Slingo was developed in 1994 by Sal Falciglia Sr. from New Jersey. As its name suggests, Slingo combines elements of slots and bingo. It made its online debut in 1996 and quickly caught on with casino fans who loved the excitement of slots and the classic nostalgia of bingo.
Gaming Realms acquired the rights to Slingo in 2015, developing numerous new variations under the Slingo Originals brand. Initially known as a free-to-play game, it has become an extremely popular real-money casino game under Gaming Realms’s rights, featuring a wide range of new versions appearing across online casinos.
The game has gained immense popularity after collaborating with leading slot developers to create thousands of themed games in which players can win real money prizes.
What is Slingo?
Slingo is a popular online casino game that combines a 5-reel slot with a 75-ball bingo game. The objective is to match the numbers on the reels with those on a 5×5 bingo-style card. Each spin introduces new numbers, special symbols, and even bonuses. Many of the games feature popular slots, creating a sense of familiarity that appeals to fans of both genres.
How to Play Slingo
To start playing, set your stake and hit ‘spin’ to get going. Each game begins with a 5×5 bingo-style grid filled with random numbers. Below the grid is a set of reels that spin to reveal numbers or special symbols. When numbers on the reels match those on the grid, they are automatically marked off, usually with a star or something similar.
The main objective is to complete lines of five numbers—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—to create a Slingo. Each Slingo moves you up a prize ladder displayed alongside the game. The more Slingos you complete, the higher you climb the prize ladder. The aim is to get a ‘Full House” to win the corresponding prize.
Slingo Extras and Symbols
Additional extras, such as multipliers, free spins, and power-ups, distinguish Slingo from a traditional bingo game.
Special symbols:
Coins award extra points and could present extra free spins.
Devils are not a great symbol to land. The score is halved, and you could lose a number on the bingo card.
Jokers are a wild card that marks off any number in the column directly above the Joker’s position.
Super Jokers are even more valuable, marking off any number anywhere on the grid.
Cherubs block the Devil by shooting him with an arrow.
Free Spin awards a free spin.
Each Slingo game is familiar but may have different bonus features and symbols. Before trying a new game, it’s best to read how it works before placing your bet. However, the ultimate goal is simple—achieve as many Slingos as possible to reach higher prize tiers and win more significant rewards. Games typically have a set number of spins between 10 and 20, but you can purchase additional spins to improve your results.
Popular Slingo Games
Slingo Rainbow Riches
Slingo Rainbow Riches is a Slingo version of the much-loved Rainbow Riches slot developed by Barcrest. Rainbow Riches launched in 2009 and has since remained one of the most iconic slots in the world. Barcrest captivated slot players with its Irish charm—leprechauns, pots of gold, and lucky rainbows. It made perfect sense to team up with Barcrest to transform the popular Irish slot into a Slingo format.
The Slingo edition maintains the familiar visuals and exciting bonuses that made Rainbow Riches the slot it is today. Spin the reels, match your numbers, and unlock popular Rainbow Riches bonuses, including Road to Riches, Magic Toadstool, and the Wishing Well. Road to Riches has you moving along a path to collect multipliers, Magic Toadstool lets you pick mushrooms to reveal prizes, and Wishing Well offers instant wins. It’s a cheerful, rewarding game that’s easy to enjoy again and again.
Slingo Starburst
Slingo Starburst puts a fresh spin on the classic slot game Starburst, originally launched by NetEnt in 2012. By adding a unique Slingo twist, this game creates an exciting experience while maintaining key elements that made the original so popular. The blend of nostalgia and innovation makes it appealing to players new to the game and Starburst fans. NetEnt’s collaboration with Slingo gives casino enthusiasts an innovative way to enjoy this beloved slot game.
This combination remains true to the original Starburst slot, with beautiful jewel symbols and a bright, cosmic feel. You spin reels to match numbers on your Slingo card, and watch out for the Starburst wild symbols—they expand across the reels and trigger respins, just like in the original slot. You can even purchase extra spins to enhance the payout potential.
Conclusion
Slingo combines five-reel slots with the timeless appeal of 75-ball bingo, creating a uniquely engaging experience. Its rise in popularity at online casinos is largely due to its simplicity, interactive gameplay, and variety of themes and bonuses. With regular innovations and adaptations of classic games, Slingo is fresh and exciting and appeals to an ever-growing audience seeking rewarding entertainment. As online games continue to evolve, the game’s unique charm and adaptability suggest it will continue captivating players in the future.
