Full House Jackpot Puts Sam and Bethany on the Path to Their First Home

14 AUGUST 2025:  Sam Smitherman and his partner Bethany are a huge step closer to fulfilling their dream of buying their first home, after he claimed a ‘full house’ and walked away with a staggering £50,000 jackpot win at Mecca Bingo in Acocks Green this month.

31-year-old Sam from Wythall had joined Bethany at the club on Stockfield Road on Wednesday 6th August to celebrate a family birthday. By the end of the evening, they were £50,000 closer to getting on the property ladder, and buying their first house with a garden and playroom for their one-year-old daughter. 

Earlier that night, Sam thought his luck had peaked with a modest £10 win. But when playing the National Bingo Game, his numbers came in again - and he claimed a ‘full house’ within the first 16 numbers being called, triggering the huge £50,000 jackpot. 

Image: Michelle Duffy, assistant manager, Mecca Acocks Green

When the club erupted in cheers, Sam misheard the announcement and believed he’d won £15,000. Moments later, when the real total was revealed at more than three times that amount, shock set in.

Sam shared: “It didn’t feel real! We only ever go to the bingo for a bit of fun, and the most I’ve won is about £90. When they told me it was £50,000, I was in complete shock. I still had to be up early the next morning for work and to take my daughter to nursery, so I just went home, called my parents and had a cup of tea and biscuits in bed! It hadn’t sunk in - I felt like I was in a dream!’’ 

Currently renting a flat, Sam and Bethany have been saving hard to buy their first property, with their sights set on securing a larger family home. Now, thanks to his incredible win at Mecca Bingo, that dream is within reach. 

“We’ve been saving for a while - our flat just isn’t big enough and we don’t have a garden,’’ Sam said. “The thought of having a proper family home, with outside space and a playroom for our daughter, feels incredible.’’

Sam’s win reflects the wave of younger players embracing bingo. In fact, 44% of Mecca’s new members in the first half of 2025 were under 35*, attracted by the fun social atmosphere, affordability, and potential of a big win. 

Michelle Duffy, assistant manager at Mecca Bingo Acocks Green, was calling on the night of the win and commented: “I was calling my first game of the night, when my board started flashing and I heard Sam shout to show that he’d got a full house. When I realised that his claim had happened on the 16th number - my heart was pounding! 

“When I told Sam he’d won £50,000, he thought I’d said £15,000. When the real amount sank in, his partner burst into tears and the whole club exploded with clapping and cheering. We had confetti cannons going off and people lining up outside to congratulate him. Sam was so stunned he even turned down a celebratory drink! It was pure magic, and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple.”  

To find out more about Mecca Acocks Green, including sessions and upcoming events, visit https://www.meccabingo.com/bingo-clubs/acocks-green 

The National Bingo Game is played across Britain and offers players the chance to win Jackpot Prizes of up to £50,000 as well a club prize on every game. The National Bingo Game is played twice a day, every day, 364 days a year at all Mecca Clubs.