Become an expert Slingo games player and find out how these thrilling games work on this page. We also take a look at the best-paying Slingo titles and which online US casino sites offer them.
Complete Guide to The Best Slingo Games and How to Play Them!
In our complete guide to Slingo, you will learn how this popular series of casino games were created, how they work, and some essential strategies to ensure you are always playing them optimally!
What is Slingo?
We have also provided you with a fantastic selection of our Top 5 Slingo games that you should definitely explore while covering plenty of the other great Slingo games that offer unique and novel variations to this popular series of games.
The original Slingo game was created by Sal Falciglia back in 1994, who also founded the company Slingo. Since then, the game has evolved drastically and branched out with Slingo Originals offering unique and exciting gameplay across a wide variety of popular themes.
The Slingo game is a fusion of styles taking inspiration from the popular features of both Slot machines and Bingo and combining these key elements to create the fitting game name of Slingo (Slot+ Bingo = Slingo).
In recent years the introduction of Slingo Originals has seen Slingo games being released that incorporate well-known slots from different developers such as Rainbow Riches (Barcrest/SGi), Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play), Starburst (NetEnt), or popular mechanics such as “Book Slots” (Book of Dead, Book of Ra Deluxe) being added as an alternate main bonus feature.
Even classic board games such as Slingo Monopoly have been covered, with popular quiz shows such as Deal or No Deal Slingo being created for US and UK versions of the TV show!
The simple and classic game of Slingo has evolved with bonus features such as bonus spins, picking bonuses, and a healthy dose of volatility, with games like Slingo XXXtreme offering increased jackpots up to 1000x stake!
As casino player trends continue to move towards more volatile gameplay, games such as Slingo Beserk offer four separate jackpots, and Slingo Inca Trail even offers max wins up to 5000x!
Even with these extra added features and options, the core Slingo gameplay remains faithful to the original. Once you understand the basics of playing Slingo, every “Slingo” game will appear straightforward.
How to Play a Slingo Game
The core gameplay on Slingo is consistent throughout the entire range of titles. Once the basics are learned, you are all set.
The combination of slots fused with bingo results in a bingo-style grid in a 5×5 grid layout with various numbers on them, generally ranging from 1 to 75.
Underneath this grid is 5 reels similar to those used in online slots. These reels either reveal a number (1-75) or one of several special Slingo symbols when spun. If a number lands in view and matches any number displayed on the grid, it is marked off in the same manner as a Bingo card.
A key difference to an online slot is that you start a game of Slingo with a fixed number of spins for your initial stake, generally 10 or 11 spins.
There is a possibility of earning extra spins or even purchasing additional spins, but these are a “gamble option” at the end of a regular game.
Scoring a Slingo
If you manage to mark off 5 numbers on a win line, you have scored a Slingo, which is also tracked to the left of the grid and shows your current progress of how many Slingos you have completed. The more Slingos you achieve, the bigger the cash prizes awarded!
There are 12 win lines in total, consisting of 5 horizontal, 5 vertical, and 2 diagonal paylines.
Marking off the entire grid awards a Full House, a stake-based jackpot of 500x or 1000x stake depending on the Slingo game, paytable, and volatility of your chosen machine.
What are the Slingo Games Bonus Features
Along with a range of numbers, the 5 reels contain a variety of special symbols. These tend to be consistent throughout the Slingo range, with a few additions if the Slingo game has additional bonus features or jackpots.
- Joker – When the Joker symbol lands on a reel, it acts as a Wild substitution, allowing you to mark off any number in the corresponding vertical win line. Landing 3 or more of these symbols acts almost like a Scatter would in slots but awards you an instant prize or, in some cases, a full bonus feature trigger.
- Devil – The Devil is not a symbol you want to see. It simply acts as a “blocker,” preventing you from completing any numbers in that column on the grid during that spin.
- Super Joker – The Super Joker again acts as a Wild substitution, but the “Super” element allows you to mark off any position on the entire grid that you choose.
