A&E lures aud with mob money

A&E is running a real-time online game, called The Sopranos A&E Connection, that has people playing along as they watch the show. Each ep, players predict events and adjust their virtual game boards, found at www.suitcaseofcash.com. They earn points based on accuracy.

Players can also collect up to 36 game pieces found on roadside billboards, print ads, phone kiosks and online banner ads. Contestants ‘collect’ points either by clicking on cyberpieces, or by taking digital photos of themselves with the pieces and e-mailing them to game@mobot.com. A&E touts the game as ‘fantasy sports meets scavenger hunt.’

The competition wraps on Feb. 21, with the big winner getting, you guessed it, a suitcase full of cash: 100 large. Weekly prizes include digital cameras and PlayStation 3s.