What are Badges?

Badges are achievements that you earn for being a trivia expert. They are content specific, very cool looking and extremely socially oriented. You will be able to collect these Badges, brag about them, and use them as a way to examine which subjects you excel at the most.

What games do I need to play to earn Badges?

You will be able to earn Badges every time you play Lunchtime Trivia, Countdown and The Late Shift.

How do I earn Badges?

There are three different kinds of Badges you can earn right now for playing Lunchtime Trivia, Countdown and The Late Shift:

Perfect Score Badges: Every time you get a perfect score on a single question during one of the above games you will earn a Badge that relates to the content/subject of the question.

Participation Badges: You’ll earn these Badges just for playing!
Score Threshold Badges: You’ll earn these Badges by reaching the score threshold during your game!

How many points do I have to get in a game to hit the score threshold?

Please refer to the following table:

	Score Needed
Countdown	6000
Lunchtime Trivia	3000
The Late Shift	6000

When will the Badges show up on my profile page?

If your location is connected to the Internet, the Badges will show up within minutes of you earning them!

Will I earn a Badge for every perfect score I get?

Yes! As long as you are playing Lunchtime Trivia, Countdown and The Late Shift, you will be able to earn a Badge for every perfect score you achieve.

Can I earn more than one Badge for getting a perfect score?

You will only earn one Badge per perfect score achieved. Hopefully, you get multiple perfect scores per game!

What do I get for Badges?

For right now… you get bragging rights!

The rarity of my Badges keep changing… why?

Great Question! The rarity of Badges will be updated nightly depending on what Badges have been earned across the network. Some nights, one Badge might be more common than another, and every night your Badge rarity will reflect this. This will keep you on your toes and account for the variety and randomization of Buzztime questions.

My Badges have different borders around them. What’s that all about?

These borders represent the different Badge levels! The more times you earn a certain Badge, the higher the Badge level!

There are seven Badge levels:

Silver	Gold	Platinum	Sapphire	Emerald	Ruby	Diamond
1 Badge	5 Badges	10 Badges	50 Badges	100 Badges	200 Badges	500 Badges

Do I get PlayersPlus points for earning Badges?

Yes and No. You will not receive PlayersPlus points for earning perfect score Badges. However, the Participation Badges and Threshold Badges are tied into our PlayersPlus system and you will be awarded points at the same time you receive those Badges.

What is a Playmaker®, gaming Tablet, or gaming device?

These are all wireless devices that you can use to interact with Buzztime games at participating locations. They are used to interact with Buzztime games via dedicated TV screens in the establishment. Here are the different devices you can use!

Playmaker gaming device (AKA: the blue box) – This is Buzztime’s oldest technology and we are working to phase these out and replace them with our new gaming Tablets

Gaming Tablet – This is our shiny NEW touchscreen device! It’s super awesome, so make sure to check it out!

Can I use my laptop or mobile device as a Playmaker?

At this time we do not offer an application for your laptop or mobile device.

Do I use the same Username and Password to log into the different gaming devices?

Yes. All of our gaming devices use the same information to log you into your account. You will always log in using your Username and Password (the same information you use to log in to Buzztime.com). Note: The Username is different than the “Display Name” which shows up on the TVs. The Username is only used for logging in to your account, and will only show up on Buzztime.com.

Are all games supported on all gaming devices?

No. There are a couple ways to see which games are supported on which devices:

• If you visit the Games section of our website and click on the game you are interested in, you will see the supported devices in the picture on that page. You can also see a list of games currently supported on the Gaming Tablets.
• If you are looking at our Schedule page, you will see a T or a P next to the game name:
  T = Gaming Tablet
  P = Playmaker gaming device

What if the location I’m playing at has gaming Tablets or Playmaker devices that don’t work?

Please contact us for any inquiries about bad gaming devices at your location.

What if the battery in my gaming device dies while I’m playing?

If your gaming device goes dead while you are playing you will automatically be logged out. Simply log back in to another gaming device and pick up where you left off! Our system will continue you where you logged out. Similarly if you log in to another gaming device before logging out of your current one, your current session will end and you will be logged into the new device.

