Lucky bingo night in Exeter leads to major win for local couple

An Exeter woman’s regular bingo night turned into an unforgettable evening when she scooped a £20,000 jackpot at Mecca Bingo on North Street before winning two more prizes the very same night.

Mecca Bingo Exeter, based on North Street, has been part of the city’s entertainment scene for decades and continues to draw regular players for its community-focused events and games.

Local resident Sharon Discombe, who has been playing bingo for more than 30 years, hit the full house during Mecca’s nationwide Mega Money Live game earlier this month. The win came as a shock to the 61-year-old grandmother, who was playing alongside her husband, Darren.

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Describing her experience, Sharon said: “I was focused on dabbing the numbers off on my paper ticket, but something just told me to look at my tablet and I was just two numbers away from a full house! I leaned across to my husband and said, ‘I need 58 and 47.’ As I said ‘58,’ it came up, and then ‘47’ followed straight after!” 

Sharon, reflecting on the win, said: “I can’t describe the reaction in the club. It just erupted. Everyone was cheering and clapping. I mouthed ‘£20,000’ to my husband and he did the same back to me. We couldn’t believe it. I was crying and shaking.” 

Recently launching their wheelchair-accessible taxi service in Exeter, the couple, Sharon and Darren, say the winnings will help them expand their business and support more people in the community. 

Sharon explained that “a lot of taxis don’t take wheelchair users, but ours are specially adapted. My husband bought a new taxi that evening, and it means we can keep growing and helping others. It's the best feeling to win this prize.” 

The business, which operates locally, provides transport for wheelchair users to get to appointments, shopping trips and social outings, offering a more inclusive service for those with mobility challenges.

According to Mecca Bingo Exeter assistant manager Jackie Andrew, the atmosphere in the club was electric when the win was announced. Jackie added: “When Sharon’s win was announced, she was in complete shock, shaking so much she had to hand the tablet to her husband. The place was in uproar; everyone was cheering. It was just incredible to witness.”

Jackie, a bingo fan herself before joining the Mecca team three years ago, said: “I just love bingo! I love everything about it. Seeing one of our regular players win and celebrate with the community is what makes this job so special.” 

Following the win, Sharon went on to claim two more £100 prizes the same night, rounding off a hat-trick of victories.