Here at Slingo, we love playing online bingo. The rise of mobile gaming means you can enjoy all your favourite games – and discover new ones – all from the comfort of your own home. If you’ve played online bingo before, you may have noticed the ‘side games’ or ‘mini games’ that are often available in the bingo room. You can choose to play these games alongside a bingo game (perhaps when you’re waiting for it to start) for an additional bet, and many players find this kind of multi-tasking gaming exciting! However, it’s not for everyone – if you just want to focus on bingo, that’s totally fine too!
In this article, we’ll explain more about bingo side games, including the type of games on offer, the advantages and disadvantages of side games, and what else to consider if you’re thinking of trying them.
Define side games and how they appear within online bingo platforms.
What Are Bingo Side Games?
As you may have guessed, bingo side games are mini-games that can be played alongside an online bingo game. They usually appear underneath the chat box in a bingo room – which is like a virtual room where bingo games take place. There are different types of side game, but the most common options are slots, scratch cards and instant win games. If you’re playing bingo at Slingo, you’ll probably also see Slingo mini games too.
If you decide to play one, it will open up in a corner of the screen, so that you can see it and the bingo game at the same time. Lots of people like to play side games while they are waiting for a bingo game to start, between games or bingo calls, or even at the same time as the main game.
The games on offer will have been specially selected by the casino, so you won’t have the choice of the entire games catalogue. However, the mini games have been chosen because they are easily accessible, and convenient to play alongside the main bingo game.
Types of Bingo Side Games
Here’s a quick explanation of the types of side games you might encounter:
Slots
Slots are probably the most common type of side game you’ll find in online bingo games. There are thousands of different types of slot games out there, ranging from fairytale adventures to film and TV-themed slots and more.
Online scratch cards
Just like physical scratch cards, you’ll mark off positions to hopefully reveal a combination of matching numbers. If you’re a lucky winner, you’ll win an instant cash prize.
Slingo games
You may only see these side games at Slingo’s online casino – even more of a reason to play bingo with us, in our eyes! Slingo game is an exciting mix of slots and bingo, offering a chance to win a Full House prize.
The Advantages of Side Games
There are lots of reasons to play side games. Here are just a few:
Extra chances to win
Of course, when you play mini games you are making additional bets, but this means you have more chances to win. Playing two games at once doubles your chances of winning - although it’s important to remember that in all online casino games outcomes are random, and wins and losses cannot be predicted.
Some mini games may offer higher payouts, but remember, all outcomes are random and you should always play responsibly.
Added entertainment during quieter moments
Usually there are only a few minutes between bingo games, but some players like to use this time to play mini games. It can make the waiting time seem less, and it gives you something new to try during a quiet moment.
However, some players prefer to just use the time to take a break, or to chat to fellow players in the chat room – all equally valid options!
A chance to try different games
If you’re primarily a bingo player, mini games can be a great way to experience other types of games at the casino. You can dip your toe into the online slots world, for example, or have a go at online slots.
If you find something you like, you can always search for it in the casino outside of your usual bingo game.
The Disadvantages of Side Games
Like all things, bingo side games also have some potential disadvantages. Here are a few to consider:
A distraction from the bingo game
If you find multi-tasking challenging, mini games might not be for you. They remove some of your focus from the main bingo game, which can mean that you miss out on the true bingo experience. Although auto-daubing to mark off numbers is a popular option in online bingo, if you choose to manually daub you might miss some of the numbers. And whichever number-marking method you use, it would be a shame to miss the dramatic moment of a win!
May have a negative effect on your bankroll
Playing more games gives you more opportunities to enjoy different experiences, but each game outcome is based on chance, and there’s always a risk of loss. And while bingo tickets are typically cheap – often ranging from 1p to 20p – slot games may have a higher minimum bet. £0.10 is common, but some may have a minimum bet of £1.
In slots, the bet is paid on every spin, whereas in bingo one bet (or ticket purchase) lasts for the whole game. If you’re not winning, you are likely to notice your balance decreasing more quickly in slots than in online bingo.
Less social interaction
More than other online casino games, bingo is known for its social aspect. Many players enjoy the feeling of playing the same game, at the same time as others - and of course it means there’s some healthy competition!
Slot games, scratch cards and even Slingo games are more solitary by nature, as single-player games. Playing a side game will also mean that you probably have less time to spend in the online chat room, where lots of players enjoy interacting with each other.
Are Bingo Side Games Worth Playing?
The answer to this question depends on the type of player you are. If you love fast-paced gaming and playing a variety of different games, you’ll probably enjoy bingo side games. If you find yourself getting bored between bingo games and you’d like more chances to win, this could also mean that you’re well suited to playing side games.
If you prefer focusing solely on bingo, that’s perfectly fine too! Side games are optional, and should only be played if you enjoy them. Maybe you prefer to spend any bingo downtime chatting to your fellow players in the chat room, or playing simple games within the chat that can result in free tickets (for example, you may just need to get a trivia question right, or fill in the blanks in a sentence).
Newer players might also prefer to focus on the main bingo game, rather than potentially creating a more complicated situation by playing two games at once.
Whatever you decide, remember that side games are an optional extra, rather than the main event. There is no pressure to play side games, they are entirely optional and meant to enhance your experience, but always play responsibly and stay within your budget. Remember that side games require additional bets, and outcomes are entirely random, there's no way to predict whether you’ll win or lose.
Bingo Side Games at Slingo
Slingo offers a fantastic collection of bingo side games, many of which are available directly within your chosen bingo room. Here are a few examples:
- Slingo Cascade – A dynamic slot-bingo fusion side game with cascading reels.
- Slingo Xxxtreme – Fast-paced and filled with surprises, perfect for a mini break between rounds.
- Slingo Rainbow Riches – A colourful option featuring familiar Irish-themed elements.
These games are usually available during both 75-ball and 90-ball bingo sessions, allowing players to enjoy different bingo game types without changing screens or losing focus on the main game.
Playing Online Bingo at Slingo
Whether you decide to play side games or not, here at Slingo we’ve got a great selection of online games to choose from. So whether you’re a newcomer or a more experienced player, you’re sure to find a game you love at Slingo.
You can even make the most of an exclusive bingo bonus for new players on your first deposit, with 50 bingo tickets (plus 50 free spins on Starburst) up for grabs (T&Cs apply). Or if you’re keen to read more, why not check out our blog on strategies for winning at bingo? Remember to always play responsibly, set a budget, and never spend more than you can afford to lose.
