A jackpot winner has won a record £1,963,088 which is a record for the biggest single amount at the online bingo site. On Bank Holiday Saturday at 3pm, Mathew G from Bristol won the jackpot on Jackpotjoy Bingo. He has given his friend £250,000 to his friend who suggested he play.

The 33 year old joined Jackpotjoy Bingo last year and having made a deposit and played off the money he didn’t return to the site until Saturday 28th August. His friend had told him about the Deal or No Deal Jackpot.

“If I win I’ll give you £250,000!” Mathew joked as he made a deposit of £100. After 45 minutes of play he was through to the Banker’s Bonus Round for the final time. Like the Channel 4 TV hit show players have to choose one of 26 cash filled Boxes. A mysterious banker makes tempting offers to buy the box off the player.

“I chose box number 8,” Mathew explains. “Because when me and my mates are at the Casino, 28 always seems to be my lucky number – so I figured 8 would work. It was also the 28th of August and … I can’t explain it. It just felt right.

“I got down to the last two boxes, with the Jackpot still in play, and the Banker made me an offer of £229.50. There was no way in the world I was taking that, I had a 50% chance of winning £1.9 Million … Imagine if you took the offer and it turned out you’d just turned down the big money? I’d never forgive myself. I was still desperately nervous clicking No Deal – partly just because I wanted to make sure I got the right button!”

After making his decision and the box opening he failed to realise the reality of the situation. He had just won £1,963,088.83! “The win itself was a complete blur to be honest; I think I went into shock!” he adds.

“My friend pulled me back together and I got straight on the phone to Customer Support who were great – they kept reassuring me that it was all real. Within 20 minutes my girlfriend came around with all the champagne she could buy from the local supermarket and we started off on an unforgettable bank holiday weekend.

“I asked for the money to be transferred on Tuesday and by that afternoon I had almost £2 million in my account. I took a picture of the ATM with the money in it! It was amazing…”

Mathew added that there were a few thing he would be spending some of the money on.

“I had a bad car accident about 4 years ago and I’ve only worked on and off since then, helping my Dad with his plumbing business and doing some charity work which I really enjoy.

“I’m going to use some of the winnings to help out the business which will help after the recent financial crisis. But mainly the money means I can secure the future for my 5 year old son which is amazing and very special. He doesn’t really understand how much a million is at the moment. I asked him and he thought it was a thousand but I’m sure it won’t be long before he realises the difference all those zeros can make!

“One thing I will definitely be doing is honouring my promise to my friend and giving him £250,000!”

Congratulations to Mathew on his life changing win.