- Coin – Land a coin symbol on the reel, and you will be rewarded with a stake-based instant prize. Generally, a multiplier value of your current bet level.
Throughout the entire range of Slingo games, several contain additional symbols such as Extra Spins, Jackpot symbols, and Trail bonus symbols. For these games, it’s best to consult the specific game rules and the paytable to find out exactly how they work.
What Are the Best Strategies for Slingo Games?
Slingo is a straightforward game. However, the best strategies are still well worth knowing to ensure you play the game optimally and are as close as possible to “perfect play,” ensuring the maximum RTP value.
The key Slingo strategies focus on the Joker and Super Joker symbols and which positions you opt to select on the grid when they land.
The first slots strategy might sound completely obvious, but you should always mark off numbers on the grid in the positions closest to completing a Slingo line.
Remember there are horizontal, vertical, and diagonal win lines, so check how placing a Joker will increase the chances on these other win lines.
Optimal Slingo Picking Strategy
If you aren’t close to completing any Slingo lines, you should consult the diagram above.
The best position to add a Joker or Super Joker is the center position marked with a yellow circle. This is because this position covers 4 win lines in total, 1 horizontal, 1 vertical, and 2 diagonal.
If this position is already completed, or you have a regular Joker wild symbol to mark off that isn’t on the middle reel, then any of the positions marked with a green circle are optimal. This is because they cover 3 win lines, 1 horizontal, 1 vertical, and 1 diagonal.
The remaining positions on the grid only cover 2 win lines making them less optimal Joker positions.
The overall strategy is to give yourself a maximum chance on all future spins of completing more Slingos. By picking the positions that cover the most win lines, you do this!
TIP – The easiest way to remember this tip is to visualize both the diagonal win lines. These positions are the best spots to pick first, provided you aren’t close to completing a Slingo line elsewhere!
Should You Gamble For More Slingos?
Further extra spins can be bought at the end of a regular game of Slingo once all your regular spins and any bonus spins have been played out.
Think of this as a “Gamble option,” but one that can also come at a very hefty cost. The Yes/No gamble decision depends on personal choice and whether you have the bankroll to afford it.
Carefully consider what could be a costly risk and is it worth taking to achieve a Full House.
The more Slingos you have collected, the greater the cost to have further spins. If you manage to collect a few more Slingos with an extra spin, then the price to repeat this feature will increase even further!
The outcomes of these spins are all random, you could take an extra spin and land 5 new numbers to mark off and win the Full House, or you could spin indefinitely and land no other new symbols.
Approach this feature with extreme caution and understand that the cost of having further extra spins changes based on how many Slingos have already been scored.
Be aware that even with optimal play, the RTPs on all Slingos are marginally lower using this feature, meaning the house edge increases slightly in favor of the casino when using “Extra Spins.”
The Top 10 Slingo Games
Are you looking for the best or most popular Slingo games to play online? We have assembled a collection of the very best Slingo Originals.
Our top 5 Slingos all offer the classic Slingo base gameplay and come packed full of unique bonus round features, including bonus spins, picking rounds, and Multipliers similar to their online slot counterparts.
- 🥇Slingo Rainbow Riches
- 🥈Book of Slingo
- 🥉Slingo Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania
- 🎖️Slingo Sweet Bonanza
- 🏅Slingo Deal or No Deal
#1 Slingo Rainbow Riches
Slingo Originals have teamed up with the legendary SGi(Light & Wonder)/Barcrest and have incorporated all the appeal of the classic Irish-themed Rainbow Riches slot into a Slingo.
The Rainbow Riches Slingo game offers many bonus features, including a Wishing Well Bonus, Cash Crop Bonus, Magic Toadstool Bonus, Road to Riches Bonus, and Pots of Gold Bonus.
Scoring 5 or more Slingos offers you the option to collect these features instead of the regular stake-based wins.
The final “Full House” prize leads to the “Pots of Gold Bonus” with wins of up to 1000x stake from the Gold Pot if you have the luck of the Irish!
