Many individuals find the concept of Slingo intriguing but aren’t sure where to start. Slingo provides a blend of 75-ball bingo and online pokies, offering a unique gaming experience to players.
This article will help to guide you through the basics of playing Slingo, while also offering some useful tips for beginners!
What is Slingo?
Slingo merges the excitement of 75-ball bingo with a reel found in online pokies, creating fresh gameplay for players to enjoy. Just like in many regular bingo variations, there’s a 5 x 5 grid in the middle of the screen, while the aforementioned reel sits below.
This reel displays various numbers and if one or more matches with the card in the middle, the number will be automatically crossed off. Most variations of Slingo also come with unique symbols, such as Wilds and Super Wilds, which add a layer of strategy to the game.
Intro on How To Play Slingo
Understanding the basic Slingo mechanic is your first step to learning this game. Start by selecting a bet level and hitting the spin button. This action sets in motion a set of slot reels that display numbers or special symbols.
Your aim is to match these numbers with those on your 5 x 5 grid, similar to bingo, but with the added thrill of slot gameplay. Each game gives you a maximum number of spins to complete as many Slingos (lines) as possible, with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines all counting.
The more Slingos that are created, the more progress players will make on the paytable that is commonly found on the left of the screen itself. Most of the time, the potential winnings are based on a multiple of the stake size, however, some games come with bonuses.
For example, in Slingo Hot Roll, Slingos will award players with a varying number of dice rolls and multipliers, with the outcome of these rolls determining the potential winnings. Bonuses will vary across different Slingo titles, if one is present, so be sure to always read the rules thoroughly before playing a round.
Most Slingo releases will award between 7 and 10 spins per game, at which point any potential winnings or bonuses will be awarded. Players will often have the option to continue spinning too, with each spin having its own associated cost. This is based on the player’s progress so far and can fluctuate quickly, so be sure to double-check before committing if you plan on buying extra spins at the end of a round.
Slingo Lingo Explained
Here’s a list of words that are commonly used in Slingo games, alongside their meaning, so you can stay on top of the action as it happens:
- Wild – These are symbols that appear on the reel at the bottom of the screen and come with the ability for players to cross off any number on the corresponding reel.
- Super Wild – These are similar to wilds but allow players to cross off any number on the entire grid.
- Slingo – A ‘Slingo’ is a line that forms horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on the board.
- Free Spin – This is another symbol that can appear and if it does, one extra spin is awarded to the player.
- Extra Spins – These are spins that can be bought at the end of a Slingo round. Keep in mind that the cost can fluctuate quickly, so always double-check before spinning.
- Reel – In Slingo, the reel refers to the space on which numbers appear.
- Board – This is the 5 x 5 area featuring different numbers that players are aiming to mark off.
- Blocker – Some variations of Slingo will come with ‘Blockers’ that do nothing except for occupy space on the reel.
Is There a Strategy for Slingo?
When playing Slingo, most of each round will be determined exclusively by luck. However, there is a strategy you can use that focuses on three main areas:
Game Selection
With a variety of games available, it becomes essential to select one that aligns with your preferences. For example, beginners may lean towards titles for being more user-friendly without a multitude of different bonus features. More experienced players, however, may look for a range of mechanics to be included in the title.
Naturally, it’s also important to find a theme that you enjoy playing. From deep sea fishing to games based on popular TV shows, there’s something to match virtually any preference with Slingo!
Balancing Your Winnings and Managing Your Bankroll
Managing your bankroll effectively is crucial for long-term success in Slingo. Start by setting a budget for each gaming session and stick to it, ensuring you don’t spend more than you’ve allocated.
Choose Slingo games that align with your budget. Games with lower betting levels allow more spins within the same budget, increasing your playtime without risking a significant portion of your funds.
This approach helps prevent the rapid depletion of your bankroll, allowing longer gameplay and more opportunities to form Slingos. Practising responsible gambling habits also ensures that playing Slingo remains an enjoyable experience without financial strain.
It’s also good to set a win limit when playing Slingo online. If you hit this potential winnings threshold, cashing out and calling it a session is a wise move!
Using Wilds and Super Wilds
As mentioned earlier, wilds and super wilds allow you to cross off any number on the corresponding reel, or on the board as a whole. Using these strategically can help to boost your chances of forming Slingos.
In the ‘Strategy’ tab of Slingo games, which can be found in the rules section, it says that the best decision is based on forming a Slingo. This means that just because a certain position is part of multiple lines, it’s better to lock in a Slingo, when possible, and progress up the table on the left.
The Most Popular Slingo Games you can play at BetVictor NZ
Here at BetVictor NZ, we have a huge selection of Slingo games that are available to play online. Some of the most popular titles include:
- Slingo Fortunes – The Slingo Fortunes game comes with an oriental theme and involves the player picking a red envelope at the start of the game. Every number that matches one on the player’s board will remove one of the cash values from play, and if the player forms 4 Slingos, an offer will be made for the envelope they selected at the end of this round. This mechanic continues throughout the game with multipliers also being introduced if players form 5 or more Slingos.
- Slingo Classic – Next up is Slingo Classic, a minimal game that is good for beginners to learn the mechanics of Slingo, should they wish to progress to games that have more advanced bonus features. It comes with a traditional range of mechanics and fixed values appear on the paytable, all of which are based on the current stake size.
- Slingo Starburst – We also have Slingo Starburst in our online casino catalogue, which is based on the hugely successful slot. It features a similar appearance, with a galaxy appearing behind the board and various symbols being visible on the paytable. Players that form 3 or more Slingos are awarded with a ‘Win Spin’ that includes different combinations of symbols on a slot-inspired screen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slingo
Players win at Slingo by forming lines, or ‘Slingos’ on the 5 x 5 board, which is done by matching different numbers. In most Slingo variations, a minimum of 3 or 4 lines will be required in order for some potential winnings to be awarded.
Yes, you can win real money while playing Slingo online, provided that you are wagering real funds.
