A WOMAN started shaking when she had to check her numbers after she was told she had won £1,000.
The mystery player from Paisley in Scotland was “shaking and burst into tears with shock” after learning that she actually won £125,000.
She had made a last-minute decision to attend the event that evening and ended up scooping the jackpot at the National Bingo Game.
Connor Wilson, the caller on the night, describes the extraordinary event.
“The winner shouted house and initially thought she’d won £1,000, which she was really pleased with,” he said.
“When we verified her win and clarified that she’d actually won £125,000 she started shaking and burst into tears with shock.
“I offered her a bottle of bubbly to celebrate but she just wanted a cup of tea!”
Independent charity Gamble Aware offers the following advice
When someone is gambling too much, they might start struggling to pay their bills, or taking out loans and overdrafts to cover their spending.
This can lead to financial stress. It might be tempting to try and chase your losses, but this often leads to even bigger losses.
When someone is gambling, it might start to impact their performance at work, their personal relationships, and their social life.
Gambling has the potential to become an addictive behaviour. This means it can lead people to act in ways that might seem ‘out of character’ or feel hard to explain.
The National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for free support and advice on 0808 8020 133 or via live chat.
You can call the Samaritans who will listen and let you chat through whatever you need to talk about. It’s free and available 24/7 on 116 123, or find out other ways to contact them here.
You can speak to your GP who will be able to refer you to specialist support should they feel you need it.
Samaritans helpline is free and confidential, and open 24/7. They’re here to listen, and they’re waiting for your call on 116 123.
You can also call then if you’re worried about someone else, or find out more at: www.samaritans.or
The winner, who wants to remain anonymous, regularly plays bingo with her family at the venue on Saucel Crescent.
Connor says the club erupted with cheers when he broke the news over the microphone.
He said: “It was our Big Money Weekend, and with the National Game’s special jackpot too, the club was busier than ever.
“When we realised the size of her prize I could barely get the words out.
“I was so excited for her, I almost felt like I’d won it myself!”
And after three years of making winners, Connor will be hanging up his mike this summer, as he embarks on a new career as a teacher, as reported by What’s The Jam.
He added: “It’s wonderful to give away a prize this big to one of our lovely regulars before I leave.”
General manager at Mecca Bingo Paisley, Grant Munro, added: “We’re always thrilled for our winners but to scoop £125,000 on the National Bingo Game jackpot is a real cause for celebration – with whichever tipple you prefer!”
The National Bingo Game is played twice a day during 364 days a year at all Mecca Clubs.