Technical Data
- RTP: 95.6% (Best Strategy)
- Volatility: 3/5
- Spins: 10
- Unlimited Extra Spins: Yes
#2 Book of Slingo
Book of Slingo is heavily inspired by the “Book of” style slot machines. If you are unaware, this is an iconic series of top-rated slots such as Book of Ra Deluxe (Novomatic) and Book of Dead (Play’n GO) that include a special expanding symbol in the bonus spins round.
In the Slingo version, the bonus spins round is triggered by scoring 8 or more Slingo lines in the base game, with an option to collect the regular cash reward or select the bonus spins round.
Book of Slingo is heavily inspired by the “Book of” style slot machines. If you are unaware, this is an iconic series of top-rated slots such as Book of Ra Deluxe (Novomatic) and Book of Dead (Play’n GO) that include a special expanding symbol in the bonus spins round.
In the Slingo version, the bonus spins round is triggered by scoring 8 or more Slingo lines in the base game, with an option to collect the regular cash reward or select the bonus spins round.
With any good Book slot, landing 3 or more Scatters rewards you with a full bonus re-trigger. In the image below, 5 Scatter Book symbols result in 20 extra bonus spins, extending the bonus round further!
Technical Data
- RTP: 96.37% (Best Strategy)
- Volatility: 2-4/5
- Spins: 11
- Unlimited Extra Spins: Yes
#3 Slingo Sweet Bonanza
Slingo Sweet Bonanza combines the classic Slingo gameplay with the awesome Sweet Bonanza candy fuelled grid-based slot, mixing in a picking bonus with multipliers up to 10x.
Key symbols from the online slot to look out for are the Lollipops that continue the bonus picking rounds (Re-Trigger) and Bomb symbols which act like Scatters and can instantly award the main bonus round.
Bomb Bonus Symbols
The Bomb symbols are present in the 5 reels of the regular game. Landing 3 or more of these in a single spin award the bonus feature. Extra symbols result in bigger multipliers!
- 3 Bomb Symbols – 3 picks with a 3x multiplier
- 4 Bomb Symbols – 4 picks with a 5x multiplier
- 5 Bomb Symbols – 4 picks with a 10x multiplier
Regular Slingo wins can be exchanged when 8 or more Slingos have been won for the same picking bonus feature.
Technical Data
- RTP: 96.45% (Best Strategy)
- Volatility: 5/5
- Spins: 10
- Unlimited Extra Spins: No, Limited to 40
#4 Slingo Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania
This Slingo is based on the superb Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania (IGT) series of slots. A hugely popular land-based slot machine and equally popular online with further titles in the series.
This Slingo version comes with three fixed jackpots Light Trap, Full Trap, and Motherlode, which are displayed at the top. These are awarded from the base game with special Jackpot symbols found on the reels. The Motherlode jackpot awards a stake-based win of 1000x!
Achieving 5 or more Slingos activates the Lucky Larry Bonus. This bonus can be several Bonus Spins played out on the online slot or a Buoy Bonus (prize picking round).
As you collect more Slingos, the number of starting bonus spins, multipliers, or the total number of picks increases.
The online slot based bonus spins round has stacked wilds and the ability to re-trigger, and it seems to occur quite frequently. With a capped maximum of 240 bonus spins available in that bonus round!
The Buoy Bonus is a classic picking round involving lobster pots. Various locations are available such as Maine, Australia, and Brazil, and each of these offers a unique bonus game should you be fortunate to catch a special Golden Lobster.
Technical Data
- RTP: 96.38% (Best Strategy)
- Volatility: 4/5
- Spins: 10
- Unlimited Extra Spins: Configurable
#5 Slingo Deal or No Deal
Slingo Deal or No Deal combines the hugely popular game show, and the suspense of Deal or No Deal with Slingo, the combination of the two is seamless.
There is a specific US-themed version of Slingo Deal or No Deal and one based on the UK TV show, and if you love the format, make sure to check out the live casino games version too!
