Fan of slots, bingo, and playing for real-cash prizes? Well, if you haven’t already, you need to play Slingo — a unique game type that combines the fast-spinning action of slots with the number-matching strategy of bingo.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of slots and bingo or you’ve never played either before, Slingo is easy for anyone to dive into.
How does it all work? In this guide to Slingo, we’ll explain how to play Slingo online, explore the bonus symbols, and share the best Slingo games you need to try. Read on to discover all the key facts you need to know before you dive into the amazing world of Slingo.
Slingo Games Explained: Simple Gameplay Overview and Fascinating Origins
The Exciting Slingo Concept
When you play Slingo online, most titles follow the same structure.
The action revolves around a 5x5 grid with a set of reels underneath (containing 1 row of 5 positions). As in slots, you hit the ‘spin’ button to roll the reels and watch random symbols land.
Most symbols are numbers, but bonus symbols can hit, too (we’ll come back to these later). Like in bingo games, your goal is to match numbers on the reels to those on the grid. Create enough matches and you’ll start winning prizes.
The core concept may have stayed the same during Slingo’s evolution, but Slingo games have become more and more sophisticated. Many releases incorporate bonus features, and developers have created games based on hugely popular television shows (such as Deal or No Deal and The Masked Singer).
But where does Slingo come from?
Tracing Slingo’s Evolution
The history of Slingo began in 1994, when Sal Falciglia Sr. founded a new company: Slingo, Inc. While Falciglia worked as a real estate developer, he had a passion for casinos and gaming, and realized the potential of combining two of the most popular game types on the market.
Providing players with an innovative, fresh fusion of two beloved genres, Falciglia introduced players to a concept that would transform into a massive hit over the following decades. It appeals to slot and bingo fans alike, mixing crucial elements of both to keep the gameplay accessible to all.
As online casinos became more mainstream, Slingo eventually made its way into browsers with the release of Slingo Riches in 2015. This brought players the chance to try this hybrid game at home, and plays a key part in the story of how Slingo became popular.
Since Slingo Riches’ debut, the range of Slingo titles has steadily increased — and now players have dozens to choose from online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Slingo Gameplay
Ready to play Slingo games, but now sure how to get started? Here’s a quick breakdown of Slingo game mechanics and a step-by-step guide to how to play Slingo.
- Slingo gameplay focuses on a 5x5 grid containing a set of 25 random numbers (from 1 to 75).
- You have 10 or 11 standard spins in each round of Slingo.
- The 5-position reels below the grid show random numbers and/or symbols on each spin.
- Push the ‘spin’ button to play.
- Any numbers on the grid matching those on the reels are marked off, just as they would be in a game of bingo.
- Mark off 5 numbers on the same line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to create a Slingo.
- A prize ladder on the left-hand side of the screen shows the different payouts awarded for creating Slingos. As you mark off more lines, you’ll progress further up the ladder.
- Slingo games feature 12 win lines with 11 awards on the prize ladder (as the final line on the grid counts as 2 win lines).
- You can play extra spins once your 10 or 11 standard spins end. But each extra spin has a cost: this is always shown on the ‘spin’ button.
- You may accumulate free spins in Slingo games. You can play these after your standard spins end.
Always read the rules each time you load a Slingo title for the first time. This will explain how to play Slingo with details specific to the game.
Remember to think carefully before you pay for extra spins at the end of a game, and always gamble responsibly. Set a betting limit for yourself before you start playing and stick to it. Need more tips on bankroll management? Read our guide to Bankroll Management for Slot Players.
Slingo Game Symbols: Jokers, Devils, and Freebies
When you play Slingo games online, you’ll find multiple symbol types on the reels — including numbers and Slingo bonus symbols. What do the bonus symbols do, and how could they help you climb the prize ladder to rack up wins? Here’s a breakdown of the different Slingo symbol types you’ll see and how they work.
- Number symbols: These can land on any of the reel positions. Any matches found on the grid are marked off automatically.