What is the C or s that I see on the old Playmaker gaming device screen?

The C or s will let you know if the Playmaker gaming device is in CAPS (C) or small/lowercase (s) mode. Push the Caps Lock or Shift (depending upon your Playmaker model) to change the case. This button is “sticky”, meaning it functions like a Caps Lock on a computer keyboard. Always make sure to check this before entering your password!

I’m having trouble logging in to the gaming device. Have any tips?

There are a few common errors we have seen with players entering their information on the gaming devices.

1. Make sure you are entering your Username and Password account information (the same information you use to log in to Buzztime.com) and not your Display Name (the name that shows on the TV).
2. If you’re not sure you are entering the correct Username and Password, we can help! Our forgot password page will first give you your Username after you enter your email address. If you still can’t remember your password then you can click a button to reset it. This will email you a link. Just click on the link in your email and you will be taken to a page to reset your password.
3. If you are playing on the old blue Playmaker gaming device, check whether the Caps Lock or Shift (depending upon your Playmaker model) is on. This button is “sticky”, meaning it functions like a Caps Lock on a computer keyboard. As Passwords are case-sensitive, this is most likely the reason why you are getting an error message.
4. If you are entering Username/Password on the Playmaker correctly and are getting an error message, the Buzztime location you are playing at is most likely having problems connecting to the internet.
5. If you’ve tried all these options, you know the location is online, and are still having issues, please contact us and we’ll try to solve your issue.

What is Buzztime™?

Since 1984, Buzztime has been bringing the best in interactive entertainment to bars and restaurants across US and Canada. Whether you’re out to show off your trivia prowess, sports savvy, want to play a few hands of poker, or just want to sit down and play an arcade game, pull up a gaming device and see what the buzz is all about. Choose from our many different trivia, card, arcade and sports games for fun every time you’re out… we’re in thousands of locations so get out there and have some fun!

What kind of games does Buzztime deliver?

Buzztime offers many different kinds of games where players compete for prizes and recognition against others in the same establishment and across North America. Buzztime’s game offerings include a variety of popular trivia games and familiar favorites like Texas Hold ‘Em. Check out all of our games!

Where can I play Buzztime games?

There are thousands of locations across the United States and Canada where players can enjoy Buzztime’s games. Visit our Location Finder to find a participating restaurant or bar near you!

As of March 2010 Buzztime has completely moved away from the old PIN/Handle technology, and to a new Username/Password model. A Username/Password is now required to log in. You will use the same Username and Password to login to the Playmaker, the website and mobile device.

If you registered with Buzztime on or after 7/8/09 you will not need to worry about the below FAQ. You will not have a PIN associated with your account.

What is a Legacy (PIN/Handle) account?

A Legacy (PIN/Handle) account is an account that was created prior to 7/8/09. This technology was phased out as of March 2010 and is no longer used.

Why can’t I login to the website with my old PIN/Handle?

You will not be able to login to the website using your old PIN/Handle. You must use your Username/Password. If you do not have a Username/Password associated with your PIN/Handle account you will need to upgrade your account before logging in or create a new account. You are only able to upgrade your account on the Playmaker until the end of 2010 by selecting Upgrade Old Account from the menu. You may also create a new account either online or via a Playmaker, and then contact us and we will combine the accounts for you.

I recently remembered the PIN from an old account. Can I transfer the points to my current account?

The PlayersPlus program is Buzztime’s Frequent Player program. Once an account becomes inactive for more then one year it is subject to deletion. The PlayersPlus accounts must be kept active to remain in the database. If your old account has not yet been deleted you may contact us to see if we can combine the two accounts.

But I loved my PIN and Handle. Is there any way to keep it?

Yes and no. Your Handle isn’t really going away at all. We’re just calling it something else. Your Handle is now your Display Name, and still shows up in all the same places your Handle always has. Display Name = Handle. Same thing! One way to make the transition easier is to set your Password so that it is the same as your PIN. This way you won’t need to remember a new Password when logging in!

How do I upgrade my old PIN/Handle account and still keep my points?

You are only able to upgrade your account on the Playmaker until the end of 2010 by selecting Upgrade Old Account from the menu. You may also create a new account either online or via a Playmaker, and then contact us and we will combine the accounts for you.

