A History of Slingo
Unlike bingo, Slingo has a lot less rich history, having only started coming into play in 1995, with it being a largely a US and UK based phenomena. The game has rather unusual origins, in that it was created by someone who is as far removed from iGaming as possible: a real estate agent named Sal Falciglia. In spite of how odd this may sound, the game soon gained much traction, with it now having become a rather popular hobby for UK gamers in particular, as hundreds of Slingo Bingo dedicated websites have been developed since the mid 1990s.
The Slingo Basics
So what makes Slingo Bingo so unique in its setup, and how can customers play this exclusive game? Slingo is quite simply a 75 ball version of classic bingo that includes slot machine elements, thus creating a hybrid game that combines both sets of generic conventions of each game.
As a result of this marrying of the two, gamers get a game of chance that is a lot more instantaneous in its wins, and that spans the masses, therefore creating a game that is accessible for a wider iGaming audience. Typically, users will be presented with a 5×5 grid with a small set of reels wedged underneath this grid; it’s a lot busier than your standard slot machine, yet the basics are much the same. Once players are familiar with the interface, it’s merely a case of spinning the reels and waiting to see if the numbers you spin are on your Slingo bingo card.
Should you be lucky enough to find several numbers on your ticket, then it’s a case of creating a line or even going for the full house win. As with any type of bingo/slot based game, the type of win you create will impact greatly on the amount of money you bank at the end. Interestingly however, when Slingo was first created, it was a play for free only activity, with monetary variations only coming much later into its history.
The Difference Between Slot Machines and Slingo
Due to its name, a lot of people expect Slingo to be more like a traditional slot machine than it actually is, which can sometimes throw novice players off of their game. The key to understanding Slingo is to keep in mind that the slot aspect of the gameplay is only relatively small in its scope.
As mentioned above, the reels are located at the bottom of the interface, with players only being given a single line of symbols, or in Slingo’s case, numbers to see. Consequently, you’re given a lot less wiggle room than you would with your typical online pokie. What is more, unlike slot machines, which will allow you to keep spinning as long as you have cash to spend, Slingo limits you to the number of spins allowed. For example, in Slingo Rainbow Riches, users need to win the game in 10 spins or less.
However, Slingo Bingo and one armed bandits also have a lot in common, in that Slingo introduced a great deal of unique features to an otherwise number based game of bingo; instead of being totally numbers based, Slingo has special features, such as free spins and multipliers. Due to these new features, the game takes on a broader and more unpredictable lease of life, which is arguably a large part of the Slingo appeal.
Tips and Tricks
Power Ups
In certain Slingo games, users are able to enjoy the added perks of power ups, a feature that can be won and purchased throughout the action of the game. How you come about these power ups can be a little unclear, unless you’re inside a game that specifically uses them, however the gist of what they do is pretty generic. Once a user has secured themselves a set of power ups, they can be used inside each Slingo “level” you play. Furthermore, if you choose not the play a power up you own during a round, that power up will be saved for later, thus giving you another chance to use it. Power ups can come in the form of extra spins, added time, and the auto dauber, as well as a few other bonuses.
Devil’s Protection
Also referred to as Devil’s Block as well, Devil’s Protection is another exclusive Slingo feature that can activated during your game. If the version of the game you’re playing has mini games, aka bonus rounds, then you should be able to purchase Devil’s Protection. What this feature does is ensure that your money is safe should the dreaded devil symbol turn up on your Slingo card. Normally when this symbol appears, the progression you’ve made is hit heavily, and so being protected is of huge benefit to gamers, however be wary that Devil’s Protection is a short lived feature.
Multipliers
This last Slingo feature is one that’ll be more familiar to you, due to its similarities between regular pokies; multipliers allow for an increase in winnings or points accumulated over the game. However, unlike with normal slots where you have to use your multipliers as soon as you win them, in Slingo Bingo you can save them and use them to your advantage. For example, if you wait towards the end of the game to utilise your multipliers, you’ll be able to generate more winnings, and thus walk away with a better set of returns than normal.
Where Can You Play Slingo?
Seeing as you’ve got the basics down, as well as the history of the game, it’s time to find somewhere to play this unique activity; below we’ve created a list of seven websites which are among the current online favourites within the community.
Fancy Bingo
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Read Fancy Bingo Review >>
Bingo Crazy
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Read Bingo Crazy Review >>
Bingo Flame
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Read Bingo Flame Review >>
Aunty Acid Bingo
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Read Aunty Acid Bingo Review >>
Snappy Bingo
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Read Snappy Bingo Review >>
Overall, Slingo Bingo is an unusual game that has captured the hearts of many gamers since its creation in the 1990s. The marrying of two popular activities has ensured that it has the best of both worlds, therefore maintaining a stimulating, quick paced game that can keep you guessing. Furthermore, should you be looking to test the waters of Slingo, you can do so at some firm favourite bingo labels, which also allows you to savour their more traditional games alongside that of Slingo.