£20">
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+		<text string="£100">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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+		<text string="£500">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;100">
+		<text string="£100">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
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@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£500">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1000">
+		<text string="£1000">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1000">
+		<text string="£1000">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4gx.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4gx.lay
index 517dbfbb7db..59283a37f4b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4gx.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4gx.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_5">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_15">
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hdd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hdd.lay
index 3f68c365ed1..3f9d2f00f5b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hdd.lay
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+		<text string="£7">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hi5.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hi5.lay
index 8b69a91b060..8cef6d82743 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hi5.lay
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+		<text string="£5.00">
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£5">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hilo.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hilo.lay
index 61527a4b8c8..8e79fb5e396 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hilo.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1o">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4himi.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4himi.lay
index fdfd4544f6f..980e997ed9c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4himi.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hissa.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hissa.lay
index 377c9fd8c3b..a851311f8f9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hissa.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4holyw.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4holyw.lay
index 6187b4b5cef..d4dc27de457 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4holyw.lay
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+		<text string="£15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_21">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hotpr.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hotpr.lay
index fcad114869e..8abdb8eca43 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hotpr.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5 + HI LO">
+		<text string="£5 + HI LO">
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+		<text string="£8.00">
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+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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+		<text string="£2.40">
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+		<text string="£1.60">
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+		<text string="£10.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12.00">
+		<text string="£12.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hotwd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hotwd.lay
index 58923868fdb..3966aa742d4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hotwd.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4hotwd.lay
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+		<text string="£10">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5 rp">
+		<text string="£5 rp">
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+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4 rp">
+		<text string="£4 rp">
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+		<text string="£5">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4hyde.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4hyde.lay
index 0f70f0cca85..4daaa9ae5e4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4hyde.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4jack.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4jack.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4kalei.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4kalei.lay
index 26a0fc7057d..8ef69e5fa23 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4knokb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4knokb.lay
index d95b3736510..977e46a0f40 100644
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+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_71">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4lined.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4lined.lay
index dd92c159eb7..55071298e0c 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4lined.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4lined.lay
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_23">
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4lions.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4lions.lay
index 7afbdb43e61..a92c2c0e54f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4lions.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4lions.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3; x 1">
+		<text string="£ x 1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3; + 2">
+		<text string="£ + 2">
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@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3; x 1">
+		<text string="£ x 1">
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@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -590,7 +590,7 @@
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£8">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -650,7 +650,7 @@
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£10">
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@@ -750,7 +750,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£4">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4lirb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4lirb.lay
index 91f882cb143..4f2be5e6df8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4lirb.lay
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.">
+		<text string="£4.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.">
+		<text string="£5.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3,">
+		<text string="£3,">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.">
+		<text string="£2.">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;.7.">
+		<text string="£.7.">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 RPT">
+		<text string="£15 RPT">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
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+		<text string="£10.">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4lkbcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4lkbcl.lay
index c51a4bb16c7..3e5263db63a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4lkbcl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4lkbcl.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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-		<text string="     &#xA3;">
+		<text string="     £">
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@@ -2150,7 +2150,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="     £">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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@@ -2482,7 +2482,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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@@ -2502,7 +2502,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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@@ -2806,7 +2806,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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@@ -2826,7 +2826,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -3382,7 +3382,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4lockb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4lockb.lay
index 2e70c5ecea0..186de4a3c23 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4lockb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4lockb.lay
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15 +rc">
+		<text string="£15 +rc">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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@@ -1330,7 +1330,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -1378,7 +1378,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
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 		</text>
@@ -3096,7 +3096,7 @@
 		</text>
 	</element>
 	<element name="label_85">
-		<text string="25p / &#xA3;15">
+		<text string="25p / £15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mgr.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mgr.lay
index 6f55e9c45bb..c086485959a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mgr.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4mgr.lay
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00">
+		<text string="£25.00">
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+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mmmg.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mmmg.lay
index 841b4d714f6..259e3480f46 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mmmg.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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+		<text string="£4.00">
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+		<text string="£8.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
+		<text string="£6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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+		<text string="£5.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mondxe.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mondxe.lay
index 5463775a490..a544d3b77c3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mondxe.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4mondxe.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4monoba.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4monoba.lay
