How thinking outside the box could win you a pretty penny

WHEN many of us think of bingo here in the UK, we automatically associate this exciting game with the 90-ball format commonly used in bingo halls and seaside resorts across the nation.

However, bingo specialists such as Jackpotjoy allow members to try their hand at brand-new versions of the classic game with impressive jackpots to be won.

Take Stephen H for example, who thought he would try his hand at one of Jackpotjoy's range of 75-ball games (the format that's commonly used in America). There are also plenty of other casino and skill games available on this popular website, which has become well-known for its Deal or No Deal cash game and Family Fortunes Team Bingo – a refreshing twist of a much-loved TV show and the traditional bingo game.

Stephen's total prize fund was £3,057, and he spoke of his bewilderment when he discovered he was a lucky winner while playing online bingo: "On the third game I won the progressive jackpot on top of the full house jackpot. I couldn't believe it and was chuffed to win the house before realising I had won a further £3,000. I'm very grateful for my win and have been able to pay off some outstanding bills as well as treat myself and my family."

There's no need to be nervous if this is your first time playing 75-ball bingo, especially considering there's a helpful guide available, which allows you to get to grips with the game. In addition, the friendly chat rooms that accompany most bingo rooms bring out the banter as you all play to win thousands of Pounds.

The concept of 75-ball bingo is hard to miss out on. Basically, you will be given a randomly-generated 5x5 bingo card, with the numbers on your digital slip forming a pattern. As the balls are announced, the excitement and tension as you countdown the numbers you need really adds a new dimension to this classic. Also, there are less balls in each standard game (15 less than the UK edition).

Hopefully, you'll be one of the Jackpotjoy contestants who will strike it lucky when playing 75-ball bingo. However, let's not forget about the other generous incentives that are offered every time you play.

In the Shop of Joy, you can use the points you receive for being a member of the website to enter the Bronze prize draw, with iPod shuffles and digital cameras up for grabs. Alternatively, if you would rather save up your points, the Silver and Gold prize draws offer iPads, widescreen televisions and snazzy mobile phones for you to win.

If you ever want to branch out of bingo, Jackpotjoy is the place to do so. Some winners have been lucky enough to scoop progressive jackpots of hundreds of thousands of Pounds, and this isn't an opportunity you would get on many other bingo sites.