How to Play Slingo: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

In this guide, we outline how to play Slingo, the first casino game that merges slots with bingo and whose popularity has increased since 1994.

The game is much like traditional bingo, with bigger and better prizes of up to $50K or more. 

The only difference is in checking your numbers on a card. As you may already know, in a typical 75 or 90-ball bingo game, a live announcer or RNG would read them out or reveal them on display.

On the other hand, Online Slingo features reels beneath the bingo card that spin to reveal the results.

Even more precisely, if you're familiar with 75-ball bingo and a classic slot machine, you're a few steps away from discovering a new exciting gaming experience.

If you prefer video format, we have prepared a tutorial for you:

So, let's take a look at a quick jumplist of things you'll learn in our beginner's guide:

• What is Slingo? Is it Worth Playing?

• How to Play Slingo: Rules and Mechanics

• Common Symbols in Slingo

• Similarities with Slots and Bingo

• Top Slingo Games

• Tips to Play Slingo Like a Pro

• Expert Advice: Slingo Game Mastery

Let's get started!

What is Slingo? Is it Worth Playing?

If you're keen on discovering new variations of casino games, Slingo might be the thing. It is a highly interactive and engaging mix of video slots and traditional bingo, hence its portmanteau name.

Although it is based on one of the most popular bingo variants in the U.S. (75-ball bingo), Slingo successfully mashes up its design with the spinning reels – an inseparable mechanic and game component found in many online slots.

The basic concept is quite simple, really:

First, you mark off some numbers on the grid, just like when playing bingo. Next, see if you can match them with the values on the reels. 

There is also a prize ladder. Climbing it will increase your payout potential.

The first thing to notice in almost every game of Slingo is the layout. 

This social game combines a classic bingo ticket in the form of a 5×5 square with reels that you often see on a brick-and-mortar slot machine. 

They are usually located at the bottom of the screen, where only one space on each reel is visible.

To get the game going, players must spin the reels. Once they stop automatically or use the allocated button, users must refer to their virtual bingo card and see whether any numbers are displayed on the reels.

What's good about minigames in Slingo is that players can get the most out of the game precisely when playing free spins – another one of the popular features often seen in slots.

Players must land a Slingo or clear a line of numbers to start racking up points. Another way is marking off numbers on a card to create a shape or pattern unique to the game title.

Ultimately, clearing all the numbers on a card or hitting "full house" (a term well used in bingo) is also possible.

Points in this game are called Slingos, so the bigger their amount, the bigger the payout, allowing each player to climb the prize ladder further.

This is as high as it gets:

Slingo is very similar to playing video slots but only up to a point; that's where bingo kicks in, making its unique concept even more entertaining and recreational.

How to Play Slingo: Rules and Mechanics

The goal in Slingo is to match five in a row (the more times, the merrier). 

This can be done horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and once you make a match on the bottom row with random numbers, they will be marked automatically.

However, since the game combines bingo and slots, you can also land jokers, trigger free spins, or even receive instant prizes, provided you get the correct symbols.

To play the game, one must press the spin button. You have a chance to get 10 spins per game or more. Matching numbers on the grid with the ones on the reel pays out a cash prize. 

However, the spinning slot line at the bottom isn't just about numbers. Like in regular slots, it can ‘summon’ some bonus symbols.

Depending on your game, these may appear as the Joker, Super Joker, or Free Spin symbols.

Their presence on the grid pumps up the action in a game of Slingo as they either let you chalk off any number on the grid, select the number of your choice, or bring an instant prize.

Meanwhile, the cash prize on the ladder increases with every win line you complete.

In addition, some Slingo games will allow you to purchase extra spins, but only if you get close to making more winning lines or a full house. Others will feature a time limit on spins or even ask you to pick three symbols and reveal the prize at some point.

Popular Symbols in Slingo

In almost every Slingo arcade, you will see special symbols on the reels. Unlike numbers, their purpose is to make the game more exciting by triggering instant cash rewards or in-game features.

Although different by design, special symbols in Slingo always have the same objective – to help you create more patterns and wins.

Here's the most common selection of bonus icons you'll find in popular versions of the game:

Symbol	Description
	Joker: This is a typical wild symbol. You can use it to mark off any number in the column above it.
	Super Joker: Another type of wild symbol that allows you to mark off any number in the entire grid.
	Free Spins: It grants 1 free spin and increases the chances of making a pattern.
	Gold Coin: Awards an instant cash prize and adds it to the balance.
	Devil:Blocks potential matches and stops you from marking off any numbers in a specific column.

Slingo vs. Regular Bingo: Quick Comparison

Bingo and Slingo are two sides of the same coin. They are both social games, and their sole difference is in how numbers are "called." 

In a bingo hall, the caller usually draws them from a ball cage, while online bingo uses a random number generator (RNG) to produce unpredictable outcomes.

Slingo games are based on the exact mechanism, where the RNG generates a new combination with every single spin. Like in every other online casino game, the second the reels are spun, the randomized result is decided. 

However, in slot games, every new bet requires a new spin.

Design-wise, regular bingo players will notice that the grid is the same as a 75-ball game. However, there is also a single row of slot reels at the bottom, where special symbols or numbers match up with those on the bingo ticket.

With that said, playing the game is incredibly easy. Moreover, it's as fun as playing a slot and bingo at once. 

Thanks to modern technologies and the constant development of both traditional and social gaming, there are now many modernized versions of Slingo to be found on a plethora of betting sites.

Sometimes, it may not seem like the best idea to play slingo online due to the huge house advantage. Still, it is undoubtedly one of the most innovative products in the whole casino industry. 