Start by choosing your lucky briefcase. As you create Slingos, prizes will be eliminated from the game like they are on the show.
When four Slingos have been created, the Bankers offers will unlock, and you will be prompted to choose ‘Deal’ or ‘No Deal’ or continue playing.
You progress up the Prize Boost Ladder each time you achieve a Slingo, and if you a very fortunate, you might even complete the Full House. Plenty of banker’ offers are given during play, so make sure to consider them carefully!
Technical Data
- RTP: 95.00%
- Volatility: 2-4/5
- Spins: 10
- Unlimited Extra Spins: Yes
#6 Slingo Sweet Bonanza
With 96.45% RTP, the hugely popular game Slingo Sweet Bonanza is an easy inclusion on this list.
With the online game Candy Crush as beloved as it is, it’s no surprise to see a Slingo game take advantage of it and make a game with a candy theme. There are no groundbreaking mechanics to this game as it’s made up of the standard 5×5 grid, with each slingo awarding the prize as shown on the paytable to the left of the grid. There is a bonus game that is awarded by either collecting three candy bombs or eight slingos; however, this is where Slingo Sweet Bonanza’s high volatility kicks in, as this bonus is difficult to trigger — occurring in about 1% of games.
If you do get it, it’s a guessing game, as you have to select between multiple different candies to win a cash prize. Extra spins are generally not recommended as they yield a lower RTP of 95.08%.
#7 Slingo Starburst
All Slingos take inspiration from slot machines, but it’s fair to say that Slingo Starburst does this a little bit more than most. Firstly, lovers of the Starburst slot machine will notice that it uses the same symbols as the slot game, with there even being a possibility of winning cash on any spin if you line up matching symbols. But going one step further is that in Slingo Starburst, rather than winning cash prizes when you get enough slingos, you instead win a bonus spin of the Starburst slot machine with a guaranteed win.
What symbols you’re guaranteed to match will depend on how many slingos you get. Though if you’ve ever played the Starburst slot, you’ll know that the winnings can be massive when you match the highest-paying symbols. A 96.66% RTP and low to medium volatility make this a perfect game for those happy to sacrifice the potential of six-figure wins for more realistic and regular wins.
#8 Slingo Fishin’ Frenzy
With high volatility and an RTP of 95.24%, Slingo Fishin’ Frenzy can look like a weak link. Wins are rare, and even when they do come, they aren’t always massive. However looking through the rules and studying optimal strategy, Slingo Fishin’ Frenzy does something relatively rare by making their extra spins have higher RTP than the base game at 95.34%.
This makes Fishin’ Frenzy a rare outlier among Slingos. With that being said, though, it’s still not a case of always buying them — as with only a max of eight extra spins available for purchase, you’ll need to know when to chase big money and when to let it go. As individual extra spins can cost significantly more than a full round, we recommend that you reduce your betting size by at least 50% when playing Slingo Fishin’ Frenzy.
While no traditional bonus games are available, occasionally, the player will reel in an instant cash win to the value of their stake multiplied by the highest fish multiplier. These fish multipliers are awarded upon every slingo.
#9 Slingo Reel King
Another game with a low RTP at 95%. Although once again, there’s more to it than meets the eye, and with Slingo Reel King, that something is actually something less with one of the lowest volatility slingo variants. With Reel King, there is no minimum threshold for a win. That means every slingo pays out.
There is a bonus game that can be triggered via the yellow symbols leveling up your multipliers at the top of your screen. However, it’s something that rarely happens. And even when it does, the slot bonus game isn’t that exciting. That’s not a bad thing though. And whether you’re on a budget or not, the $0.20 minimum stake and relaxing gameplay make Slingo Reel King the perfect game to play when unwinding.
#10 Red Hot Slingo
While relaxing gameplay can be great, sometimes you just want that adrenaline rush — you want that high-octane gameplay where any spin can result in a massive payout, and if that’s what you’re after, then the high-volatility Red Hot Slingo is for you.
