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A 36-year-old man from the Belfast area, in Northern Ireland, was sentenced this week (December 15) for offenses linked to the operation of a illegal bingo business and online raffle from his home address.
the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) provided the update, saying the man had entered an earlier guilty plea to two offences. The penalties are for “organizing or directing illegal gaming, and possession of criminal property.”
As a result, the man was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for 12 months.
Bingo slips and dabbers were seized during the search of the illegal bingo enterprise
According to Detective Sergeant Torrance from the Economic Crime Unit of the Police Service of the force, the investigation into this case began in 2020.
Man sentenced for operating illegal bingo business.https://t.co/NuSngEjY6O pic.twitter.com/Qh7TFo6sL7
— Police Belfast City Center (@PSNIBelfast) December 15, 2025
“In Northern Ireland this is an illegal offense under the Betting, Gaming, Lottery and Entertainment (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
“We have initiated inquiries starting with the analysis of bank accounts which reveal transactions over a three-year period linked to evidence of a bingo and raffle enterprise.”
A house and car were also searched and evidence related to bingo such as bingo slips, bingo dabbers, delivery cards, raffle tickets, bingo cards, cash, and other items were seized.
“Electronic items were also taken from the property for further analysis documenting the numerous bingo recordings that took place on the premises.
“We also worked with the local council who advised on an application that was not accepted to operate a bingo business – and our inquiries with HMRC also documented income inequality.
“McAreavey made substantial financial gains from this operation. The profits were also used to help fund a second unrelated business run by the defendant.”
DCI, Uel Boyd, of the PSNI Economic Crime Unit further warned people against these types of activities: “Anyone involved in unlicensed gambling will be detected, investigated and ultimately prosecuted.
“We are working with partner agencies and licensing authorities to investigate reports, follow up on financial and intelligence leads, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
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