Slots and bingo are both hugely popular games that seemed to appeal to completely different audiences.
The classic slot machine environment is bright and lively, a bar or casino. It’s a solitary game.
Players spin the reels and await the outcome. Will they get a winning combination?
A game of bingo is different. It usually originates in a social setting like a dedicated hall or function room.
Participants mark off numbers on their cards as they are called, creating a sense of community and shared excitement.
And yet… these two different games of chance have plenty of similarities.
Both slots and bingo are designed to provide entertainment to players. They are also widely accessible.
And the two games are primarily luck-based, with outcomes mostly determined by random chance rather than skill. This adds suspense and unpredictability, enhancing the thrill for players with every single game.
While both games are based on chance, bingo allows for a level of skill in terms of managing multiple cards efficiently. Some bingo variants involve strategic decision-making, such as choosing the right cards or adjusting the number of cards played.
Slots, on the other hand, rely mainly on chance, as players have little control over the spinning reels. They may have to know the gameplay, win lines and how to react to a bonus feature.
Combining the two to make Slingo
Slingo is the unique innovative game that combines elements of both slots and bingo. The name is derived from the combination of both.
This game was created to offer players a fresh and engaging experience blending the excitement of slot machines with the social aspect of bingo.
Here’s how the two components are combined to create Slingo:
Gameplay:
Slingo features a game board that resembles a bingo card, typically a 5×5 grid.
Each column corresponds to a letter spelling out SLINGO and each row represents a different number range. Players are given a set number of spins to match numbers on the reel to those on their game card.
Spinning Reel
Similar to slots, Slingo incorporates a spinning reel or set of reels. The reels display numbers as they spin, and players aim to match these numbers with those on their Slingo card.
Marking Numbers
When a number on the spinning reel matches a number on the player’s card, the player can mark it off. The objective is to complete lines on the card, similar to traditional bingo.
Different patterns may be required to win, such as horizontal, vertical, diagonal lines, or even blackout (covering the entire card).
Special Symbols
Slingo often introduces special symbols on the reels that can impact the gameplay. For example, jokers may act as wild cards, allowing players to mark off any number in the column, while devil symbols might block potential matches.
Scoring and Bonuses
Points are awarded for completing lines or achieving specific patterns on the Slingo card. Some versions of Slingo also include bonus features, such as free spins, multipliers, or additional chances to mark off numbers.
Variations and Themes
Slingo comes in various versions and themes, much like slots. Themes can range from classic and retro designs to more elaborate and visually appealing options to add an extra layer of entertainment.
Online and Mobile Platforms
Slingo has become particularly online. Many online casinos and mobile platforms offer Slingo, providing a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this hybrid entertainment.
How to win at Slingo
Slingo is mostly a game of chance – but there are a few tips that players might find useful to improve their odds of winning.
Before diving into a game of Slingo, for example, take time to understand the rules. Each version of Slingo may have slight variations – knowing the rules will help you make the best strategic decisions during gameplay.
Note that different Slingo games may have different rewards for achieving specific patterns or completing lines.
Joker symbols act as wild cards and allow you to mark off any number in the column. Use them strategically to complete lines. On the other hand, devil symbols may block potential matches, so be cautious when they appear.
Some Slingo games require specific patterns to win. Pay attention to the patterns needed and adjust your strategy accordingly. Sometimes, focusing on creating multiple small patterns can be more beneficial than aiming for a single large pattern.
Slingo can be fast-paced. Play at a pace that is comfortable for you, don’t feel pressured to rush spins.
It’s a great new game that successfully combines the chance-based nature of slots with the strategic and social aspects of bingo, creating a game that has taken the online world by storm. The dynamic and interactive gameplay, coupled with so many themes and features, has made Slingo one of today’s most popular online games.