The Best Slingo Games and Variants You Can Play

Just like in any other gaming category, certain Slingo games are perfect for understanding the basics and winning some money along the way. Once you learn how to play Slingo and get the hang of it, you will enjoy these fun and straightforward games anywhere you go.

Take a peek at some of the most popular Slingo games available below.

The following examples are also known as Slingo Originals, and they come with a bonus plus slightly different mechanics to ensure versatility and a better experience.

Slingo Riches

This is one of the first games to use Slingo mechanics, which makes it a number 1 pick to this day. Found in almost any online casino, Slingo Riches starts with 11 spins, but it also features the joker, super joker, and devil. 

For extra fun, players can land the free spins symbol and gold coin. Its maximum win cap seeds at 200 times the bet.

Slingo Classic

Although it was released some 20 years ago, the Slingo Classic edition will take you back to basics in no time. With retro graphics, compelling mechanics, and 11 spins, players can match numbers on the slot reel to those in the 5×5 grid horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. 

Special symbols like Joker, Super Joker, Coin, and Free Spin are also onboard, while 3 or more Jokers/Super Jokers award a cash prize. 

Slingo Extreme

Hotter than all the other Slingo games combined, the Extreme Version is packed with an increased jackpot and faster gameplay, leading to scorching wins of up to 500x the bet. 

On the grid, you will notice a 5x5 grid accompanied by a single reel where joker, super joker, free spins symbols, gold coins, and devils pump up the action. There are 11 spins to start with, but you can buy eight extra rounds at the end of the cycle and extend the round.

Slingo Bells

Dashing through the snow in the Bells version of the popular social game will give you a chance to win up to 1000x the bet! Once you join the winter wonderland, expect nothing less than a 5×5 grid, special symbols, and unlimited extra spins to spread the festive cheer.

Slingo Ante Up

In this super exciting take on Las Vegas, Slingo is taking you to the world's entertainment capital. At the start, you choose between 9 and 16 spins, while the fast-paced nature of Slingo Ante Up can dish out fabulous wins, all thanks to the joker, super joker, and free spin!

Slingo Fire and Ice

With unbelievable fixed jackpots up for grabs, this fiery edition of Slingo originals offers a rich gaming experience. 

If you complete a vertical Slingo across both grids, the reel changes to the jackpot reel for the remaining spins. 

Only blue and red gems can land on the jackpot reel, triggering either the blue or red fixed grand prize. 

You can win a maximum of 5 jackpots in any single game.

Another highly successful vertical gem is Slingo deal or no deal slot. It's fast, fun, and full of suspenseful moments, with a top jackpot prize of $100,000. Not too shabby, considering it's based on one of the most appealing live online versions of the famous TV game show developed by Evolution.

Slingo Tips and Tricks

Playing Slingo is not just about pressing the spin button and hoping for the best. Yes, the outcome is determined by RNG, and it is random, but there are several Slingo strategy tips to use if you genuinely want to better your chances of winning.

Learning some tips on how to play Slingo is also necessary to achieve success and satisfaction at the end of the day, as there are now many versions available on the market.

To get you ready for some action, we bring you 5 Slingo strategy tips:

1. Find Slingo with Special Features

While some Slingo games are entirely basic, offering nothing more than a straightforward Slingo bingo experience, there are many variants nowadays brimming with unique features. 

Whether you're only starting out or you are an experienced player, always go for the variants with bonus games. Not only will you be able to trigger extra prizes and earn something, but there is also a chance to expand your experience and use it in the long run.

2. Understand the Paytable

Learning details from the paytable before you start is vital since most Slingo slots use a similar combination of symbols. The most common ones are Jokers, Super Joker, Devils, and Coins, but you will see that some editions, like Slingo Stampede below, match their symbols with the theme or even feature a new icon.

Paytables can also help you learn how to play the game, reveal the projected cost of extra spins, uncover more about the configuration of win lines, and provide you with other essential tips. The paytable is usually under the '?' or '(i)' icon.

3. Don't Overspend on Extra Spins

Getting close to completing a full house can trigger a small adrenaline rush. This is when it gets tempting to purchase some extra spins. But, although they're expensive, and the cost of buying them may not be prizeworthy, going the extra mile is what gaming is all about. Remember to keep it cool, though, and don't waste your money too often.

4. Keep an Eye on the RTP

Always check the return to player percentage (RTP) of any Slingo game you want to try. This can greatly impact your overall winnings and the general satisfaction of your progress as a player. The average value is around 96%, but some editions can go over 97% or even more.

5. Don't Let Your Emotions Get in the Way

You must play online casino games responsibly. Having love for Slingo or any other bingo-like game is okay unless it doesn't hurt your bank balance. 

Don't let your emotions control you when playing; never chase losses out of frustration. 

That Full House you're waiting for will come. Just be patient.

Expert Advice: Slingo Game Mastery

If you want to play Slingo like a pro or at least feel like a master Slingo strategist, follow these 6 quick tips:

1. Remember to take it slow;
2. Stay informed of all the game details;
3. Bet at a level you can afford;
4. Don't risk it too often;
5. Play at trustful casino websites;
6. Make use of jokers and pick games with multipliers or special features.

Slingo is a straightforward casino game based on chance. It requires no special tactics, making it so entertaining for beginners.

Closing Thoughts

With a 20-year-long history in iGaming, Slingo combines slots and bingo and everyone loves that feature. It is pretty simple to play and understand, which is why it took the casino world by storm.

Therefore, learning how to play Slingo should not be an issue; there are a couple of tips and tricks to hold on to, and the rest depends on luck, RNG, and some skills.

Always check the paytable before you start, set strict budget limits, use features to your advantage, and know when to stop.