What is the PlayerPlus program?

Buzztime designed the PlayerPlus program specifically to recognize the loyalty of our users. Players earn PlayerPlus Points – and status within the Buzztime community – every time they play games at Buzztime locations. PlayerPlus membership also qualifies players for our many prizes, perks, and special promotions.

How do I register for PlayerPlus?

If you are registered with Buzztime then you are a PlayerPlus member! If you have been playing as a guest then you will need to register online at register, or on the Playmaker, to become a member. Just follow the prompts to create your account!

I am already registered. How do I update my Username, Password, home site and other account info?

You can change your account information, or select a favorite home site, anytime by going to the Edit my Info page. Usernames are unique, so you may change your Username as long as your new one is available. Be aware that if you change it, someone else is able to select your old Username.

I used a Playmaker to become a PlayerPlus member and cannot log into the web site.

Please remember that your password is case-sensitive. If you cannot remember your Username or Password, you can enter the email address you used to set up your account at forgotpw. We will tell you your Username and send you instructions on how to reset your Password.

I tried to register on the web site but it said my Username was already in use.

Usernames are unique and required for your universal login. If you received a message that the Username you want is unavailable, then please choose a new one.

What do the different colored Icons on the ranking and scoreboard screens mean?

These symbols show the PlayerPlus membership status of each person. As you earn more PlayerPlus points, your symbol will change according to the chart below :

PlayerPlus Graph

How many PlayerPlus Points can I earn per game, and what do I have to score to get the bonus points?

Please refer to the following table:

	Participation Points	Bonus Points	Bonus Score
Ask It Already!	300	600	6,000
Badge Hunter	500	500	6,000
Brainbuster	600	600	6,000
Canada Eh?	600	600	6,000
Countdown	500	500	6,000
Glory Daze	600	600	6,000
Immortal Words	300	600	6,000
Lexitopia	300	600	6,000
Lunchtime Trivia	300	300	3,000
PasTimes	500	500	6,000
Playback	1,500	1,500	18,000
SciFiles	600	600	6,000
Showdown	2,000	2,000	23,000
SIX	1,500	1,500	18,000
Speed Freaks	300	600	2,000
Spotlight	1,500	1,500	18,000
Sports Trivia	500	500	6,000
The Late Shift”	300	600	6,000
The Pulse	1,000	1,000	12,000
Topix	600	600	6,000

What do I get for my PlayerPlus points?

PlayerPlus points hold no monetary value and are for bragging rights only! If you are interested in winning prizes we frequently have competitions for PlayerPlus members. For a list of current competitions and promotions please visit our Events page.

Is against the rules to have more than one PlayerPlus account?

You are only eligible to win prizes with one account, and if multiple accounts are used in a contest or promotion you will automatically be disqualified. There is no benefit to having multiple accounts. By using your Username/Password you can log in at any location throughout the Buzztime Network so it is unnecessary to have more than one account. Duplicate accounts may be deleted without notice to the member. If you currently have more than one account and would like to consolidate your points into one account please contact us. Buzztime will not combine accounts that were active at the same time. Please note that points are combined, but stats are not. Only the stats from the old account remain. Buzztime is not responsible for lost stats, medals or points.

I have lost my Username and Password. Can you find them for me?

If you cannot remember your Username or Password, you can enter the email you used to set up your account at forgotpw. We will tell you your Username and send you instructions on how to reset your Password.

What is a Home Site?

A Home Site is the Buzztime restaurant or bar location that you play at the most. By adding a location as your home site you will start to show up on their local leaderboards. You will also notice that when you play at your home site you do not have the travelling icon next to your name.

I do not have a home site listed on my Player Profile. How do I get one added?

You can select and change your favorite home site yourself! You can either go to the Edit my Info page in the Player section of the site and choose your favorite location under My Home Site, or you can find a new location using our site finder and simply click on the little house icon next to it. When the house is green you know that is your home site!

How do I change my Home Site?

Please do not set up a new account in order to change your home site location. Instead, simply log in online and visit the Edit my Info page on the Players section of the web site to change your account information. You can also find a new location using our site finder and simply click on the little house icon next to it. When the house is green you know that is your new home site!

