Slingo is a hybrid gambling game created by combining different elements from slots and bingo – hence the name slingo! It first appeared online in 1996 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, gathering millions of fans along the way.
Slingo appeals to fans of both slots and bingo because it contains all the best bits of each; the simple rules, the randomness of the spinning reel, and the variety of almost infinite number combinations on bingo cards.
If you want to try this unique and exciting game online, you can play slingo at a number of online casinos. Lots of sites offer it alongside other games, providing plenty of variety for those who create an account, meaning you can find all your favourite games in one place.
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How to Get Started Playing Slingo Online
Getting started with a game of slingo couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve found an online casino site that offers slingo games, you can choose the one that appeals to you the most. Slingo games come with different themes, such as Deal or No Deal Slingo, Slingo Starburst, and Slingo Sweet Bonanza.
Whichever theme you choose, the basic set up is always the same. On the screen you will get a 5×5 bingo card filled with numbers. Lined up underneath is a single slot reel with five numbered segments – one for each column of the bingo card.
When this reel spins, if it lands on a number which matches one in the column above, that number is crossed off. Cross out entire rows, columns, and diagonals to collect slingos. The more slingos you have, the higher the value of your prize.
How to Play Slingo
First of all, you’ll need to decide how much to stake on each game of slingo. The prizes are multipliers, so the more you bet, the higher your potential winnings could be, but the same also goes for your losses.
Stick with a figure you can afford to lose, rather that one you would like to win. Once you’ve set your value, hit the start button and the game will begin spinning the reel and automatically crossing off any matching numbers.
Each slingo game will give you a set number of rounds in which to match your numbers; this can be anywhere from 10-20 depending on the design of the game. While it is theoretically possible to match all the numbers within these spins, it is very unlikely. This is why slingo games then give you a chance to purchase additional spins.
The cost of these extra spins depends on how much your possible prizes are. Be aware that they can start at a few pennies and quickly climb to much more than your original stake. Some games let you purchase unlimited extra spins, others limit the number of bonus chances.
Special Slingo Symbols
Just like the best slot designs, slingo games include a few special symbols on the reel.
- Wild – if this symbol shows up you can choose any available number in the matching column. Wilds can be a great way to fill holes towards the end of a game and help you pick up multiple slingos at once.
- Super Wild – these symbols let you choose any number on the board, rather than restricting you to a specific column. Really useful to help you maximise your chances at winning higher amounts by selecting the numbers which appear in multiple slingos.
- Free Spin – this symbol will award you an extra spin for this game, giving you one more free chance to land a slingo.
- Blocker – this is the one symbol you don’t want to see, as it will cancel out any other matches and prevent you from crossing of numbers on that spin. Luckily there are fewer of these symbols than any of the others.
How to Get the Best Slingo Experience
Just like online slots, different slingo games offer different RTP values and have different variances. Some pay frequent, small amounts which others pay infrequent, larger amounts. To avoid getting frustrated, make sure you pick the style which best suits you.
Learn some slingo strategies. Unlike slots and bingo, which are entirely based on luck, the wild symbols in slingo give you a chance to have more influence over the gameplay. Pick wisely and you’ll find yourself climbing up the prize ladder at a faster rate.
Some slingo games offer a choice of prizes once you get enough slingos. These are often a cash prize and an alternative, like free spins on a slot game or an integrated mini game. Remember that, while these alternative prizes can be a lot of fun to play, you will probably end up with less money than the cash on offer, so pick wisely.
In Summary
Slingo is a fast and fun alternative to the traditional games of slots and bingo which appeals to players of both. It is simple to play and great for beginners because the rules are so straight forward.
The fact that slingo allows players to purchase extra spins can help to alleviate the frustration players feel about just missing out on prizes and allows them to take more control over the outcome of their games.