index 9c8e0f5d5ac..5c66891762d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4monoba.lay
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+		<text string="£3.00">
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+		<text string="£3.20">
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+		<text string="£3.60">
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+		<text string="£4.00">
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+		<text string="£4.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -1522,7 +1522,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4monot.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4monot.lay
index b1e9b5245cc..e5b2ef67f4a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4monot.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25.">
+		<text string="£25.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.">
+		<text string="£4.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.">
+		<text string="£2.">
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@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8.">
+		<text string="£8.">
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@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12.">
+		<text string="£12.">
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@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15.">
+		<text string="£15.">
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@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_6">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4motor.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4motor.lay
index 8da10244aa0..a33c90f0d1f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4motor.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4motor.lay
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+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£8">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£2">
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+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mou.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mou.lay
index 0cd102142db..c9c3a563e02 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mou.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4mou.lay
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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+		<text string="£20">
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@@ -1198,7 +1198,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;12">
+		<text string="£12">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25 Cash">
+		<text string="£25 Cash">
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -1898,7 +1898,7 @@
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£25">
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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+		<text string="£3">
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+		<text string="£10">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.60">
+		<text string="£3.60">
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+		<text string="£4">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mr2rc.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mr2rc.lay
index df3f769543e..6a9113e3859 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mr2rc.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4mr2rc.lay
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
+		<text string="£2.50">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
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@@ -3586,7 +3586,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mspid.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mspid.lay
index 60ba7a2538d..52f51b17373 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mspid.lay
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+		<text string="£25">
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 	<element name="label_38">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mtbb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mtbb.lay
index 7079dad7015..de459762227 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mtbb.lay
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@@ -2266,7 +2266,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.">
+		<text string="£4.">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5.">
+		<text string="£5.">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4mtbclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4mtbclb.lay
index 811b831faea..86d273ac9fe 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4mtbclb.lay
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+		<text string="£100">
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+		<text string="£20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;75">
+		<text string="£75">
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+		<text string="£50">
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@@ -1202,7 +1202,7 @@
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+		<text string="£40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;500">
+		<text string="£500">
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@@ -1266,7 +1266,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1000">
+		<text string="£1000">
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@@ -1382,7 +1382,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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+		<text string="£500">
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+		<text string="£250">
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+		<text string="£150">
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+		<text string="£100">
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+		<text string="£50">
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+		<text string="£40">
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@@ -1966,7 +1966,7 @@
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+		<text string="£15">
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@@ -1986,7 +1986,7 @@
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+		<text string="£20">
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@@ -2006,7 +2006,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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+		<text string="£30">
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@@ -2046,7 +2046,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;35">
+		<text string="£35">
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@@ -2066,7 +2066,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
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@@ -2086,7 +2086,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;9">
+		<text string="£9">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6">
+		<text string="£6">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -2166,7 +2166,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -2206,7 +2206,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;7">
+		<text string="£7">
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+		<text string="£1000">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4nmtj.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4nmtj.lay
index 31bc8c9af94..57747fc6851 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4nmtj.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4nudita.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4nudita.lay
index ff58f9b6c53..c869983c121 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4nudita.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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 	<element name="label_29">
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 	<element name="label_32">
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 	<element name="label_33">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
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 	<element name="label_34">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4paccl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4paccl.lay
index 6c25ee00c8b..25ff0f7dab9 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4paccl.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4pacqpa.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4pacqpa.lay
index 2355226a447..acdc97a2006 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4pacqpa.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4pgold.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4pgold.lay
index 36c82bc76aa..6636afa6049 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4pgold.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4pipe.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4pipe.lay
index 5d3f8377377..4cfeeb22764 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4pipe.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4plumb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4plumb.lay
index 831228eb7c3..27e49a80af8 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4po8.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4po8.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4polic.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4polic.lay
index 6e42505bc99..69d41aaae6a 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4pony.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4pony.lay
index ee9c691dd8f..a7c101a4968 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4pony.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4potsha.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4potsha.lay
index 3bd2ef0cb9f..73e7aeb5e80 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4potsha.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4ppclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4ppclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4pstata.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4pstata.lay
index cd21c680514..c79a4790d30 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4pstata.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4pwrbq.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4pwrbq.lay
