Written by: Jasmin Williams | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Kim Birch
If you're keen on both Bingo and pokies, Slingo might be right up your alley.
Most Kiwis have played Bingo at some point, and if you're into a flutter, you're likely familiar with pokies too. Lately, a new game type's been taking off in the online gambling scene. It's a revved-up version of classic Bingo, powered by a pokie-style setup. So you could say Slingo's a mash-up of these two popular gambling styles.
Whoever dreamed up combining two of the most popular gambling games deserves a pat on the back. Slingo's a good laugh, and punters who've been spinning the reels for yonks will find it both fresh and familiar. Even Bingo fans who aren't fussed about pokies should have a crack – it's a fun time with decent chances to win.
While Slingo's probably one of the fastest-growing launches in online gambling lately, plenty of people still haven't cottoned on to what it is. These games are dead simple, entertaining, and a real blast to play. Give Slingo a go – you might just love it.
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Slingo blends the best of 75-ball bingo with the structure of a classic pokie. It's a clever mash-up that's caught on with Kiwi punters and is now a staple at many online casinos that focus on pokies.
The game's dead simple to play. You'll typically see a 5x5 grid paired with a reel, giving you that familiar pokie feel combined with a bingo card look. Once you start, you'll quickly cotton on to why it's called Slingo - it's got the spinning reels of a pokie and the number-matching fun of bingo.
Initially, Slingo was just a bit of a lark, but it's really taken off. These days, it's one of the most popular games for online punters. Heaps of iGaming outfits have jumped on the bandwagon, creating their own versions, so you're spoilt for choice when looking for Slingo games online. If you fancy giving it a go, pop over to the free pokies section and have a crack at it.
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Slingo: A top pick for Pokie and Housie enthusiasts
Pokies are a favourite among Kiwi punters, whether online or at the local pub. They're a great way to have a bit of fun and maybe win some cash. But sometimes you need to mix it up a bit. That's where Slingo comes in - it's the perfect choice when you're after something different.
You'll find heaps of Slingo variations online, so you can pick one that suits your fancy.
Classic Slingo uses a 5x5 grid with 25 random numbers from a 75-ball bingo card. But instead of a caller, you've got a slot-style reel that you spin to get your numbers.
You spin the reel and match the numbers that come up with those on your grid. You get 10 spins to cross off as many numbers as you can.
Like in bingo, you score extra for completing a line, and if you manage to cross off all your numbers, you're in for the top prize.
Once you've used all your spins, your points are tallied up to determine your winnings.
Slingo's packed with surprises, bonuses and rewards to keep things interesting. There are special symbols that trigger features and bonuses for a top-notch gaming experience. Joker symbols let you pick which number to mark off, and the Super Joker lets you cross off any number on the grid. Land three or more jokers and you're in for an instant cash prize.
Just like pokies, Slingo's got some choice free spin bonuses. Hit the right symbols on the reel and you'll trigger a free spin round with some sweet bonuses.
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Believe it or not, Slingo's been around since the mid-90s, kicking off as a scratch card game. These days, heaps of Slingo games are churned out by the Slingo Originals studio, putting their own spin on the classic with unique features and bonuses.
Here are some Slingo variants you'll often spot at online casinos:
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Slingo's one of the easiest pokies you'll ever play. If you've had a go at pokies and bingo before, you're already halfway there. It's dead simple, with no unnecessary bells and whistles to complicate things.
You kick off your Slingo game by spinning the reel, usually at the bottom of the screen. Most games give you 10 or 20 spins per round, but it's worth checking the game details first.
After each spin, numbers pop up on the reel. You match these to your bingo-style card on screen, ticking off the matching numbers.
The game keeps going like this - you spin, get numbers, and mark them off your card. Punters love it because it's two great games in one, doubling the fun.
Clear all the numbers on your card and you're in for a big win. If some numbers are left, you'll still get a payout based on what you've cleared.
Slingo games have heaps of special symbols. Here are some of the most common ones:
The joker's a good one to land. It'll match any number on your card. Plus, if you get three or more jokers at once, you're in for a nice bonus. Some Slingo games have different joker types, like green Super Jokers or Special Jokers.
The devil's not your mate in Slingo. Land this symbol and you'll lose half your points. But keep an eye out for the cherub - it might show up to chase the devil away and double your points.
The Gold Coin's a beauty. Land this on the reel and you'll pocket 1,000 points.
You can also nab some free spins in Slingo. These can usually be saved up and used instead of points to spin the reel.
