Slingo is one of the most popular forms of bingo. Bingo itself is a casino game favourite, played all over the world by eager fans.
Slingo is one of the many versions of bingo, with its own particular set of rules. This article will explain how to play slingo and some of the ways that you can take advantage of the game to win.
The origins of slingo
As its name indicates, slingo is a mix of slots and bingo. It was created in 1994 by an American called Sal Falciglia Sr.
The game is based, in part, on existing rules and mechanisms introduced in the bingo and the slots games.
Bingo itself is believed to have originated during the 16th century in Italy. Back then, the famous game was known as “Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia”.
Later on, the game was brought to France where it was only played by the richest individuals. It was later brought to the UK during the 18th century.
The game of bingo evolved over time, leading to many modifications of its original rules. Nowadays, the most famous versions of bingo are the British version and the American version.
As for slots games, they began to appear around the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The first gambling machine ever seems to be that of Sittman and Pitt who created a sort of poker machine in 1887.
In 1891, Charles August Fey created a slot machine with automatic pay-out. He named this machine Liberty Bell.
Other machines were created during the 20th century with the first video slot finally appearing in 1976. These machines paved the way for the creation of the slingo game in 1994.
How to play slingo
Slingo is an online game that players can access via an online casino venue. It can be played in solo-mode or multiplayer mode for those who prefer playing with friends.
The game nicely mixes elements of bingo and slots for a great gaming experience.
The game begins with players receiving a bingo card. On their bingo card, they will find a series or random numbers.
This card will appear just above a set of reels. Players will then have the opportunity to spin the reels of a slot machine 20 times.
These reels will not be ordinary slot machine reels. Instead of seeing fruit symbols, these reels will show five random numbers and occasional ‘special items’.
If a player finds these numbers on their bingo card, they can cross them off. The winner will be the player with the most points, obtained by crossing out numbers in winning combinations on their bingo card.
Slingo games also include ‘special items’ that will sometimes appear on the reels. Here are some of these special items that you might find during your game:
- Jokers and/or Super Jokers
- Devils
- Free Spins
- Coins
Jokers are useful items to get. With a joker, you can mark off any number in the column under which it appears.
For example, if you want to mark off a remaining number in your last column and a joker appears on the reels just under that last column, you will be able to cross that number off.
If you get a joker in the middle column, also known as centre column (N), that joker might turn into a Super Joker. A Super Joker is even more useful than a regular joker.
With a Super Joker, you can cross off any number in any column. To use it, make sure you use the Super Joker and place it under the column that you want in order to cross off a number.
As for Devils, they are not fun special items to get on your reels. Getting a devil will divide your score in half, making you lose points.
However, devils can be cancelled by angels. An angel might appear on the reels to cancel out a devil’s action, helping you maintain your score.
You might also come across a free spin item that allows you to try spinning the reels again and tick off more numbers on your bingo card.
The last special item on our list is a coin item. These coins will give points to the player, helping boost their score.
How to win at slingo
Slingo is one of the best bingo variations to play.
Here are some tips and tricks to increase your chances of winning at slingo:
- consider the RTP or Return to Player percentage of the slingo game you are playing
- buy extra spins strategically
- use the joker feature strategically as well
- create multiple winning lines or combinations
Slingo is a fun and pretty easy game to play. However, following these tips strategically will help you improve your chances of winning.
For example, if you pick a slingo game with a higher RTP, you will be increasing your chances of getting some of your initial deposit back.
Slingo games also allow you to buy some extra spins in order to mark off more numbers from your bingo card. Only buy extra spins if you have assessed your chances of winning and believe you are truly increasing your odds.
Otherwise, buying more spins will only result in a bigger loss.
Another important aspect is to use your special items, like the joker item, with care. A joker is a precious item that can truly help you increase your chances of winning.
Make sure you assess where you place your joker and are not randomly doing so without thinking it through.
Finally, a good way of winning at slingo is to create more lines on your bingo card in order to obtain a winning combination. Try to create multiple lines in different directions (vertical, horizontal or diagonal lines are good).
Final thoughts
This article discussed the origins of slingo, its rules and the ways in which you can improve your chances of winning. Now, it’s your turn to play!