index ca29c2a2987..95998ba4469 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4pwrbq.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4qmodo.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4qmodo.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4quidrb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4quidrb.lay
index 7b1ae43e79c..1f0ddd75b8a 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4redsq.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4redsq.lay
index bcb83ceceeb..9e8be26b123 100644
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;7.00">
+		<text string="£7.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
+		<text string="£1.50">
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
+		<text string="£2.00">
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 			<color red="0.13" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
+		<text string="£2.50">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcl.lay
index 1dadbc350e8..43f4cecde41 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcl.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcl.lay
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.00" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;250">
+		<text string="£250">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_33">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcsa.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcsa.lay
index 28e1a130165..db3c7e7585a 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4rhxcsa.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.19" green="0.19" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.">
+		<text string="£5.">
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@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.19" green="0.19" blue="0.19"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;35.">
+		<text string="£35.">
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 		</text>
@@ -474,7 +474,7 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_319">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4richl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4richl.lay
index 367e70d4864..b30b8a1f2ee 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4richl.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£">
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+		<text string="£">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£15 Jackpot">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£15 Jackpot">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15 Jackpot">
+		<text string="£15 Jackpot">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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+		<text string="£2.40">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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 		</rect>
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+		<text string="£1.20">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
+		<text string="£15.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4rmo.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4rmo.lay
index fe796b6cdca..8f97b119b86 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4rmo.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4rmo.lay
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4rogds.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4rogds.lay
index 907baa37c5b..818f01a5d56 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4rogds.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4roksc.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4roksc.lay
index 00861b744d0..c2d8794d9b0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4roksc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4rtc.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4rtc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4sahed.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4sahed.lay
index 21d8a818adf..2057f47a3bc 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4sbust.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4sbust.lay
index 1f0918f399e..f74571772bf 100644
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+		<text string="£5">
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+		<text string="£2">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4slci.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4slci.lay
index 1a29af15d4a..f4a91d2f09e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4slci.lay
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+		<text string="£1">
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4slihd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4slihd.lay
index 70d9d527679..bbe487c4041 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4slihd.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4smk7.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4smk7.lay
index 8a107c2e558..77502aff980 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4smk7.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4solgl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4solgl.lay
index d60488a38b4..150e1f95a60 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4solgl.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4sparkd.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4sparkd.lay
index 1e318d0dba5..970b59f2cc8 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4sprng.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4sprng.lay
index acf9005e7e0..1e750d32c72 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4sprng.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4srrca.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4srrca.lay
index d675e07357f..c85b0848557 100644
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4starpk.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4starpk.lay
index 0d75b9c19b5..9ec8cf3ef4d 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4starpk.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4strk.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4strk.lay
index 80ffd5a9363..d94c0a558e0 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4strk.lay
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@@ -493,7 +493,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4suscl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4suscl.lay
index b5ac5c109de..f7ab57c343f 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4suscl.lay
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3602,7 +3602,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -3622,7 +3622,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;35">
+		<text string="£35">
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@@ -3642,7 +3642,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;50">
+		<text string="£50">
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@@ -3662,7 +3662,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;40">
+		<text string="£40">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3682,7 +3682,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3702,7 +3702,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;30">
+		<text string="£30">
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@@ -3722,7 +3722,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;20">
+		<text string="£20">
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 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3742,7 +3742,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;15">
+		<text string="£15">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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@@ -3762,7 +3762,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3782,7 +3782,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;60">
+		<text string="£60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3802,7 +3802,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;8">
+		<text string="£8">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -3822,7 +3822,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;250">
+		<text string="£250">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4susk.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4susk.lay
index 5d666d2c4b9..8ed731fd096 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4susk.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4susk.lay
@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1rep">
+		<text string="£1rep">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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 		</text>
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1rep">
+		<text string="£1rep">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
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@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
 		</disk>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
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@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5rep">
+		<text string="£5rep">
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@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5rep">
+		<text string="£5rep">
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@@ -450,7 +450,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
+		<text string="£4">
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@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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@@ -530,7 +530,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3rep">
+		<text string="£3rep">
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@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@
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@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@
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@@ -590,7 +590,7 @@
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@@ -630,7 +630,7 @@
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@@ -670,7 +670,7 @@
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@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@
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@@ -730,7 +730,7 @@
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@@ -750,7 +750,7 @@
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@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@
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+		<text string="£4rep">
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@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@
