A woman from the North East was overcome with emotion after landing a £100,000 jackpot at Mecca Bingo in Gateshead from a ticket that cost just £2. The long-time player won the life-changing prize during a special nationwide bingo game celebrating the final evening of National Bingo Week last month.
The finale to National Bingo Week brought together players in venues across the UK for a one-time game hosted by The Bingo Association. The rules were simple: the first person to call “house” after matching all their numbers would walk away with £100,000, double the normal jackpot in the daily National Bingo Games.
Kris Maughan, the General Manager of Mecca Gateshead, said:
“The excitement in the room had been building and when our player shouted ‘House’ on just 19 calls, we knew she was in with a chance.”
The bingo caller, Oli Hobbs, who officially confirmed the win, described the exciting moment:
“Everyone started cheering and whooping, and the winner, who thought she’d won £1,000, burst into tears when I told her she’d actually won £100k. She was absolutely dumbfounded at such a big win on a £2 ticket.”
Almost all major online bingo sites participate in the Association’s initiative, giving players the chance to win big while enjoying their favourite game.
While in complete shock over her win, the woman phoned her husband to tell him the exciting news, but he refused to believe it. Hobbs explained that she gave the phone to him and that he confirmed to her husband that they were £100,000 richer. Hobbs added that he has worked as a caller at Mecca Gateshead for four years and that he loves “seeing the joy that bingo can bring.”
Miles Baron, chief executive of The Bingo Association, said:
“I’m delighted that the National Bingo Game jackpot of £100,000 was won by a customer from Gateshead; an area with a great tradition of playing bingo. National Bingo Week is all about celebrating the joy of the game and the amazing community around it and this win was certainly a fitting end to the celebrations. Huge congratulations to our winners and everyone who’s been part of the festivities.”
Located in the heart of Tyne & Wear, Mecca venue Gateshead also serves as a lively community hub where people can enjoy more than bingo. The venue has a welcoming environment for all, with friendly staff and a strong sense of community among regulars. Its spacious seating area, accessibility features, and modern amenities make it one of the leading venues in the North East.
Visitors can choose between traditional paper bingo and easy-to-use electronic terminals. The club often hosts special themed events, which always draw in a crowd, particularly during festive seasons such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
Beyond the games, Mecca Bingo Gateshead has all you need for an enjoyable experience. The on-site bar and diner serve a variety of food and drinks, from traditional British meals to lighter bites and desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack between games or a proper meal, the refreshments on offer will keep you going.
The club has a large car park with over 200 spaces, and there are also excellent public transport links, which make it easily accessible for locals and visitors. It opens daily with multiple session times, including midday, afternoon, and evening games, so there are plenty of chances to join the fun.
While you may have to wait for next year’s National Bingo Week to have the chance to play for a £100,000 bingo jackpot for just £2 again, there are still daily chances to win big at Mecca Gateshead, and if you’re in the area, it is certainly worth a visit.