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Slingo games: Kiwi guide to the basics
Most Slingo games have a straightforward, clean layout. Check out the image on the left for a real example of what you'll see when you play.
On the left side, you can adjust your bet and stake, and you'll find the paytable there too. The spin button is on the right, along with your spin count and free spins.
The game shown uses a classic 5x5 grid, which is pretty standard for Slingo. As numbers are drawn, they're marked off your grid with a star if they match, just like in the picture.
The reel sits at the bottom, which is typical for Slingo. Give it a spin, and it'll dish out your next set of numbers to match on the grid.
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Slingo games typically offer a Return to Player (RTP) of about 95%, which is pretty decent for online pokies. Keep in mind that this isn't a hard and fast rule - some games might have a higher or lower RTP.
The variance in Slingo games can differ quite a bit. How volatile a game is depends on factors like its pace, bet sizes, and overall design.
Like other online pokies, Slingo games let you choose your stake. You can start as low as 10 cents and go up to $100 per spin, depending on the game.
In Slingo, your goal is to mark off numbers on the game grid and complete lines. A line is made when you cross off 5 numbers in a row - horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. A standard 5x5 Slingo grid has 12 possible winning lines. The more lines you complete, the bigger your potential payout.
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Slingo games are purely chance-based, with no way to influence or predict outcomes. The game hinges entirely on the numbers that pop up in the spinning reel. While Slingo is fundamentally a game of luck, there's still a bit of strategy you can employ.
You'll encounter joker symbols throughout the game, which you can use to mark off numbers on the grid. Here's where you can use your noggin - you might choose to complete a line or start working on a diagonal. It's about making the most of each move.
Some Slingo variants offer additional bonuses, so keep an eye out for those. A few games even let you purchase extra spins or specific bonuses with real money. In these cases, you'll need to weigh up the best approach.
Lately, we're seeing new Slingo versions that pit you against other punters, similar to a traditional bingo hall setup. To keep things fair, these games usually cap the number of players who can join at once.
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Once you've used up all your spins in a game, you might be presented with a few choices.
You can either wrap things up and collect your winnings, or you can keep playing by purchasing extra spins to fill more of the grid. The cost of these additional spins will vary based on how many numbers are left to cross off.
When you're down to just a few numbers on the grid, it might be tempting to splash out on more spins. However, we reckon it's best to call it quits and end the game there. As you get closer to filling the entire grid, the price of spins skyrockets, and so does the risk. You could end up out of pocket if you fork out for those pricey spins and come up empty-handed.
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Kiwi guide to Slingo spaces in a 5x5 grid
When you're playing Slingo, you'll come across heaps of jokers and special jokers. These give you options for picking numbers on the grid. The choices you make during these bonus rounds can impact your RTP.
It's worth getting your head around the game basics and coming up with a bit of a game plan. Have a squiz at the image on the left to get a handle on where the jokers are placed.
The smart move is to always use jokers and super jokers to edge closer to finishing a winning line. While the best spot depends on how your game's going, there's a general strategy you can stick to throughout.
Some spots should take priority - focus on the numbers or spaces that have the most lines running through them.
The number smack in the middle of the grid should be your top pick, as it's part of 4 winning lines.
After the centre, go for the diagonal numbers. They're part of 3 winning lines and can lead to some decent payouts.
The rest of the numbers are all part of 2 winning lines. Once you've sorted the centre and diagonals, you can pick any of these.
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You might reckon Slingo's a bit tricky, being a mix of two casino games and all. But nah, it's dead simple. Slingo's straightforward as, and you'll pick up the rules in no time.
When you're playing Slingo, you're aiming to rack up points quick smart. Some punters reckon they can suss out a pattern between the pokie reel and the bingo card, while others stick to the priority system we talked about earlier. Everyone's got their own way of going about it.
Before you chuck any real money at Slingo, it's worth getting your head around the different strategies and ways to win. That'll give you the best shot at a decent payout. It's the smart way to tackle any Slingo game, really.
Even if you've had a crack at Slingo before and reckon it's a piece of cake, don't just dive in. Take a mo to read up on the different ways to play. It'll pay off in the long run.
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Slingo's taken the pokie world by storm, becoming a real favourite among Kiwi punters of all ages. It's a clever mix of bingo and pokies that's only getting more popular as time goes on.
As Slingo evolves, top game developers are churning out new versions left and right. These new variants are dead easy to pick up, and we'll give you a quick rundown of some of the most popular ones.
