20 years ago an Isle of Wight teenager believed she had won the national bingo jackpot at Ryde’s Commodore – but she wasn’t old enough to claim the prize.
On 5th March 2006, among the players at Commodore was a teenage girl, reportedly playing for the first time.
When she called ‘house’ after just 35 numbers, there was hesitation rather than celebration. Regulars assumed she had made a mistake. Some thought she had completed only a single line. But as the numbers were checked and rechecked, disbelief turned into astonishment. She had the full house.
Not only had she secured the £1,969 house prize, but she had also taken the £200,000 national jackpot – a life-changing sum.
The reaction inside the hall was immediate and emotional. Applause broke out. But then came the discovery that would change everything… The winner was not 18, as she had declared. She was 17.
Under UK gaming law, players must be at least 18 to take part. Once her true age was confirmed, the decision was clear. The claim was ruled invalid. The £200,000 would not be paid.
Instead, the jackpot went to a man in London who had called house after 36 numbers — just 1 number later than the Isle of Wight teenager.
Seems like only yesterday, how time flies.
Where have the last 20 years gone!
To shit.