A man who operated an illegal bingo network from his home in Belfast between 2020 and 2022 has avoided a jail sentence, despite pleading guilty to possessing criminal property worth almost £55,000.
Police visited the home of Connor McAreavey twice during the period to investigate breaches of lockdown regulations, and found the 36-year-old to be running a series of unlicensed raffles and bingo games.
“Whether this offending was through naivety or otherwise, it is so serious that the public needs to be protected from unregulated operations,” said Judge Catherine Chasemore, who sentenced McAreavey to a ten month suspended sentence at Belfast Crown Court on 15 December.
Speaking on behalf of the PSNI’s Economic Crime Unit, detective chief inspector Uel Boyd said those involved in unlicensed gambling “will be detected, investigated and ultimately prosecuted.”
“We work alongside partner agencies and licensing authorities to investigate reports, follow financial and intelligence leads, and ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.”
Originally published on Coinslot on January 4, 2026. Republished with permission.