Criminal charges are being laid against Freeport Gardens Bingo organiser Mr.

Neil Inchcup and DeFontes Broadcasting Television Ltd.

Mr. Inchcup and the TV company have already been slapped with a writ designed to kill off Saturday night bingo.

The writ followed a Police probe into TV bingo and possible breaches of Bermuda's laws against gambling and lotteries.

Yesterday Crown Counsel Mr. Peter DeJulio confirmed his chambers were contemplating criminal charges.

"I haven't heard whether they have been laid yet,'' he said.

On the planned injunction, Mr. DeJulio said the Crown were waiting for "additional documentation'' from the defendants.

He added the charges and the proposed injunction were part of a "two-pronged'' legal assault on bingo.

VSB boss Mr. Kenny DeFontes has already pledged TV bingo would continue on Saturdays -- despite the legal controversy.

He has also questioned why a writ has not been served on Bermuda Broadcasting Company for holding bingo at Southampton Rangers.

Freeport Gardens is represented by lawyer Mr. Richard Hector, who could not be reached for comment last night.