Woman’s Own bingo

Elvira Mcfadyen, 60, from Greenock, was shocked at her jackpot win

As I picked up a copy of Woman’s Own, back in May 2016, I started to read one of the stories. It was a feature on a woman who had won two jackpots on the bingo – amazing.

As I read her story I became curious – I’d played bingo in the past, but her excitement about the entertaining online bingo community, and her colourful description of the fun games, made me want to give Woman’s Own Bingo a try.

I was warmly welcomed. Everyone was chatting about different games and giving me advice on what game to play. It was nice to find such a friendly community.

Over the next couple of years, I played different games, like the slots, but always came back to the Sapphire room. Sapphire Bingo reminded me of the traditional bingo games played in the Bingo halls. It’s a 90-ball room where you can win a cash prize on one or two lines, or a Full House.

A year ago, I even won £250 and couldn’t believe it. I spent it on a nice meal out and a new dress.

Then in January this year I won big. I’d been playing Sapphire Bingo on my phone that Saturday evening back in January. ‘Shall we go out?’ my sister had asked earlier. We were thinking of going to a local social club to meet up with friends. ‘I’m a bit tired,’ I said to my sister later that day by text, ‘shall we go out next weekend instead?’ She agreed and we both decided to stay in. So, in front of the TV, I started playing bingo on my phone, with my partner sitting next to me.

‘It’s such a friendly community’

Winning numbers

I decided to spend 60p on six tickets. As I played the game, very quickly, one by one, my numbers started to come up and soon I just needed one more number to win the Full House – I couldn’t believe it… ‘I’ve won £1,000,’ I screamed at the top of my voice when my number was called. I was in shock.

‘Wow!’ exclaimed my partner. ‘Really? That’s amazing!’

Smiles crept on both our faces and we kept looking at my phone to check that it was actually real. But it was – I’d won £1,000. As we clinked glasses later that night it still hadn’t really sunk in.

I went to bed dreaming about how I would spend my winnings. But as I woke up the next day the excitement seemed all the more real.

‘I love the excitement in the bingo rooms! ’

‘What shall I spend the money on?’ I said to my work colleagues, ‘There’s just so much I want to do.’ I could get a new wardrobe, go for a fancy meal, or get that new telly I had my eye on. But then I knew exactly what I should spend it on – some sunshine. I hadn’t had a nice holiday in a while and wanted to treat myself. Three months later, in April this year, as I lay in the sun, with my sisters and nieces, I smiled. With my winnings I’d booked a holiday to sunny Benidorm and I was having the time of my life.

Getting away from it all

We soaked up the sun in the day and went for lovely meals in the evening. We laughed so much, and it was great to get away for a week and just completely relax.

Some of my friends have signed up to Woman’s Own Bingo now as well and have won too. I’m so happy for them.

I still can’t believe I won such a big amount – what a nice surprise!

I’ll keep on playing. I just love that buzz of excitement in the bingo rooms!