How do I play at other locations and still earn PlayerPlus points?

Because your Username/Password are a universal log in, where you play does not affect getting your points. Your Username and Password are the same no matter where you play.

Will I be able to see my point total at a remote location?

Yes.

Why aren’t my PlayerPlus points accumulating?

There are a couple possibilities as to why you could not be accumulating points on your account:

Your site may not be connecting to our database properly. If you were able to log in while your site was offline your points will update when the site connects again.
Make sure that you are logging into the Playmaker with the same information that you are using to log into the web site. Some people have accidentally set up a separate account on the website and so when they log in online they are not seeing their stats because it is not the same account that they are playing with at the establishment.

I had 1st place at the bar, but 7th when I went online. Why did my rank decrease?

The leaderboards at the site you are playing can only display rankings from other locations that are currently connected to the internet. At any given time there are several locations that are not connected to the internet. Once a site connects the scores are reported back and several more sites and players are added to the rankings. This is why when you check your scores the next day the rankings have probably changed.

Why didn’t my score show up in the rankings?

Rankings do not show for one of two reasons :

Your site is not connecting to Buzztime.
Your site reported your scores too late and missed the cutoff. If your site missed the cutoff then you will receive your points but you will not be placed on the rankings for that week’s game.

Why did my achievements (Top 100s, Local wins, medals) decrease?

These stats are on a 6 month cycle. After 6 months, the old stats fall off, which results in your stats decreasing.

Why can’t I find another player’s profile?

If the account has been inactive for more than a year it is possible that the account was deleted.

How do I contact a PlayerPlus representative? What information should I include?

Contact us online, or write us at NTN Buzztime, Inc., Attn : PlayerPlus, 2231 Rutherford Rd, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008-8830. It is very important that when contacting PlayerPlus you provide your full name, PlayerPlus login information, home site location and email address. By providing this information it will make it easier to answer your question as quickly as possible.

I haven’t played since before March 2010 and now I can’t login to play.

Buzztime stopped using the old PIN/Handle technology in March 2010, and now uses a new Username/Password model! We have a FAQ dedicated to our Legacy players that addresses questions about the upgrade that we have made from the old PIN/Handle system, to the new Username/Password model. A Username/Password is now required to log in.

NOTE: If you registered with Buzztime on/after July 8, 2009 you will not need to worry about Legacy PIN/Handle information. You do not need to upgrade your account because you already have a Username/Password. You will not have a PIN associated with your account.

I can’t remember my Username and/or Password. What do I do?

By entering the email address you have associated with your account, we will tell you what your Username is, and give you the option to have an email sent to you so you can reset your password. If this doesn’t work for you please contact us.

I’m trying to retrieve my login information but I’m getting an error.

There are 2 different errors that you can get:

ERROR: The email address you provided does not match an email address in our system
If you get this error it means that we do not have that email address associated with a player account. Try entering another email address. If you can’t figure out which email address is associated with your account you may contact us.

ERROR: That email address exists in our system under multiple accounts
If you get this error it means that you have 2 or more accounts in our system using the same email address. This is a problem as our system is set up to handle an email address as a unique identifier. If you see this error please contact us so that we can clean up our system and make sure you are only under one account.

I can login online, but when I try to login at a location I cannot.

If you are having problems logging in on a Playmaker, but can login to our website just fine, there are a couple things you should check:
Passwords are case sensitive. Check to see if the Caps Lock or Shift button (depending on your Playmaker model) is pushed. You will see a C or s on your screen. This will let you know if the Playmaker is in CAPS (C) or small/lowercase (s) mode. Push the Caps Lock or Shift button to change the case. This button is ‘sticky’ – meaning it functions like a Caps Lock on a computer keyboard.
If you are certain you are using the correct case, try resetting your password online. Do this by logging in online and visiting the EDIT MY INFO page. Here you can change your password. Hint: Create a password using all numbers to avoid having to worry about entering the proper case on your Playmaker!

I keep hearing people talk about a PIN, but I don’t have one. What is a PIN?