Two games in one, as rather than just five numbers being called out at once, Red Hot Slingo uses a 5×3 slot machine to call out your numbers. But this slot machine is not just a gimmick. With five paylines, potential five-figure payouts, and the possibility for bonus games when you collect three scatter symbols, it is very much a game within a game — offering you two different ways to win.
There is a drawback to Red Hot Slingo though. With up to 15 numbers called out every spin instead of the traditional five, this Slingo game only gives you five spins for your initial stake. Still, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush when the games are quick, and the winnings are potentially massive — you’ve found it with Red Hot Slingo.
New Slingo Games
There is a constant slew of new Slingo Games appearing, with brand new themes being released each month, along with casino-exclusive titles in the works. The current roadmap for Slingo games fincludes some huge game titles like Slingo Cleopatra, World Cup related soccer games, and, of course, Xmas titles!
- Slingo Deadliest Catch
- Slingoooal
- Slingo Bells
- Slingo Golden Envelope
- Slingo Cleopatra
Online Casinos in the US are quite up to date with all of the previous Slingo releases with several US exclusives available at the big casinos, so we expect these new titles also to be added very shortly after the release dates!
Slingo RTP and Volatility Data
Below are the return-to-player percentages and volatility rankings of the most prominent slingo variants.
🎰DraftKings Slingo Games | RTP | Volatility | Score |
---|---|---|---|
🎰Book of Slingo | 96.5% | Medium - High | 8/10 |
🎰Lucky Larry's Lobstermania Slingo | 96.5% | High | 8.5/10 |
🎰Red Hot Slingo | 96.33% | High | 9.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Advance | 95% | Low | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Ante Up | 94.9 - 97.1% | High | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Bells | 95.48% | Low | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Berserk | 95.51% | Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Big Wheel | 95.58% | High | 7.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Cascade | 95% | Medium | 7.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Carnival | 95.6% | Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Classic | 95% | Medium | 7.5/10 |
🎰Slingo DaVinci Diamond | 96.52 - 96.59% | Medium | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Deal or No Deal | 95% | Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Extreme | 95% | Low - Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Fire and Ice | 96.04% | High | 9/10 |
🎰Slingo Fishin' Frenzy | 95.24% | High | 9/10 |
🎰Slingo Fluffy Favorites | 95.3% | Medium - High | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Fortunes | 95% | Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Gems | 95% | Medium | 7.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Inca Trail | 96.47% | High | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Lightning | 96.5% | Low | 9/10 |
🎰Slingo Lucky Streak | 95% | Medium - High | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Maximus Soldier of Rome | 95% | Medium | 7.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Racing | 96.25 - 96.33% | High | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Reel Extreme | 95.6% | Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Reel King | 95% | Low | 9/10 |
🎰Slingo Revea | 89.5% | Medium | 6.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Riches | 95% | Low | 7.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Showdown | 95.4% | Medium | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Stampede | 95.4% | Medium | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Stardust | 96.66% | Low - Medium | 9.5/10 |
🎰Slingo Super Spin | 96.71% | Medium | 9/10 |
🎰Slingo Sweet Bonanza | 96.45% | High | 9/10 |
🎰Slingo X-Scream | 95% | Low - Medium | 8.5/10 |
🎰Slingo XXXtreme | 95.48% | Low | 8/10 |
🎰Slingo Xing Yun Xian | 95% | Medium | 8.5/10 |
🎰Stickin' Rich Slingo | 95.72% | Medium - High | 8/10 |
Where to Play Slingo Games
Slingo is available to play in many of our recommended and licensed US Casino apps and is compatible to play on all Desktop, Mobile, and Tablet devices.
States such as New Jersey (NJ), Michigan (MI), and Pennsylvania (PA) already have a fantastic range of Slingo Games, including all of our top 5 games, with plans to add additional locations soon. For indication, there are over 30 Slingo games on DraftKings.
Some licensed US casinos even have their own exclusive Slingo titles, such as BetMGM Slingo XXXtreme.