Slingo slots have soared in popularity thanks to their innovative mix of slot mechanics and bingo-style gameplay. By combining the spinning reels found in traditional slot games with the strategic grid play of bingo, Slingo offers a fresh twist that appeals to players looking for something beyond the usual slot experience. This hybrid approach makes Slingo an interesting choice for those who enjoy combining engaging gameplay with an added layer of strategy.
This article will explore three of the best Slingo slots which have been made available throughout 2024 for players to enjoy.
Background
Slingo was conceived in 1994 by American businessman Sal Falciglia, who aimed to blend the excitement of slots with the social aspect of bingo. The first Slingo game, Slingo Classic, launched in 1995 on AOL, with help from Falciglia’s business associate, Dave Lyons. Initially offered on land-based machines, Slingo quickly transitioned online, where it gained widespread popularity, evolving with new themes and mechanics.
In 2013, RealNetworks purchased Slingo for $15.6 million, later selling it to London-based Gaming Realms in 2015, which still leads Slingo’s development today. Most Slingo games feature a 5×5 grid of numbers between 1 and 75. They also display one row of reels below, which generate new numbers on each spin to potentially match the grid’s values using a random number generator (RNG) to ensure fair play and kickstart the game once a stake is chosen. Players are given a fixed number of spins (typically 10) to use within a designated period. In a set base game of Slingo, there are 12 Slingo lines that can be formed vertically, diagonally, or horizontally to create “Slingos”.
Slingo games often include unique symbols beyond numbers, adding depth and strategic choices to the gameplay. Some of the most common symbols include Jokers, which allow players to mark off any number in the column above where they land. Another variation of this feature comes in the form of Super Jokers, which grant players the ability to mark any number on the grid, regardless of the column – both of these symbols are also referred to as “Wilds” or “Super Wilds.” Free Spins provide an additional spin, extending players’ gameplay to match numbers or land other symbols. However, not all symbols are advantageous; for example, the Devil symbol blocks the position where it lands from adding any numbers to the grid. Blockers could also appear on the reels, occupying spaces without contributing to the grid, thus creating additional obstacles. Finally, Coins occasionally land in certain Slingo variations, providing an instant return value when they appear.
China Shores Slingo
China Shores Slingo slot is based upon the original China Shores slot title created by Japanese game developer Konami in 2015, which adopted a topical retro-like design with 30 paylines. Nine years after its release, Gaming Realms has modernised the overall aesthetic of the game with the enhanced natural beauty of Chinese landscapes and lakes. The popular slot design in China Shored has been transformed into a Slingo title added to Gaming Realms catalogue of this gaming genre.
The range of return values begins following the third Slingo formation, created by matching numbers on the grid. Completing a Slingo line provides either a return value or additional slot spins. The number of mini reels available depends on the number of Slingos completed:
- 3-5 Slingos activate 1 mini reel
- 6-8 Slingos activate 2 mini reels
- 9-12 Slingos activate 3 mini reels
Additional slot spins would be indicated by the yin-yang symbol, which provides access to the 5×3 grid of the China Shores slot after the Slingo round concludes. This game follows a similar format to standard slots, featuring symbols that form combinations in paylines. In China Shores, landing additional yin-yang symbols activates free games; five symbols could grant 15 free games. The symbol with the highest value is the Chinese characters, where aligning five could return up to 4000x the initial stake.
The Wild symbol in this game, represented by a golden turtle, enables players to mark off any number in the same column above its position, adding flexibility to complete patterns on the grid. Meanwhile, the Super Wild symbol, depicted as a panda, allows players to mark off any number on the entire grid, regardless of location. Additionally, two Free Spin symbols – the “FREE SPIN” icon and a symbol featuring traditional Asian script – each present an extra spin when they appear. After a game round, players also have the option to wager on extra spins, for which the value varies based on the position of the grid in alignment with upcoming returns.
Slingo Press Your Luck
Gaming Realm’s Slingo version of Press Your Luck was made available to gamers in September, and similarly to the traditional slot title, it is inspired by the beloved American game show. A mischievous character called the “Whammy,” a playful red figure reminiscent of a Tasmanian devil, is the notable visual from the first release of the TV show that has carried over to online slot titles. The graphics are simple, yet the animations featuring the Whammy bring some humour to the gameplay. The background music echoes the upbeat, lively style typical of classic TV game shows, adding to the gaming experience.
This game presents various bonus features offering extended gameplay away from the base of the 5×5 bingo card-like grid, activated by landing a specific number of Slingos. Key bonus rounds include Take Your Pick, Lucky Press, Spin to Win, Press Your Luck, and Press Your Luck Big Win.
- Take Your Pick: In this round, you select one card from four, which could reveal either a return value or the Whammy. If you uncover a return value, you proceed to the next stage; if the Whammy appears, the bonus round concludes.
- Lucky Press: This feature occurs on a special game board. You press the red button to choose a spot, and each position reveals either a prize or the Whammy. If the Whammy shows up, the bonus round ends.
- Spin to Win: In this feature, you spin three wheels – two with a range of different return values and one with a multiplier. The return values from the first two wheels are combined and then multiplied by the value on the third wheel. Whammies appear on the wheels, and hitting one will end the bonus.
- Press Your Luck: This bonus round plays out on the Press Your Luck game board, starting with three lives. The round includes return values, extra lives, and Whammies. You select positions using the red button, and a Whammy causes you to lose a life – the round finishes when all lives are used.
- Press Your Luck Big Win: If you hit a certain prize threshold, the Press Your Luck Big Win is triggered, doubling the current prize value before the bonus round ends.
Slingo Gold Cash Free Spins
This Slingo variant mirrors the Gold Cash slot series, particularly Gold Cash Free Spins, released by Inspired Gaming in 2020, with its classic slot motifs and simplistic design. Slingo Gold Cash Free Spins retains the delicate golden border trim to its game table, adding a refined touch to the game’s design. The logo, crafted in metallic lettering, is displayed prominently at the top, giving the game a polished look.
There is a Bonus Wheel feature that is triggered when players collect between four and eight Slingos. Once activated, this feature offers the possibility of either a value return or a free spins bonus. On the first spin of the Bonus Wheel, there’s an opportunity to trigger a Cash Boost, which grants a second spin with additional options. As you progress up the scale, the chances of unlocking the Cash Boost increase. The Bonus Wheel has a maximum multiplier of 12x from a base game spin and up to 50x with the Cash Boost.
The Gold Cash Free Spins feature offers different returns based on the number of Slingos completed. If nine Slingos are completed, five free spins with a 15x multiplier will be unlocked. Completing 10 Slingos grants 10 free spins with a 25x multiplier, while a Full House unlocks 15 free spins with a 75x multiplier. During the free spins bonus, the game operates similarly to a standard video slot on a 5×4 grid with the chance to match three to five symbols. The top multiplier for five matching symbols is 25x, and there are 40 paylines in total. Wild symbols could also appear on the middle three reels during the free spins, and like many other slot games, these Wilds substitute for other symbols, potentially forming symbol combinations.
Summary and Responsible Gambling
These top Slingo titles released in 2024 showcase the genre’s versatility, with each game offering unique themes and interactive features. Whether inspired by tranquil landscapes, game show thrills, or classic motifs, each Slingo game brings a fresh twist on traditional gaming elements.
While Slingo slots provide entertaining gameplay, it’s essential to approach them responsibly. Setting personal limits, managing playing time, and utilising available tools for responsible gaming are effective ways to ensure that play remains enjoyable and balanced.