QUICK JUMP

Update 14 Sept 2000 - Recently iBingo has added a ton of new features including new graphics, built in full-featured chat, faster entry into the games, music, three-in-one games and more. I also hear that new rooms will be added for US$.03 cards. Check them out! -- Regina

Cost to play: Depends on game (e.g. 8 cards for $1)
Prizes/jackpot: US$14,000 daily
Download required? Yes
Frequency: Always a game running, staggered start times
Number of cards: Up to 24
Sound effects/Caller? Yes, multiple callers
Chat: Yes

IBingo is a pleasant, quick-to-download game with an easy sign-up process. The one thing that sets iBingo apart from other online games is that you can choose your own caller from a wide selection of callers that even includes Elvis! In fact, I wrote a column about the callers at iBingo and you can read it by clicking here.

You access iBingo's games from the foyer by choosing your room and requesting to play. The start times are staggered so there's always a game in progress and another about to start. I found the wait times minimal and you can hang out in chat while you wait.

IBingo offers a nice start playing option called "request to play." You ask to enter the game at the next opening and you're put in a queue and guaranteed a spot. This saves you running from room to room trying to get in a game.

There are all sorts of patterns to play and I tried everything: coverall, goblet, 20 cards at a time... I went crazy! I started at 25 credits and ended up around 80 something. I used autoplay, no sense working too hard for my credits, and hung out in chat. One game feature that I missed was knowing how many people are playing in each room. Perhaps IBingo will add that soon. And if you have enough computer memory, you can open two game rooms at once and double your chances at winning!

IBingo offers a lot of customizing options beyond caller choice. For example, you can change dauber colors and page view style. I liked the birds eye view for a new way to view my bingo cards. The IBingo site is easy to navigate and they certainly have the most extensive and easy to read help section I've ever seen. One last feature that's cute -- you can load a lucky charm image to have on the screen while you play.

Go to iBingo