GSN has a runaway hit on their hands with Bingo America. The most popular aspect of the show is the play-at-home element, which lets viewers download and print their own bingo cards, and play the game for a chance to win $50.
While many viewers have won and claimed their prizes successfully, others are experiencing frustration with trying to download the cards, or claim their winning numbers. After speaking with the folks at GSN, I have been assured that they are continuing to work on these problems. Here's an overview of who is eligible to play, and how to proceed with the cards and claiming your winning numbers.
Eligibility
Anyone can play the game at home, but to be eligible to win the $50 prizes, you must be a resident of the United States, and 18 years of age or older. You must also have access to the internet, and a valid e-mail address.
How to Register and Print Bingo America Cards
To register, head over to gsn.com/bingo to create an account. Make sure you're using a working e-mail address, and fill the form accurately. You will be prompted to choose a user ID and password, which you will need each time you log on to the site.
After registering, follow the link to download and print your bingo cards. You can print up to ten sets of cards each day, but they are only valid for the date indicated on the cards themselves. Keep in mind that there are two shows every night - one at 7pm and then another at 11pm Eastern. You can choose all of your cards for one show, or divide them between the two.
What to do When Cards Won't Print
If nothing happens when you try to print your bingo cards, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure you have the latest version of Flash installed so you can see everything on the website clearly, including any error messages that might pop up.
Check all of your printer connections and cables, and ensure that everything is working correctly by printing out a test page (if your printer has this function), or try printing another document from your computer.
If you've tried everything and are still having problems, contact GSN at community@gsn.com. To speed up the process, let them know what browser and operating system you're using, describe the problem in as much detail as you can, and send them any error messages you may be getting. You should receive a response within 24 hours or less.
How to Win and Claim Your Numbers
To win the $50 prize, you must get a bingo on your card consisting of a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line, using the numbers called out during the show. Alternatively, match the bonus numbers with those on your cards. Bonus numbers cannot be used for the regular bingo rounds.
Also keep in mind that each show has two regular bingo rounds, one red and one blue. Your cards will specify which round they are for (if you print them in black and white, round one is the red round, and round two is blue).
To claim your numbers and the prize, return to gsn.com/bingo and log in using the user name and password you chose when you registered. Click in the button that says "Check Your Code," and enter the unique redemption code found on your bingo card.
You can claim up to ten winning redemption codes throughout the course of the sweepstakes, which runs until May 26th 2008. Winning cards must be claimed by 11:59pm Eastern on the day following the show date.
What to do When Your Prize Claim Won't Go Through
There are a couple of things you'll need to double-check on your card if your redemption code isn't being accepted:
- Make sure you're using the correct card for each round (blue or red).
- Check that the redemption code is for the right card, and has been typed in correctly.
- Check the date and time on the card and make sure they correspond to the episode date and time.
- Ensure that the numbers drawn on the show are indeed a match with those on your card.
If you're positive you have a winning card but the redemption code is still not going through, contact GSN at community@gsn.com and let them know what's going on.
For more information on how the game works and what to do if you still have questions, check out the GSN Bingo America FAQ.
