Listen to this article:Many bingo players like to bring their personal lucky charms along with them to the club or keep them close by when playing online. Normally, lucky charms come in the form of trinkets or items of clothing; however, for those in Stockton, it appears their lucky charm is likely to be the bingo caller.
31-year-old Jess Heron began working as a bingo caller at Mecca Bingo Stockton just 18 months ago, but she has quickly become known for bringing players good fortune. Heron is now affectionately known as “Jackpot Jess” and she has been awarding players with average prize money of £66,000 a week. So far, Jackpot Jess has called bingo for £4.8 million in prizes.
It wouldn’t be the first time a Mecca bingo caller turned out to be a lucky charm—earlier this year, a lucky Luton bingo caller was credited with a string of wins that had regulars convinced her presence brought a winning streak.
Jackpot Jess has been described as having an “unmistakable voice and a grin that lights up the room”. On one memorable day, she handed out five jackpot prizes, each worth a considerable sum.
Furthermore, she isn’t just becoming known with the local regular players, Jess is part of a new generation of bingo callers who are key to the game’s popularity with under 35s. In fact, more than 40% of Mecca Bingo’s new customers are under 35 years old as they go in search of an affordable night out that includes food, drinks, entertainment, themed events, and the chance of big prizes.
Speaking about her time as a bingo caller, Jackpot Jess said:
“People say I have the magic touch. I don’t know about that, but I do know I’ve called more jackpot wins than I can count. Being the one to tell someone they’ve just hit the jackpot and reveal how much they’ve won… there’s just nothing like it. One of my favourite moments was a £50K National Bingo Game jackpot win on a Tuesday night. The whole room lit up – it turned an ordinary evening into something unforgettable, and we all celebrated together. Whether it’s my lucky charm status or just the fact that I’m around the same age, I notice that we have a lot of under 35s show up when I’m on shift – and I’m not complaining!”
Bingo, somewhat unfairly, is still associated with retirees and pensioners, and Jess has said that non-bingo players are frequently surprised when they learn how many younger people come to play. However, she says that she regularly sees groups of friends enjoying cocktails on Friday nights.
Jess explained:
“It’s not just a game – it’s a community. It’s amazing to watch a new generation embrace the game, and they’re loving everything about it. From the affordable drinks to the electric atmosphere, it’s a refreshing alternative to the typical night out.”
It seems that Jess herself is unable to resist the world of bingo. She began her career in bingo calling when she was just 18. After moving back home, she switched to a “normal job” but soon became dissatisfied:
“It wasn’t quite the thrill I was used to! When I saw the job opening at Mecca, I knew I had to jump back in. It’s like one big happy family here, and it’s such an incredible feeling telling people they’ve won. I’ve made calls that mean people can go on their first-ever holiday or put a deposit down on their first house – it’s pretty cool.”
The National Bingo Game jackpot was last won in Stockton in June 2024. However, there are daily chances to take part and numerous bingo games every day at Mecca Bingo Stockton. While Jackpot Jess won’t be there to call for all of them, if you’re local, it sounds like it’s definitely worth making an effort to take part in a game when she’s on shift.
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