Crime in Bingo

Bingo is not usually seen as an activity that is associated with crime, but judging but recent stories it my be that it is now attracting some unsavoury characters. In the last couple of weeks we’ve told you of the cheeky player who claimed a jackpot win that wasn’t hers, along with a woman who was mugged for her winnings, but the trouble seems to be more widespread.

A Blakenell couple recently run into trouble for continuing to claim income support, council tax and housing benefits despite having won £52,540 playing bingo. The deception lasted for 2 years, in which time they’d fraudulently claimed £20,000. Mr Bannister ended up with a 3 month sentence whilst his wife escaped with a 6 week suspended sentence and 80 hours of community service. The money was apparently spent on things such as a wedding and a breast implant operation, and none has been recovered.

Online bingo players have also got into trouble, with a woman recently receiving a 8 month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Sujata Chaudhry was caught after having stolen £12,519 from her employer, NETA, a training charity. She was said to have become obsessed with the game, resorting to theft to fund her habit after running up huge debts on her credit cards

The lesson learned is, that if you scoop a large win and are claiming benefits, then check with the authorities if this alters anything. Also bingo is a fun activity and certainly should not be the cause of you turning to crime to pay for it. The best rule is to only play with whatever you can afford to lose, as after all there are only a limited amount of winners.

Related bingo news:

1. Bingo crime doesn’t pay!
2. Cheeky £500 Jackpot Win
3. Bingo club raid unsuccessful
4. Online bingo addict jailed
5. Lottery winner jailed