The game of bingo has been played across the globe for centuries and for many it is a profitable means of gambling. Many lucky jackpot winners have had their lives changed beyond recognition after scooping large amounts of cash which has granted them financial security for life.

The lives of many people in need have also been changed beyond recognition as a result of bingo. Charity bingo games which are played regularly all over the world are one of the most popular means of raising money for good causes. As a result of the many charity bingo games that have been played, millions upon millions of pounds have been raised for people who really need the cash.

A charity bingo game functions in a similar way to a normal bingo game, with participants paying for their bingo tickets. Occasionally there will be an entrance fee which also contributes to the total amount raised for charity. Instead of winning money, players stand the chance to win prizes, usually donated by local businesses or people within the community. Therefore, the anticipation you feel when you’re just one number away from a line or full house is not in vain as you’ll stand to win some form of prize. The money collected from admission and ticket sales benefits a charity of the organisers’ choice.

One couple who are pro’s at running charity bingo nights are Phyllis and Jim Martin, a retired couple who live in Staffordshire. The couple, who have been married for 46 years and are aged 67 and 70 respectively, have been running charity bingo nights since 1964! As a result of their hard efforts, they have raised over £130,000 for various charities in the region where they live.

In an interview with thesentinel.co.uk Phyllis and Jim explained that they started running bingo nights after attending one in Cambridge in 1964. Since then, they’ve held charity bingo nights at Baddeley Green Working Men’s Club four times a year. On March 25th this year, they’ll be holding another night to raise money for the Breast Cancer unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.