Like all the best games, Slingo is not simply a game that’s based solely on luck. While, like slots, a good part of the game depends on what lands on the reels, there are strategies you can employ to improve your experience! The result is a game that’s not only fast-paced and engaging, but also cerebral. Think about which numbers you should mark off the grid whenever you land a Joker, or when to best use any extra spins!
In this guide we’re going to share our best tips and strategies for playing Slingo. This advice can be used on all versions of the game, so it won’t matter if you prefer to play classic Slingo, Slingo Extreme, or any of the many, many variants available at your favourite casino site. Ready for a crash course on improving your Slingo online game? Then let’s go!
What is Slingo?
Before we head into our Slingo strategies, we should first describe the game to the unfamiliar. As the name might suggest, Slingo is a combination of slots and bingo. It’s played using a game card holding random numbers in a 5x5 grid and 5 reels, one for each column of the grid, all with numbers and special symbols. The reels spin and, if they land a number matching any on the column on top then this is marked off. The aim of the game is like bingo’s, namely to form lines on the grid. There are a total of 12 lines to form, 5 horizontal, 5 vertical, and 2 diagonal.
The Slingo Lingo
Slingo has its own lingo that may get confusing to the uninitiated! Here are the most important terms we’ll be using in this guide:
- Slingo - a line of 5 adjacent numbers formed on the grid.
- Joker - also known as a wild. This can be used to mark off one of the numbers in the column on top of its reel.
- Super Joker - also known as a super wild. You can use this to mark off any of the numbers on the grid.
- Blocker - blocks off a number on the grid, preventing you from marking it. Sometimes it takes the form of a devil.
- Free Spins - some games give you the opportunity to win free spins. These are played after your initial 10 spins.
- Extra Spins - once your 10 spins are over you can pay to continue playing your current sessions. Note that extra spins get progressively more expensive.
Spin Mindfully
The main element of the Slingo game, other than the 5x5 number grid, is the reels. This is where the numbers to be marked off from the card land, after all. But before you go ahead and start spinning, do stop for a moment to take stock of the numbers on the grid. Which numbers do you need to mark off, and how close are you to forming any slingos? Are there any rows and columns with no numbers marked? Keeping such knowledge in mind will help you spin with intent, and as such more mindfully.
In addition, note the Jokers and Super Jokers on the reels. These powerful wild symbols let you mark off any number on the column on top of their respective reel (or, in the case of the Super Joker, any number from the grid), and can prove key to forming those all-important slingos. This is why you need to know which numbers are best marked off!
Match Patterns Early
Another key element for long-term wins is to set up lines early. Many players will focus solely on the horizontals during the early game, but this is a bit of a mistake. Instead, make sure to look out for the horizontals and diagonals as well by marking numbers that can contribute to multiple lines.
You might ask which line or column is the most important. We actually have an answer to this one - the centre column. It holds numbers in the two diagonal lines and all horizontals, not to mention its own vertical line. This makes it a key foundation for a surprising number of slingos, so make sure you get as many numbers in this column marked if you can.
Know When to Use Extra Spins
It’s tempting to continue playing once your initial 10 spins are over. But when is the best time to make use of the option to pay for Slingo extra spins? Taking advantage of this feature might look cheap at first, but it can get pricey very quickly if you don’t know when to stop, leading to you losing any profits you might have made.
So, when should you pay for extra spins? We recommend that you only consider this option if one spin can lead to a win. If you need one or more numbers to complete a slingo, then shelling out for an extra spin will probably fail to pay off. The exception here is if the slingo will bring a substantial prize that exceeds the value of the extra spins it might require. However, always keep track and don’t exceed it. Think of extra spins as an investment of sorts that should only be used when it can lead to near-guaranteed returns that justify the risk.
Power-up Timing
Many of the most popular variants of Slingo feature power ups that can further boost your session. These can include instant number matches, free spins, or guaranteed jokers. First off, always read your chosen game’s About section to learn if it has any power ups and what they actually involve. Second, don’t go using these power ups randomly. This is because the main factor to these bonuses is timing.
Let’s take jokers. Use these when you’re close to completing a slingo, if not multiple lines! Meanwhile blocker-clear power ups should be used as soon as possible in the case of any blockers stopping you from forming slingos. If the game allows it then stack your power ups and use them at the same time - this not only makes for an even more enjoyable time, but can lead to potentially lucrative returns.
How to Choose Your Ideal Game
With so many Slingo variants out there, choosing one that’s right for you can get overwhelming. So in a way it’s a good thing that not all Slingo titles are created equal. Some titles have high or low volatility, some are packed with bonus features, and others stick to the classic format. Choosing the best game to suit your preferences is important, so always check the following points before you commit the cash on a game you might not enjoy:
- Volatility - high volatility games may lead to big wins, but these come at a high risk of sessions where you win little to nothing. Low volatility games, on the other hand, are the opposite, with smaller but more regular win potential.
- Return to Player (RTP) - the higher the RTP, the potentially better the returns from a game. We recommend choosing games with an RTP of 96% or higher.
- The Paytable - how much can you potentially win by playing this game? Each Slingo game displays the values of its prizes clearly in the paytable usually found on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Bonus features - do you enjoy games with lots of different and unique bonus features or the more classic, stripped-down Slingo format?
You can learn what the different games involve by checking their About or Info section or, if your online casino site allows it, playing them for free in demo mode. Of course you won’t be able to keep any winnings when playing for free, but this will give you a good taste of what the game is all about.
Enjoy Slingo Responsibly!
Our last, and probably most important, tip is to always play Slingo responsibly. Set a bankroll for playing Slingo, and stick to it. Make small wagers so that your bankroll lasts longer, and never chase your losses - in the end of the day this remains a game of pure luck. Remember that Slingo is meant to be played for fun and, yes, it’s the house that always wins at the end. Still, enjoy playing Slingo and do let us know any more tips you might have!
