Slingo – a cross between bingo and the best online slots – is a great way to double your casino games fun. If you’re curious to know more about this perfect marriage of two of the most popular forms of gambling, read our guide that gives you everything you need to know to participate in the fun!
A brief history of Slingo
While Slingo’s history is short – it’s only been available in online casinos since the mid-1990s – its rise has been stellar and it’s now one of the most popular online casino games. Interestingly, developers originally had in mind a possible scratchcard-type game, but with all the advances in technology that were making slots even more exciting to play in new formats, and with additional features like cascading reels, free spins, and wild symbols, Slingo was developed under license by The Slingo Originals studio.
An overview of slingo
Slingo combines 75-ball bingo with slots, one of the most popular types of online casino games. You’ll play with a 5×5 grid similar to a bingo card, and a slot-style reel below this. The appeal of Slingo, apart from fast gameplay and interesting graphics, is that it’s easy to learn to play. If you’ve enjoyed bingo and slots in the past, you’ll pick it up in no time at all. But even for individuals who have never played either game, Slingo will present no mental challenge, just hours of online gaming fun.
How to play
Much like bingo, you’ll start with 25 random numbers on the 5×5 grid. Of course, there is no bingo caller spinning the cage and picking the bingo balls as there would be if you were playing in a bingo hall. In Slingo, there is a one-slot reel below the grid which displays five numbers each time you spin.
Now all you have to do is pair these numbers on the reel to those on the grid. Typically, you’ll have 10 chances (or spins) to match up as many of your 25 numbers as possible. Each time you complete a line (this can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), you’ll score points.
Having completed your 10 spins, your points will be tallied, and your total may give you a cash prize. The size of the prize will be based on the stakes you are playing.
Slingo game features
The developers of various Slingo titles have created additional features to increase the pleasure of playing. Titles feature a number of symbols that add to the excitement of the game. For example, when you land a Joker symbol, you will be able to pick one of your numbers to match in the column above the joker symbol. Look out for the Super Joker, because when this symbol appears, you’ll be able to “mark off” a number anywhere on your grid. If you’re lucky enough to get three or more Jokers, you will win an instant cash prize!
As all slots fans know, free spins can significantly increase your chances of winning, and as a true online slots hybrid, Slingo does not disappoint. Land a free spin symbol on your reel and you get to spin again for more chances of winning. But you’ll want to avoid landing the Devil symbol which can block one of your numbers on the grid and prevent a match.
Game icons perform in the following ways:
- A Joker can match any number in the column it lands in
- Three or more Jokers in a single spin will give you bonus points
- A Super Joker can be used to match any number on the card (your 5×5 grid)
- When the green Super Joker lands in the middle of the reel, it can be used to match any number
- A Devil will reduce your points by half
- The Cherub, when landed, can chase the Devil before it’s able to take your points
- A Gold Coin gives you an extra 1,000 points
- A Free Spin can be used to spin without requiring an additional purchase (there are a maximum of four Free Spins per game)
Is there any strategy involved in Slingo?
Slingo is a game of chance, which means that there is nothing you can do to influence the RGN (randomly generated numbers) and how they fall. Something you do have some control of is the action you take when landing Jokers. You’ll have to decide whether to opt for a line win or choose a symbol that may help your game in another way. So, for example, some titles offer bonus rounds that allow you to choose three symbols from a group to reveal a prize. Or you may be able to buy extra spins towards the end of a game, giving you an added opportunity that could be particularly valuable if you’ve almost made a winning line, or you’re close to a full house.
Play Slingo and other games at the best mobile casino
Slingo is simple, packed with special features and power-ups, and it’s a breeze to play. Whichever version you choose, from slot-based games like the classic Rainbow Riches to branded Slingo titles like Love Island and X Factor, the game guarantees fun, excitement, and the possibility of great pay-outs. Simply register at our no deposit mobile casino to gain access to The Phone Casino’s vast library of these and other titles.