Meccabingo.com has launched the first bingo app for the iPhone. Free to download, the app is integrated with Mecca’s bingo network provider, Virtue Fusion, meaning the app is the first of its kind to allow mobile users to play the same games and win the same cash prizes available to customers playing online.

“The mobile market is a huge focus for Meccabingo.com in 2011, with a large number of our customers already playing our slots games on the iPhone. When developing the app, we wanted to create something that not only placed us at the forefront of the mobile gaming market, but offered a seamless user experience for our customers, whether they’re playing online or on their phone” notes Claire Osborne, head of bingo and games at Meccabingo.com. “Another important aspect that we wanted to focus on was the community side of bingo, with customers currently being able to chat to each other online in our bingo rooms. Building this new app has given us a fantastic opportunity to take this concept one step further with an integrated chat function, allowing players to continue to chat whilst playing bingo,wherever they are.”

The app features some familiar online functions including: the Mecca Bingo Club finder; live bingo schedule; and the option to pre-purchase tickets. Customers can log in using their existing usernames, while new customers can register via the app.

The app will be incorporated into Mecca Bingo’s TV advertising campaign, which will give customers the chance to win ten £1,000 jackpots daily by playing at www.meccabingo.com or on their iPhone.

The app is available to download now from the App Store for free. All customers downloading the app for the first time will receive a £5 Free Play voucher. An Android version of the app is planned for later in the year.