Some of the most creative Slingo games out there are mashed up with popular TV shows. This trend's been big in pokies for ages, and now it's hit Slingo too. You'll find heaps of TV-inspired Slingo games, like Britain's Got Talent Slingo and Deal or No Deal Slingo.
Arcade-style games are all the rage at online casinos these days, and game makers are keen to bring that old-school vibe to Slingo. Take Cash Buster, for example - it's a clever mix of classic Slingo and Tetris where you're out to smash coloured blocks. It's a bit of nostalgia with a modern twist.
Lately, we've seen Slingo team up with scratch cards, and punters are loving it. These hybrid games are usually simpler than other Slingo variants. If you're after something that's not too different from classic Slingo but with a fresh spin, Slingo scratch card games might be right up your alley.
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Free game
Slingo Extreme a popular spin on the classic game.
Slingo Extreme is a cracker of a Slingo game, offering a faster pace than other versions.
This Slingo variant keeps the classic 5x5 grid. To kick off, choose your stake on the game screen and give the reel a spin.
Each round of Slingo Extreme gives you 11 spins, with 5 numbers appearing at the bottom of the screen each time. Match these with numbers on your grid to cross them off, then spin again.
Complete a line for extra points - that's a Slingo. Your goal? Rack up as many Slingos as you can. Keep an eye on the left side of the screen for your points and payouts.
The game's packed with special symbols. Look out for Joker Wilds and Super Joker Wilds - they're top value and can give you a leg up. Land 3 or more Jokers/Super Jokers for an instant cash prize. Watch out for those pesky Devils though, they'll try to block your matches.
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Free game
Play Slingo Rainbow Riches for free at BETO Pokie
Slingo Rainbow Riches has become a top pick for pokie fans across New Zealand. It's a cracker of a game that's gained a solid following among Slingo enthusiasts. You'll spot this one at most decent online casinos and bingo sites.
Rainbow Riches Slingo puts an Irish spin on the classic Slingo format, decked out with themed symbols, graphics, and bonus features. Your main mission? Chase down that pot of gold at the end of the Riches Rainbow.
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Free game
Slingo Starburst - Cosmic Kiwi Slingo
Slingo Starburst is a top pick for Slingo fans in New Zealand. It uses the classic 5x5 grid, and your goal is to complete as many lines (Slingos) as possible.
The game features a unique bonus ladder - each Slingo you complete moves you up a rung, bringing you closer to the coveted Win Spin Bonus.
Keep an eye out for Purple Gem symbols. Land three or more, and you'll score an instant cash prize.
Slingo Starburst also offers Wild Respins. These handy symbols mark off any number in the column above, boosting your chances of a decent payout. The Superstar Wilds are even better - they not only help with matches but also stand in for Purple Gems, potentially netting you a tidy sum.
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For those new to Slingo, we reckon 'Slingo Extreme' is a top choice to kick things off (not to be mixed up with Slingo XXXtreme). It's a good starting point with its low minimum stake and steady, low variance.
Another plus for Slingo Extreme is its automated spins, which means quicker game rounds.
You might also fancy Slingo Riches or Slingo Britain's Got Talent, though they're a bit slower. Many online casinos offer sweet deals for Slingo games, including standard casino bonuses and sign-up offers. Check out our Slingo game reviews on BETO.com to find out more about the games and which casinos have the best Slingo deals going.
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Our BETO users often ask about Slingo games. We've put together some key questions to help you get the lowdown on this unique pokie that blends bingo and pokies.
Scoring big in Slingo Extreme is straightforward. Like other Slingo pokies, you'll face a grid and aim to mark off as many numbers as possible. Give the reel at the bottom a spin, and any numbers that pop up will be crossed off your grid. It's that easy.
When it comes to Slingo, there's no foolproof strategy since most of the game relies on luck with the reel outcomes. That said, it pays to be cautious about splashing out on extra spins - they can be pretty steep. Keep an eye out for those Joker and Special Joker bonuses too, as they can make a real difference to your game.
At BETO, we reckon Slingo Extreme is a top choice for newcomers to online pokies.
Slingo games blend the best of pokies and bingo, creating a unique gaming experience. These hybrids have earned solid ratings from punters, suggesting they're a hit with Kiwi players looking for something a bit different.
Rainbow Riches Slingo is a straightforward pokie that follows the usual Slingo format. Punters can start betting from as little as 20 cents, and you'll get 10 spins to mark off numbers on the grid.
Most online casinos will chuck you some loyalty points when you play Slingo games. You can usually turn these points into real cash bonuses, which is a nice little bonus for Kiwi punters.
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