Frequently Asked Questions
iWon Bingo!
How do I play iWon Bingo?
Bingo is a game of luck and concentration where players try to match a set of randomly selected numbers to the numbers on their 5 x 5 grid Bingo cards. A player must match a specific pattern, determined before the game. If a player matches the numbers in the correct pattern and is the first to declare Bingo (by pressing the Bingo button), that player wins the current game.
Up to 75 random numbers are called, so you'll have to concentrate. Each player will have 3 (three) Bingo cards. Successful players will usually be playing all of the cards while closely following which numbers are called, marking them on their cards, and making sure they don't fall behind on the number list.
Once you choose to play Bingo, you will be presented with a list of areas and rooms. First select the room in which you would like to play – Feelin' Young, Coffee Break, etc. You can join any room you like by clicking on the name of the room. Under each room, you will also have the choice of the type of game you would like to play – 5-in-a-Row, Random Pattern or Blackout. Finally, under each game type are skins (room descriptions) from which to choose. The numbers to the right indicate how many people are currently in that room. Click on a skin to start to play. You will need to have a minimum of 3 players in your Bingo game in order for the game to start.
General Gameplay
Playing Bingo is actually quite simple. You will receive a set of three (3) Bingo cards. Each Bingo card is a 5 x 5 grid with the letters "B," "I," "N," "G," and "O" at the top of each column. Under each letter are five numbers, except the center space. This is always considered "FREE."
Some spaces may be darkened depending on the current game pattern, which is shown in the upper-right corner of the game window. To win, you must match the pattern by marking off the numbers as they are called before another player does. If you have completed the pattern, you can claim Bingo by clicking the button. If another player has Bingo first, the game is over, that player wins, and a new game will start.
A number is "called" every 10 seconds. If you have the "Enable sound" box checked, you should hear the number being called. It will also be displayed, in large text, in the box directly above the left Bingo card. Directly to the right of this box, all the previous numbers already called in the game will be displayed in rows.
Marking Cards
When a number is called, quickly scan all of your Bingo cards. If the number that was called is on your Bingo card, simply click the number on your card. This will "mark" the space with a colored circle.
Claiming Bingo
If you have matched the current game pattern, click the "Claim BINGO!" button located below your Bingo cards. This will register your Bingo claim and confirm that your Bingo card has the correct numbers that match the current game pattern. If you do have a valid Bingo, the other players are notified, you win the game, and a new game will start. If you claim an incorrect Bingo, you will receive a message stating you do not have Bingo.
If no one calls Bingo after the last number is called, each player will have 0-30 seconds to re-check his or her cards and claim Bingo. If no one has a Bingo, a new game will start. If more than one player claims Bingo, the player who claims Bingo first will win the current game.
5-in-a-Row
If you join a 5-in-a-Row game, there are multiple ways to achieve Bingo. For example, you can win by connecting any 5 vertical spaces or any 5 horizontal spaces. See the patterns below for some examples.
Horizontal line |
Vertical line |
Diagonal line |
Random Patterns
These patterns do not have multiple ways to achieve Bingo. You must match the pattern exactly as shown to claim a valid Bingo. These patterns are displayed in the upper-right corner of the page and are highlighted on your Bingo cards. Here are some examples of Random Patterns.
Cross pattern |
Y pattern |
A pattern |
H pattern |
Heart pattern |
|
anchor pattern |
Diamond pattern |
Top Hat pattern |
X pattern |
O pattern |
Blackout
In blackout, there is only one way to win – all numbers on your card must be drawn.
I receive an error when attempting to load or install the iWon Bingo Game. Why?
If you are receiving an "error 1" while attempting to load or install the iWon Bingo feature, the most likely cause is that the chat component of this game did not install correctly.
In order to resolve this, perform the following steps:
This should install the new version of Super Chat/Private Messenger. After completing this install, you should be able to play iWon Bingo without problems.
If you encounter difficulties installing the iWon Super Chat, please check the following URL for additional information: http://www.iwon.com/ct/help/community/chatfaq.html
How do I chat?
The chat room that you are in depends on the Bingo game that you are playing. Select a game and you will automatically be in that chat room. Our Chat program is an application, so you must have the latest version installed on your system. Otherwise you may not be able to chat.
In order to chat with other players, click on the game screen and put your cursor in the Chat window and type to chat. Press the 'enter' key on your keyboard to send the message.
If you do not wish to chat with other players then simply do not type in text in the Chat window.
What do the different categories at the top of the iWon Bingo home page mean?
We have given users 5 different rooms in which they can chose to play iWon Bingo: Feelin' Young, Wild & Crazy, Anything Goes, Coffee Break and Adults Only. Enter any room you would like to find users with similar backgrounds, tastes or lifestyles.
How many people can play each game?
Each table will allow a maximum of 15 players per table (i.e. Feelin' Young, Blackout, These Colors Don't Run, Table 1). There is also a minimum of 3 players per table in order to start a game.