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@@ -810,7 +810,7 @@
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@@ -830,7 +830,7 @@
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@@ -850,7 +850,7 @@
 		<disk state="0">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
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@@ -3538,7 +3538,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2.50">
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@@ -3578,7 +3578,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4">
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@@ -3598,7 +3598,7 @@
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
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@@ -3618,7 +3618,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.50">
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@@ -3638,7 +3638,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.04" green="0.06" blue="0.25"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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@@ -3658,7 +3658,7 @@
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@@ -3678,7 +3678,7 @@
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@@ -3698,7 +3698,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
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@@ -3902,7 +3902,7 @@
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 			<color red="0.25" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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@@ -3926,7 +3926,7 @@
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@@ -3946,7 +3946,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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@@ -3970,7 +3970,7 @@
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@@ -3990,7 +3990,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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@@ -4010,7 +4010,7 @@
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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@@ -4030,7 +4030,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4taekw.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4taekw.lay
index f6ede392d93..cb781ac80f4 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4taekw.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4takcl.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4takcl.lay
index 2278cb8afe0..678b7b04e3e 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4takcl.lay
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@@ -2709,31 +2709,31 @@
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_152">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 	<element name="label_153">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 	<element name="label_154">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 	<element name="label_155">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 	<element name="label_156">
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+		<text string="£10">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tbana.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tbana.lay
index dafffb3f233..6840bb2f9e3 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tbana.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00">
+		<text string="£25.00">
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.13"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00">
+		<text string="£5.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.40">
+		<text string="£2.40">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
+		<text string="£3.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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 	</element>
 	<element name="label_113">
-		<text string="&#xA3;">
+		<text string="£">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tempt.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tempt.lay
index 0b69a4df59e..5a5010eb18b 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tempt.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2.00">
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@@ -3662,7 +3662,7 @@
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tfclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tfclb.lay
index 9c6cdc16efe..52e88e310db 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tfclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tic2.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tic2.lay
index f7ca1584adb..2ca71e5c516 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tic2.lay
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 	<element name="label_35">
-		<text string="&#xA3;10">
+		<text string="£10">
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 	<element name="label_36">
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
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 	<element name="label_37">
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+		<text string="£3">
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 	<element name="label_38">
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+		<text string="£2">
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@@ -597,7 +597,7 @@
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+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tload.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tload.lay
index f1dba01f87f..cc768b01171 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tload.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4tload.lay
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 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.06"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25.00">
+		<text string="£25.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;15.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;10.00">
+		<text string="£10.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;6.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
+		<text string="£4.00">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;3.00">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tpshta.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tpshta.lay
index 7ddf021b501..5e1089c69fa 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tpshta.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4trail.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4trail.lay
index 8e174672eb3..3d6b379d0b8 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4trail.lay
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+		<text string="£15">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4tridn.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4tridn.lay
index c4696d4dc57..200a48da882 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4tridn.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4ttomb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4ttomb.lay
index 73a9cd12640..fb10fd3f765 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4ttomb.lay
+++ b/src/mame/layout/sc4ttomb.lay
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 			<color red="0.00" green="0.13" blue="0.25"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5.00 repeater">
+		<text string="£5.00 repeater">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 turbo cash">
+		<text string="£2 turbo cash">
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+		<text string="£3 repeater">
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+		<text string="£5 turbo cash">
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-		<text string="&#xA3;2 Repeater">
+		<text string="£2 Repeater">
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+		<text string="£3 turbo cash">
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4vrgclb.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4vrgclb.lay
index 8f5eccd38bd..11e6875dbb6 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4vrgclb.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4wldjkc.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4wldjkc.lay
index 96bbf7061f6..e66f4f82724 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4wldjkc.lay
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diff --git a/src/mame/layout/sc4xmarka.lay b/src/mame/layout/sc4xmarka.lay
index b7f2e9a1fc0..17f80d2b1b5 100644
--- a/src/mame/layout/sc4xmarka.lay
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-		<text string="&#xA3;4.00">
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@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.00">
+		<text string="£1.00">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.20">
+		<text string="£1.20">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1.60">
+		<text string="£1.60">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.00" green="0.25" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.90"/>
 		</text>
@@ -846,7 +846,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;5">
+		<text string="£5">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1038,7 +1038,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;1">
+		<text string="£1">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1110,7 +1110,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;25">
+		<text string="£25">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1182,7 +1182,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1414,7 +1414,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;2">
+		<text string="£2">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
@@ -1754,7 +1754,7 @@
 		<rect state="0">
 			<color red="0.25" green="0.13" blue="0.00"/>
 		</rect>
-		<text string="&#xA3;3">
+		<text string="£3">
 			<color red="0.0" green="0.0" blue="0.0"/>
 			<bounds x="0.05" y="0.05" width="0.90" height="0.45"/>
 		</text>
diff --git a/src/mame/shared/awpvid.cpp b/src/mame/shared/awpvid.cpp
index fbe4e82e991..919cf57672b 100644
--- a/src/mame/shared/awpvid.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/shared/awpvid.cpp
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
     originally written for AGEMAME by J.Wallace, enhanced by D.Haywood
 
     This is a primitive handler for generating reels with multiple symbols visible
-    hanging off steppers.c .
+    hanging off steppers.cpp .
 
     TODO: Add any lamping persistance simulations we need.