- Joker symbols: The Joker symbol in Slingo games can help you create winning lines across the grid. Jokers are Wild: you can mark off any number on the column directly above the symbol’s reel position. If you only need one more match to finish a Slingo, a Joker gives you the chance to do that instantly. Discover more essential info on Wilds and why they matter in our guide to Wild symbols.
- Super Joker symbols: Super Jokers are Wild, but don’t limit you to just marking off a number on the column directly above — you can pick a number anywhere on the grid instead. That’s ideal for completing Slingos that need just one more number. The Super Joker advantage could mean the difference between finishing your final Slingo and ending the game without hitting the top of the prize ladder.
- Free Spin symbols: Free Spins symbols give you an extra spin at the end of the game. Unlike extra spins, you don’t need to pay for free spins. If you pick up one or more free spins during a game, you’ll have more chances to progress up the prize ladder and boost your overall winnings.
- Devil symbols: Fiendish Devil symbols aren’t like the Slingo bonus symbols above — they’re blockers. They stand in the way of creating matches on the grid, so beware of these if they land on any spin. If you only have a couple of Slingos left to complete, Devil symbols could make things even trickier.
7 Hit Slingo Games You Must Play
Not sure which Slingo titles to play? It’s not easy when you have 50+ to choose from, but to help you get started, here are 7 of the best Slingo games on the market right now.
Slingo Rainbow Riches
The ever-charming Slingo Rainbow Riches transports you to an idyllic Irish locale to play for cash payouts of up to 3,665x your bet. Unlock diverse bonus games while you play, featuring the loveable leprechaun that Rainbow Riches fans know well and giving you more opportunities to win.
Slingo Centurion
Travel back through time to ancient Rome in Slingo Centurion, an epic adaptation of the popular Centurion slot. Discover bonus games as you try to complete Slingos, including the Prizes on Parade and Caesar’s Free Spins rounds. And there’s the Road to Rome bonus that plays like a board game — giving you a totally different experience from the main game.
Slingo Starburst
NetEnt’s Starburst is one of the most well-known slots on the market, and now you can experience the slick Slingo version right here. Slingo Starburst features the same exciting space-themed style as the slot, and there’s the special Starburst Wild Win Spin to play if you manage to achieve a full house. And Wild symbols trigger respins for extra chances to complete Slingos, too.
Want to play the best NetEnt slots online? Discover the top NetEnt games available at Slingo.com!
Slingo Deal or No Deal
Slingo Deal or No Deal brings all the box-opening action of the hit game show to your device. Open boxes to match numbers and climb the prize ladder, with a chance to accept the Banker’s Offer after you complete four Slingos. Whether you’re a fan of the TV show or not, Slingo Deal or No Deal is one of the top titles to try today.
Slingo Fluffy Favourites
Played the popular Fluffy Favourites slot? Well, try Slingo Fluffy Favourites, too! This combines the immense charm and dazzling colours of the original with classic Slingo gameplay. Trigger a feast of sweet bonus games while you play: the Coin Pusher Bonus, Hook-a-Fluffy Bonus, Free Balls Bonus, and Toybox Pick Bonus.
Slingo Reel King
Slingo Reel King is a bonus-packed Slingo game with a wide range of prizes up for grabs. It blends the classic slot’s colourful style and charm with the simple Slingo gameplay that fans know. Move along the Reel King trail at the top of the screen while you play to unlock five bonus games — each one of these can help you pick up prizes and take your overall winnings higher.
Slingo Classic
Slingo Classic is a streamlined Slingo experience released to celebrate 20 years of this popular hybrid genre. The retro-themed presentation should delight long-time fans of Slingo, bingo, and online gaming in general. Mark off numbers to advance along the prize ladder and collect free spins along the way.
Discover All the Best Slingo Games at Slingo.com Now
Has our guide to playing Slingo online whetted your appetite?
Ready to see if you can mark off numbers and pick up prizes on the hottest Slingo games on the market?
You’re in the right place — Slingo.com is the online home of the latest and best Slingo games for UK players. With more than 1,200 Slingo, slots, and casino games from the top software developers, Slingo.com is the definitive place to play Slingo online.
How can you get involved? Just join Slingo today, browse our massive games lobby, and start spinning to win real money with Slingo games now!
