How to Play Slingo – An In-Depth Guide

Once almost a game show in the US, Slingo blends the best parts of Bingo and Slots into one of the fastest, action-packed online games ever. 

Now a staple of online casinos around the globe, Slingo is one of the most popular games of chance.

We explain the rules, reveal our favorite titles, and provide our best strategies for Slingo success.

Online Slingo

If the name didn’t give it away, Slingo blends elements of slots and elements of Bingo. Smashed together into a hybrid game, you have Slingo. 

The game offers the fast-paced action of slots but also the sit-back-and-watch simplicity of lottery gaming. 

Born from the desire to develop a game for TV during a long flight from Paris in 1993 and originally built into a 1950s antique slot machine, Slingo entertained one family until it launched to the masses on AOL in 1996.

Slingo is simple.

Complete lines to create “Slingos” which earn you points. Try to win as many points as possible. 

Slingo Basics

• Objective of the Game: The aim is to cross off as many numbers on the 5×5 grid as possible. Cross off lines of five numbers to earn points and collect winnings. This could be a straight line, diagonal, or horizontal.
• Game Layout: A standard game of Slingo features a 5×5 numbered grid, much like a game of Bingo. Below the grid is a slot reel that will reveal the drawn numbers.

How to Play Slingo

You simply spin a reel and match the numbers on a 5×5 grid to complete “Slingo” lines. 

To score in Slingo, you’ll need to complete lines on the grid using matched numbers from the reels.

It’s just as easy to play as most slot games or standard bingo, but imagine a combination of the two. For example, there isn’t too much you have to do when the game starts – just like slots and bingo. 

There are a few key elements to understand, but our step-by-step guide will have you playing like a pro in no time.

Step-by-Step Slingo Gameplay:

• Starting the Game: Load up a game and start a round by placing your bet. Game grids are allocated at random.
• Spinning the Reels: Hit spin to spin the reels and see what symbols and numbers land.
• Marking Numbers: Each time a drawn number matches one on the grid, you’ll cross it off and work towards creating a “Slingo” line.
• Completing Slingos: Remember, a Slingo is five numbers in a row. They can be formed in a vertical, horizontal, and diagonal line, just like Bingo.

Special Slingo Symbols:

• Joker: Acts as a wild card, allowing players to mark off any number in the column where it appears.​
• Super Joker: This symbol lets you mark off any symbol on the entire grid. Perfect for finishing off a line or getting some movement on another.
• Free Spin: The free spin awards an additional reel spin. This is useful because you’ll get another set of numbers to cross off your grid.
• Devil: Blocks potential matches and may reduce the player’s score, sometimes by half.​
• Coin: Provides instant cash prizes. ​

Scoring in Slingo

It’s all about scoring as many points as possible to maximize the amount you can win from your bet. 

Point allocation and values may differ from one game to another. 

For example, depending on the symbol, Slingo Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania applies a multiplier between 0.4x and 5x.

Slingo Day of the Dab scores points and winnings based on Slingos – for example, 4 Slingos is $0.40, 10 Slingos is $20, but you can also win $100 by nailing a Full House.

Some games offer extra bonus points. 

For example, you can earn jackpot prizes on Slingo Fire and Ice, or you can trigger a bonus round on Slingo Da Vinci Diamonds, which can result in multiplier-powered boosts to your score.  

Popular Slingo Variants

The best place to try out free-to-play Slingo is at Gamesville. We have loads of exciting Slingo games from top providers, and you can play each one entirely for free. 

Learn a little about our favorite Slingo titles below.

Slingo Starburst

Based on the globally popular slot game, Slingo Starburst is fast-paced and offers several extra chances.

At the end of the standard 10 rounds, you’ll get the chance to spin a wheel to get an extra free spin – each time you successfully land on “Extra Spin”, you’ll get another spin.

Our reviewers consistently nailed consecutive extra spins, last time we tested Slingo Starburst. 

Book of Slingo

You’ll get to spin 11 rounds in Book of Slingo, and you can unlock extra rounds at the end – although these come at a price.

This game features wonderfully vibrant animations and some of the sharpest visuals.

We analyzed Book of Slingo and confirmed a very high 96.37% RTP and medium variance – perfect for new players.

Slingo Fire and Ice

Possibly the most innovative and exciting Slingo game in our collection, Slingo Fire and Ice is played on two simultaneous grids in which different symbols can affect the “Fire” side, “Ice” side, or even both.

Best of all, Slingo Fire and Ice features jackpots that you can earn by completing a double Slingo.

During recent testing, we focused on the “Fire” side first, which boosts multipliers that apply to the “Ice” side, and then refocused on creating Slingos on the “Ice” side. 

Slingo Strategies and Tips

No strategy is perfect. Nor can any strategy 100% guarantee additional wins. However, there are a few tips and techniques we can offer that will improve your chances of success and help you become a better Slingo player.

• Using Wilds and Super Wilds: Land Wilds to take control over marking numbers off the grid. Don’t get too excited when you get a Super Wild. Pause and consider which row could use a marked-off number best before proceeding. I prioritize using Super Wilds to cross off significantly underdeveloped lines. 
• Managing a Bankroll: Control your bankroll wisely. Never bet more than you can afford, and stick to a strategy. It’s a good idea to decide when and how you’ll spend your bankroll before you start playing.
• When to Buy Extra Spins: If your grid is looking untouched and you’ve got a lot of numbers to mark off, perhaps it isn’t worth paying for an extra spin. However, if you’re a number or two off some Slingos, an extra spin could get you over the line. 
• Familiarity with Game Types: Explore different game types to see what works for you. The best way to do this is by playing different Slingo titles for free. We have loads of free Slingo games at Gamesville for you to try. I routinely practice new Slingo games for free before heading to an online casino. 

Common Slingo Mistakes

A lot of players make some simple little mistakes that can make or break their winnings. We’ve identified the most common Slingo mistakes below so that you can avoid them from the very first spin.

• Don’t ignore the prize ladder: Seriously. Pay attention to pay tables and the prize ladder. Otherwise, you might miss out on a scoring opportunity. For example, some games offer higher rewards for crossing off certain lines.
• Fixating on a line: It’s all too easy to just look for horizontal or vertical lines. Don’t forget that you can create diagonal lines, too. Make sure you are paying attention to the entire grid so you don’t miss an obvious opportunity just to score.
• Misusing special symbols: Don’t just slap the Super Joker or any old number; carefully consider the best lines and the state of your grid to make a strategic decision. For example, rather than completing a low-paying line, use the Super Joker to develop a higher one instead.

Play Responsibly

Slingo is plenty of fun when playing for free, but you can also bet real money playing Slingo at online casinos.

Should you choose to play for real, it is important to do so responsibly.

• Play responsibly: This simply means playing safely and making smart, informed decisions. Don’t make excessively high bets, don’t change your wager size over and over, and aim to play for fun rather than to make money.
• Set limits: Set how much you are willing to bet and the size of wagers. Then, make sure you stick to your limits. Make sure these are within your means.
• Walk away: Know when to walk away. If you’re on a losing streak or you’ve hit your limits, just walk away and play another time. Never chase losses.
• Play for free: Remember that you can always play for free at any time. If you’re not sure how to play, we recommend starting out by playing for free.

Conclusion

Slingo is fast-paced, super-simple, and incredibly fun to play.

You just spin the reels and cross off numbers to win a wealth of different prizes. 

Don’t forget to harness the power of special symbols to reach the highest prizes, too.

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