If you don’t have a PIN, don’t worry! It just means that you have a new or upgraded account. PINs were only assigned to players who signed up prior to 7/8/09 and has been phased out. PINs are no longer used.

What is the unique identifier for my account?

Your Username and email address will be the unique identifiers network-wide. This means no one in any game site location across the US and Canada, will have the same Username or email address as you.

Can I edit my Username once I have created it?

Yes, you will be able to change your Username by going to EDIT MY INFO. However, by changing your Username, it is possible to lose it to another person who chooses it.

Are Usernames and Passwords only able to contain characters available on the Playmaker?

Yes, only characters available on the Playmaker will be available to create your new Username/Password. Note: Our system does not allow Usernames to start with a number; they must start with a letter.

Can we include numbers, letters and special characters in our Username, Password and Display Name?

Your Username may contain numbers and letters. However, the Username must start with a letter. At this time our system does not allow Usernames to start with a number. Your Display Name (Handle) must be letters only. Your Password can use any of the characters available to you on the Playmaker/keyboard. Note: Passwords are case sensitive, so keep this in mind when choosing one.

Is my Username and Password case-sensitive?

Your Username is NOT case-sensitive. Your Password IS case-sensitive.

Are there minimum/maximum character requirements for the Username, Password and Display Name?

Username is 4-16 characters. Password is 4-16 characters. Display Name is 2-6 characters.

Can my Password be a word? Or does it have to remain numbers?

Your Password can contain letters and numbers. We encourage you to choose a Password that is easy for you to remember and enter on the Playmaker. Remember that Passwords are case-sensitive, so check to see if your Caps Lock or Shift (depending upon your Playmaker model) is active if you get an error message. Hint: Create a password using all numbers to avoid having to worry about entering the proper case on your playmaker!

Can I change my home site?

Yes, you can choose or change a home site online at any time. You may change this at any time online by going to the EDIT MY INFO page.

What happens if I play away from my home site?

When you play at a site other than your home site, you will log in with your Username and Password just like normal! Only difference is that you will see a ^ next to your name to indicate you are a travelling player. Your Username and Password is a universal login, to be used in any Buzztime location, online and mobile.

If my home site location changes, shuts down or no longer carries Buzztime, will this affect my Username/Password login?

No, your Username and Password can be used in any Buzztime location, regardless of your selected home site. You can simply change your home site in the EDIT MY INFO section.

I noticed the website did not log me out from the last time I was here. Why?

Buzztime.com will keep you logged in until you decide to log out.

Will my online Username/Password be the same Username/Password I use on the Playmaker?

Yes, you will use the same information anywhere you log in to play Buzztime (online, mobile and on location).

I’m having trouble logging in on the Playmaker, have any tips?

There are a few common errors we have seen with players entering their information on the gaming devices.

1. Make sure you are entering your Username and Password account information (the same information you use to log in to Buzztime.com) and not your Display Name (the name that shows on the TV).
2. If you’re not sure you are entering the correct Username and Password, we can help! Our forgot password page will first give you your Username after you enter your email address. If you still can’t remember your password then you can click a button to reset it. This will email you a link. Just click on the link in your email and you will be taken to a page to reset your password.
3. If you are playing on the old blue Playmaker gaming device, check whether the Caps Lock or Shift (depending upon your Playmaker model) is on. This button is ‘sticky’, meaning it functions like a Caps Lock on a computer keyboard. As Passwords are case-sensitive, this is most likely the reason why you are getting an error message.
4. If you are entering Username/Password on the Playmaker correctly and are getting an error message, the Buzztime location you are playing at is most likely having problems connecting to the internet.
5. If you’ve tried all these options, you know the location is online, and are still having issues, please contact us and we’ll try to solve your issue.

Is my Username also my Display Name (Handle) while playing at Buzztime locations?

No, your Username is what you use to log in on the Playmaker. Your Display Name (Handle) will show up on screen at game sites and can be changed online anytime by visiting the EDIT MY INFO page.

When I logged in, my Display Name (Handle) had been changed slightly. Why?