How many times can I play?
You can play as often as you like – there are no limits to the number of games you can play any given day, week, or month.
How do I play with my friends?
There are several ways for you to play with your friends. When you are on the iWon Bingo lobbies, you have the ability to chat with anyone else in the same lobby. You can coordinate with friends to "meet" there at a specified date and time, then pick a table for all of you to enter together.
When you are on the in the iWon Bingo lobbies, you also have the ability to see who is playing at the other tables or chatting in your area. If you see someone you would like to play against, simply select their table.
What are the different types of games??
5-in-a-Row
If you join a 5-in-a-Row game, there are multiple ways to achieve Bingo. For example, you can win by connecting any 5 vertical spaces or any 5 horizontal spaces. See the patterns below for some examples.
Horizontal line |
Vertical line |
Diagonal line |
Random Patterns
These patterns do not have multiple ways to achieve Bingo. You must match the pattern exactly as shown to claim a valid Bingo. These patterns are displayed in the upper-right corner of the page and are highlighted on your Bingo cards. Here are some examples of Random Patterns.
Cross pattern |
Y pattern |
A pattern |
H pattern |
Heart pattern |
|
anchor pattern |
Diamond pattern |
Top Hat pattern |
X pattern |
O pattern |
Blackout
In blackout, there is only one way to win – all numbers on your card must be drawn.
What are the prizes?
The prize for each iWon Bingo game is 2,000 iWon Chips. For more information about iWon Chips, click here.
How do I know if I've won?
If you match the correct pattern and claim "BINGO," you will receive a notice on your screen and in the chat window announcing that you have won.
Do I have to click on the "Claim BINGO" button in order to win?
YES. You must click on the iWon BINGO button in order to win.
Do I have to click on the numbers that have been called in order for it to count towards winning?
YES. In order for a number on your card to count towards winning, you must click on it after it has been called.
Can I play in more than one room at a time?
No. You may only be entered in one room at a time. You may leave and enter another room at any time, but you cannot be in 2 rooms simultaneously.
Can I chat and play the game at the same time?
YES! That is why this game is so much fun! Not only will you be playing against other users, but you can chat with everyone else playing the same game. Cheer each other on, give hints, catch up on life… but remember, you are still bound by the iWon Super Chat community standards (click here).
Who am I chatting with when I am playing the game?
You have the ability to chat with anyone else playing the same game at the same table as you. If you have chosen table 2 in the Feelin' Young/5-in-a-Row/Galaxy game, you will chat with all of the others who are playing at that same table.
Who am I chatting with when I am in the lobby?
You have the ability to chat with anyone else who has chosen to play the same game as you, but hasn't yet selected a table.
Do I have to be a registered member in order to play?
Yes. You must be a registered iWon member in order to play iWon Bingo. This will enable you to download the chat client and allow you to play.
Will people know my identity?
People will only know you by your user ID and will not have access to any personal information.
Do I get iWon Sweepstakes entries while I play or if I win?
You do not earn iWon Sweepstakes entries while playing iWon Bingo.
Can I turn off the sounds?
Yes. Simply click the "sounds" image  on your page.
Can I pause a game?
Unfortunately, you cannot pause a game. The numbers will be continuously drawn at 10-second intervals until there is a winner. If you must step away momentarily, you can try to "catch up" when you return, assuming you're back before the end of that game. All of the numbers that have been drawn are shown on top of the game page.
What happens if I lose my Internet connection during the game?
If you lose your connection, reconnect as quickly as possible. You will not lose your cards and you will remain in your game. You may have to catch up on a few numbers if they are drawn while you are trying to reconnect.
How will I know if someone else has won?
If someone else claims "BINGO" and it is verified, all players in the game will be notified on the screen and in your chat window. Another game will start shortly after the conclusion of each game.
Are there specific system requirements in order to play this game?
The iWon Bingo Chat application is currently available for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Window NT 4.0,
Windows 2000, and Windows XP. The iWon Bingo Chat software and cache require only 1 MB of disk space on the
hard drive with your windows directory (usually the C: drive). If you are currently able to run a
supported web browser on your computer, you should be able to install and run iWon Bingo Chat. In particular,
your Web browser and iWon Bingo Chat require a 486 or newer, compatible processor, 16 MB of RAM, VGA display
(SVGA is recommended), a mouse or similar pointing device, and Internet access.
iWon Bingo Chat runs needs Internet Explorer 5.x or 6.x installed on your computer to run. Even if Netscape
is your browser of choice, you will still need Internet Explorer 5.x or 6.x installed and properly configured
on your computer. Currently, iWon Bingo Chat does not run in other web browsers, including Netscape 6.x.
Note to WebTV and Macintosh users: The iWon Bingo Chat application does not currently function with WebTV or
the Macintosh operating system.
Find out what version your browser is:
- Open Internet Explorer
- Click Help on the top menu bar
- Select "About Internet Explorer"
A box will appear that tells you what version you have.
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