An influencer who gambles 14 times a week has claimed that she’s won £7,000 in less than year – and doesn’t care that people think she’s “addicted.”
When Ellie Scales first went on a night out with friends to play bingo, she didn’t expect for the game to become a lucrative side gig.
The 24-year-old, who goes every afternoon and evening, claims she has won over £7,000 to date, with £1,500 her highest winning at once.
Now, she’s shared her luck on TikTok, with one clip racking up 7.2 million views and 560,000 likes – but followers are concerned that it’s become an addiction.
“People will say it’s a gambling addiction, but I can easily not go,” Ellie, an influencer from the UK, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“I’m financially stable and I find it fun, as I love going with my friends.
“It’s a [great] way to get together and have a laugh.
“They have limits there and let you know how much you’ve spent – but I’d never go over the top, I’m not silly.”
In the clip, Ellie holds up a money pot and hammer, before telling viewers that she “wins all the f***ing time.”
As her winnings have been stashed away for a few months and she’s unable to get any more money in, Ellie decides it’s time to smash open the jar.
After a few taps, the pot cracks open and out spills £20 and £10 notes.
Ellie laughs as she tips out the full amount, before saying that it’ll take her hours to count.
She says: “I’m a f***ing millionaire” and then reveals in another clip that the amount was £2,600.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people left intrigued to play bingo.
“What the heck I’m coming bingo with you,” Oliver said. [sic]
Isla added: “I think I need to start bingo.”
“Jaw has dropped,” Elise commented.
Yazmin said: “Ahhh isn’t that a bit addicting.” [sic]
“POV u started going to bingo bc of this,” someone else commented. [sic]
Ellie claims she initially “hated” the game, as she couldn’t find the numbers and became confused about how to play.
Then, on her second time, she was hooked and since December 2022, she hasn’t missed a week.
She said: “[I love] the money, the thrill of winning and it’s just something to do – it’s quite relaxing as well.
“I go every afternoon and evening with my dad mainly, my friends or sometimes alone.
“All the staff are my friends now and they’re so lovely.
“The old ladies seem to hate me, as I’m taking all the winnings.”
While she hasn’t kept a tab on how much she’s spent on the game, the influencer believes the winnings earned are worth it.
So far, she’s used the money to pay for three holidays, lots of shopping sprees and investing into her savings.
Ellie added: “I get excited thinking about what I am going to treat myself to.
“The first time I went, I won at the National and I walked away with £370.
“People have been tagging their friends and saying they should start going.
“I think it’s been a good reaction, some bad comments, but that happens with anything on social media.
“Put positive affirmations into the universe and tell yourself you’re going to win.
“Have your game face on and manifest the money.
“You’ve got to be in it to win it.”
