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By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com
Bingo! And Renita Bendickson, of Rush City, was $46,000 richer.
Bendickson won, to date, the largest state-wide Mega Bingo Progressive Jackpot at the Rum River VFW Post 2735 in Isanti on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Bendickson, who runs bar bingo for Pine City Youth Hockey, often plays bingo or Mega Bingo on her off-duty nights.
She saw on a Web site, www.wheresbingotonite.com , the Isanti VFW offered Mega Bingo, so she and her husband Orrin headed to Isanti to play.
She had never been to the Isanti VFW, but after winning $46,000 on Wednesday, she returned on Friday, Aug. 29, to try her luck again.
“I was in shock,” Bendickson said Friday regarding her Wednesday night. “I didn’t sleep that night, and I sent text messages to all my friends about the winnings. I couldn’t get my mind off the fact that I had just won.”
 Rick Gelle, commander of the Isanti VFW, explained Mega Bingo is an Internet-based bingo that is played in approximately 100 bars across the state. The jackpot is a progressive jackpot, that increases each time there isn’t a winner.
Pictured are Steve Anderson, gambling manager at the Isanti VFW; Renita Bendickson; Rick Gelle, commander of the Isanti VFW and Jerry France, bingo volunteer. (photo by Rachel Kytonen)
Mega Bingo costs $2 sheet, and the night Bendickson won the jackpot, she was playing 11 sheets. Her jackpot had been accumulating for six weeks.
Bendickson, who has been playing regular bar bingo for over 15 years, said the most she had previously won was $200.
“This just shows everyone that anyone can win,” Bendickson said. “You’ve got just as good as chance as the next person.”
With her winnings, she plans on buying an outside wood stove, ordering a new living room set, paying off some bills and putting some in the bank.
“My daughter said I’m also buying her a car, and my son is also selling his van, so he’s hoping I’ll buy it from him and then continue to let him use it,” Bendickson jokingly said. “I also have to give some to Uncle Sam since Mega Bingo sends me a check for the full amount, it’s my responsibility to make sure taxes are paid on it.”
Steve Anderson, gambling manager at the Isanti VFW, said it has been offering Mega Bingo since May.
He explained once Bendickson shouted “bingo,” he hit the bingo button on the computer and then had 30 seconds to scan Bendickson’s card to make sure it’s a good bingo.
“After we scanned the card we knew it was a good bingo, and then the other locations playing learn about it when it starts flashing across the T.V. screens,” Anderson said.
During games, Mega Bingo numbers flash across T.V. screens, and an announcement regarding Bendickson’s win will also run across the bottom of the screen for the next couple of weeks.
“We like bingo and we are trying to change our business climate to more of a family-orientated business, and the food and service are good,” Gelle said. “We also have a new outdoor patio that people can enjoy, and have occasional bonfires. We want people to eat and socialize.”
Even on nights when there isn’t a Mega Bingo jackpot winner, the Isanti VFW has in-house winners.
Bendickson said she will continue to visit the Isanti VFW to play Mega Bingo.
“My phone has been busy the last two nights,” Bendickson said. “It was definitely a life-changing moment. I love bingo!”
Mega Bingo
Mega Bingo is offered at the Isanti VFW Tuesday-Saturday. On Tuesday and Thursdays, Mega Bingo (guaranteed) is offered at 7:30 p.m. and Mega Bingo (progressive) is at 8:30 p.m.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, Mega Bingo (progressive) is offered at 8:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, Mega Bingo (progressive) is offered at 3:30 p.m.
Last sale is 30 minutes prior to game time.
For more information on Mega Bingo at the Isanti VFW call 763-444-9787.
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