Pensioner hits the jackpot; Mercury International pays Le692,000 to lucky football bettor
Sierra Leone’s leading sports betting and lottery company, Mercury International, on Monday, July 6, 2026, presented a cheque for Le692,000 to lucky football betting customer Leslie Prince Mensah-Coker, following his impressive win on the company’s football betting platform.
The cheque presentation took place at Mercury International’s headquarters on Walpole Street in Freetown, where company officials reaffirmed their commitment to honouring winnings promptly and maintaining customers’ confidence in the brand.
Speaking during the presentation, Mercury International’s Chief Operations Officer, Beresford Bournes-Coker, described the company as the “Bonus King,” highlighting its generous bonus system that rewards customers who correctly predict 15 football matches.
He explained that Mensah-Coker’s winning ticket qualified for Mercury’s 100 percent bonus promotion. Although the winner placed a total stake of Le25, only a Le5 first-half betting combination secured the jackpot, earning him Le692,000.
Bournes-Coker said the payout demonstrates Mercury International’s financial strength and credibility in Sierra Leone’s betting industry.
“We are always pleased to celebrate such huge winnings because they prove that Mercury keeps its promises. While some betting companies struggle to honour large payouts, Mercury pays its winners promptly. That is why we remain the leading sports betting and Lottery Company in Sierra Leone,” he said.
He added that the company’s success benefits not only customers but also the country’s economy through tax contributions and employment opportunities for young people.
According to him, building customer trust is essential to Mercury’s long-term growth.
“When people know that Mercury pays genuine winners, more customers will have confidence to participate. That benefits the company, the government through taxes, and the entire industry.”
Bournes-Coker encouraged existing and prospective customers to continue participating in Mercury’s games, noting that every player has the opportunity to win.
He also urged the public to take part in the company’s ongoing ‘Win A House Raffle’ promotion, describing home ownership as a valuable investment for both low- and high-income earners.
Receiving his cheque, Mensah-Coker, a pensioner who previously worked with CARE in England, Canada, Nigeria and Ecuador, expressed delight over what he described as the biggest win of his betting career.
He explained that he selected 15 football matches using different betting combinations, staking Le20 on outright match results and Le5 on first-half results. It was the first-half selection that earned him the winning prize.
“I feel very happy. This is my biggest win, and it means a lot to me. As customers, we compete against the betting company, and this time I won,” he said with a smile.
Mensah-Coker disclosed that he intends to use part of the money to support relatives, particularly those in need of educational assistance.
“I will use this money to help people, especially family members who desperately need support with their education.”
He praised Mercury International for its professionalism and prompt payment process, encouraging other Sierra Leoneans to have confidence in the company.
“Mercury International has continued to prove that it is the biggest and most reliable betting company in Sierra Leone. Once you win, they issue your cheque immediately, and you can cash your money without delay. I encourage others to try because there are many opportunities to win.”
The long-time customer revealed that he has been playing Mercury’s games for more than 10 years and believes persistence is key.
“You have to play in order to win,” he concluded.