If someone at your location is already using the same Display Name (Handle) as you our system will slightly change your Display Name so that there aren’t two of the same on the screen. Your Display Name will go back to normal next time you play (assuming you are the only one there with that Display Name!).

What if I can’t see my hole cards on the Playmaker?

Press the space bar to refresh the screen on the Playmaker.

What is a BOT?

When there are less than 8 players in a Texas Hold’em game, you will see 4 computer opponents. These are called BOTS.

How do I remove BOTS?

On your Playmaker, there will be an option to “Remove BOTS.” Press that option and the BOTS will go away. There must be two or more live players in the game to have the option to “Remove BOTS.” The option to “Remove BOTS” occurs after each hand on your Playmaker.

How many “chips” do I start with?

Players Plus members start with 4000 “chips.” Guests start with 2000.

Can I earn Players Plus points for Texas Hold’em?

No. Legal issues prevent us from awarding Players Plus points for Hold’em.

Can I play tournament style Texas Hold’em?

Yes. You must go to the On-Demand Menu to select a tournament game. Usually, the manager will need to log in to do this. From there you can set up a tournament style game where players are eliminated once they lose all their “chips.”

What happens to my chips if I leave the table?

Your chips will be banked. If you leave the table and come back without logging out (i.e. switch over to play trivia), you will retain the chips that you had before you left. If you log out, and then log back in, you will bank your chips and start fresh with either 2000 or 4000.

Where can I see my chip count?

Your chip count for the last 6 months can be found on Buzztime.com in the MyStats section of the page. Click on view stats and then click the Casual tab to view your Hold’em winnings. You must be a registered member for us to keep track of your chips.

I see that other players have avatars next to their names. How do I get one?

You must be a registered member to create an avatar. If you are, visit the “My Profile” page to create or edit your avatar. Your avatar will appear at your home site when you are logged in. It will show up in various places in the Texas Hold’em game.

I don’t see Buzztime’s Card games at my location and the manager says they don’t have them

Buzztime’s Card games are not available in the states of ND, MN, WV, MT, MS and OR as well as certain locations in SC and the town of Weymouth, MA due to local laws.

HOW TO PLAY IN YOUR LOCAL BAR / RESTAURANT

1. Grab a Playmaker® or a Gaming Tablet
2. Follow the prompts to log in, register or play as a guest
3. Choose Texas Hold’em from the menu
4. You will be dealt two cards on your gaming device. These are your hole cards. Nobody else will be able to see these cards. The five community cards will appear on screen as well as the gaming device.
5. Check, bet, fold and raise using the number choices on your gaming device
6. You will have 15 seconds to decide what to do once it’s your turn
7. Check the hand results at the end of the hand to see who won
8. Leaderboards will show chip counts. You will also see your chip count under your Display Name.
9. If you are a registered PlayersPlus member, you will be able to see your cumulative “winnings” on your profile page
10. Your scores will be ranked across the nation as well, so check to see how you did at the end of the game on our National Leaderboard!
11. Get out and Play!

I am having problems logging into the website. Help!

There are a few reasons why you may not be able to log in to the website:

1. The Buzztime PlayersPlus website requires cookies to be enabled before you log in. NTN Buzztime, Inc. uses cookies when you log in to ensure security and customize your experience during your browsing session. Please check your Cookie settings and try again.
2. Make sure you are logging in with the same Username and Password that you use in the restaurant or bar. You cannot log in with an old PIN/Handle account (from 7/8/9 and prior) or email address. If you have a Username and Password but do not remember your login information click here! Just enter the email address you signed up with and it will tell you your Username. To get an email to reset your password just click the button. It will email you and then you’ll click the link in your email to reset your password.
3. Still having problems? Contact us!

Do I need to enable cookies to log in to Buzztime.com?

Yes. The Buzztime website requires cookies to be enabled before you log in. A cookie is a small file that is written to your computer when you log in or view certain web pages. NTN Buzztime, Inc. uses cookies when you log in to ensure security and customize your experience during your browsing session.

How do I enable cookies?

To Enable Cookies, check your browser’s preferences, options, or settings screens. Cookies are usually enabled by default. You may need to close and reopen your browser for the setting to take effect. Once you have your cookies enabled, try logging in again.