You’re probably familiar with slots, and we’re sure you’ve played a few rounds of bingo, so what about a game that combines elements of the two? This game exists, and it’s known as Slingo! Slingo is an engaging game that’s growing in popularity in online casinos around the world. Want to learn all about this game and figure out all of its twists and secrets? Then you’re at the right place, as our Beginner’s Guide will tell all you need to know about playing Slingo online!
Overview of Slingo Gameplay
It might be a bit hard to get one’s mind around the idea of a game that combines both slots and bingo, but it turns out that Slingo is actually pretty simple. The objective of Slingo is like that of 75-ball bingo, namely numbers in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines on the 5x5 grid. To get these numbers you need to spin the 5 slot-style reels found underneath the grid.
If a number that hits on the reels matches one on the column on top then it’s marked off. Mark off enough numbers in the right positions and you’ll form a line - or “slingo” - Simple, right? Look out for the special symbols on the reels which will make this simple yet compelling gameplay loop even more enjoyable, and keep on reading as we’ll explain it all.
How Slingo Combines Slots and Bingo
We’ve mentioned how Slingo combines elements from slots and bingo, but which part comes from which type of game? Here we’re going to break down Slingo and point out how it skillfully combines these two popular games.
The Slot Elements
Slingo features reels which are borrowed straight from slots. However you don’t get to land winning combinations on these. Instead you need to land numbers which match those found on the grid column on top of the reel. There are 5 reels in total, one for each of the grid’s 5 columns. In addition to numbers the reels hold special symbols, such as Jokers, Devils, and Free Spins, which further enhance the gameplay.
The Bingo Elements
The main bingo element of Slingo is, of course, the game card. This is a 5x5 grid that holds a random selection of numbers. Just like bingo, the main aim is to mark numbers in lines, which here are known as slingos. The grid allows for a total of 12 slingos (5 vertical, 5 horizontal, and 2 diagonal), and forming these will award you with a prize at the end of your session.
Game Layout and Flow
At first glance Slingo might look a bit overwhelming - after all, depending on the version you might be playing it can feature a grid, reels, and a paytable. With this in mind let’s first take a closer look at each individual element making a Slingo game.
- The grid - this is a 5x5 grid based on a bingo card. It holds 25 random numbers ready to be marked to form slingos.
- The reels - found underneath the grid, these are 5 individual reels. Each reel corresponds to the grid exactly on top and holds numbers and special symbols.
- Scoreboard - this shows how many slingos you have formed and how much you’ll win by the end of the round.
- Number of spins - each round of Slingo starts with 10 spins.
- Current bet - you can set your wager using this panel.
- Free spins - this shows you many free spins you’ll play after your initial 10 spins.
- Spin button - press this to start the game by spinning the reels!
Special Symbols on the Reels!
We’ve mentioned how the reels hold numbers and special symbols. These special symbols can differ between Slingo variants, but here’s what they typically consist of.
- Joker - Allows you to mark off a number from the column on top of their reel.
- Super Joker - Allows you to mark off any number from the entire grid.
- Devil - Blocks off a number from the column on top of their reel.
- Cherub - Frees a blocked number by shooting the devil.
- Free Spin - Awards you with an additional spin.
- Coin - Rewards you with an instant cash prize.
How to Play Slingo
Now that we know what the screen includes it’s time to actually learn how to play Slingo. So here goes.
- Each round of Slingo consists of 10 spins of the reels.
- You can choose the amount you want to spend per round.
- Once ready press the “Spin” button.
- The reels start spinning.
- If a number that matches one on the grid lands it will be marked automatically.
- A slingo will be formed with a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line on the grid.
- The scoreboard shows how many slingos you currently have.
- The round ends once all 10 spins and any free spins won are over. However you can continue playing by paying for extra spins.
- Once the round is over you win a prize according to the scoreboard.
History and Evolution of the Format
The Slingo format was created by Sal Falciglia Sr in 1994. A real estate developer based in New Jersey, Falciglia wanted a game that combined two of his favourites, slots and bingo. This was a game born in the internet age, and was initially available online as a single-player experience on early platforms. A multiplayer version was also available, but only via the AOL portal.
Slingo quickly proved to be a hit, with different versions available across multiple formats. These include not only different online versions, but also standalone Slingo games available on CD-ROM, a version on the Tiger Electronics handheld LCD games, a cartridge version for the Nintendo DS console, and even cabinets for land-based casinos. All of these retained the same Slingo format, with the 5x5 grid, 5 reels, and lines formed by marking numbers off the grid.
In 2013 RealNetworks acquired Slingo from Falciglia for $15.6 million. This deal only lasted for a couple of years, as in 2015 RealNetworks sold Slingo to London-based Gaming Realms. This British company really pushed the format among UK online casinos, explaining its popularity among British players!
Game Fairness and RNG
Fairness is rightly one of the main concerns of any player. After all, you’re playing using your hard earned cash, so it’s only right that the game’s results are truly fair. Well, here’s some good news - game fairness is guaranteed if you’re playing at a licensed online casino site. This is because the UK Gaming Commission (UKGC) licence required for casino sites to operate here in Britain is a guarantee of game fairness. The UKGC is very strict in this regard, and requires both operators and game providers to ensure that the Random Number Generators (RNGs) powering their games are truly random and, as such, fair.
But what is an RNG, you might ask? It is exactly what it sounds like - an algorithm that creates sequences of numbers without a predictable pattern. In the case of Slingo the RNG generates the numbers on the game card and the results every time the reels are spun, meaning its fairness is of the utmost importance. The company behind these games assures us that the RNGs powering its games are regularly tested to ensure their randomness, meaning you can play safely and with peace of mind.
Who Should Play Slingo?
Are you a slot fan? Do you enjoy bingo? If the answer to both these questions is “yes” then you’re definitely among those who should play Slingo! That said, Slingo is a game that should appeal to all sorts of players, from those who enjoy casual games to the more strategically minded ones. This is because Slingo is a game that’s very easy to pick up and play - simply spin the reels and see which numbers land! However there is a spot of strategy involved, especially when the special symbols come into play. On which numbers will you use your jokers and super jokers? Is it worth buying spins once the round is over? It’s a game with some surprising depth, leading to plenty of fun for players of all styles and tastes.
Have Fun Playing Slingo!
Slingo is a quirky mashup of games that will prove enjoyable for most, if not all, players! It’s also a mature style of game with an established gameplay loop and plenty of variants that add further twists and features to the proceedings. With these new additions and themes it’s clear that Slingo is here to stay, so why not give it a go?
Of course, always remember to play responsibly and, while you’re at it, let us know which Slingo game is your favourite!
