Billingham bingo winner denied full prize

Sep 13 2009 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

EYES down for a Top Ten row after bingo player Lynsey Dickenson called house.

She thought she had won £5000 in a weekend game because that was the amount shown on a screen.

But when she claimed the prize she was told there had been a mistake – and instead she was given just £1000.

Bosses at Top Ten Bingo admitted the visual display board showed the higher amount.

They said it mistakenly showed the winnings for a game on the following day.

Lynsey has now demanded the full prize money and complained to the Gambling Commission.

Lynsey, 19, was playing at the hall in Billingham, Teesside, when all hell broke loose.

She thought she was No 4 - knocking on the door - and No 88 - nearly there - as the numbers on her card were called.

But bosses had a shock in store when she claimed the prize by showing her No 13 - unlucky for some - and claiming she was not entitled to the £5000.

Lynsey wanted No 34 - ask for more - but was left with No 43 - down on her knees - when bosses stuck to their guns.

Lynsey, of Billingham, said: “I was over the moon when I won, really excited, I’d never won anything big before.

“The board definitely showed £5000 and I am convinced it was announced for the same amount although they deny it.

“What’s more a member of staff even signed a document - called a Prize Winner’s document - for £5000.

“It was only when I went to claim the money that things went wrong.