Elaine Prendargast 63 staged a protest at the Gala Bingo club in Wythenshaw.  Unfortunately for Elaine, as she staked her bingo claim on 42 numbers for a £1000 claim, the caller did not hear and carried on to the next number. Elaine was so upset by the caller not stopping that she refused to leave the club after the session and Gala ended up calling the police to have her ejected from the premises.  Elaine who is a retired machinist from Brownley Court in Sharston said "It was a disgrace, it's not about the money but it would have paid for a nice holiday".

Bingo rules in land based bingo clubs state that the caller must hear a claim and once the next number is called, the player is deemed to have missed the claim.  Ms Prendergast said she shouted loud and clear as well as stating that players and the steward heard the claim too.  Gala Bingo pointed out to the customer that a game of bingo is between the player and the caller and the claim is only valid if the caller hears it irrespective of other people in the room.

Gala Bingo have remained firm on the decision and have pointed out to their complaints procedure if she wishes to take the matter further.  Ms Prendergast has said she will take the complaint to the Gambling commission.  However, bingosupermarket understands that the Gambling Commission will not get involved in a complaint of this nature as this is not a regulatory breach.  The Gambling Commission will probably ask Ms Prendergast to go through the Gala's own complaints procedure.

A game of bingo is between the caller and the player, it does not matter if other members or staff hear the shout, it has to be heard and stopped by the caller and the caller's decision is final.  Fortunately for online bingo club players, this sort of  dispute cannot happen as claims are generally automatic.