The online casino industry is extremely diverse, with a vast array of game genres and categories, each bringing its own distinct nuances to the table. One particular branch of titles which somewhat reinvents basic slot formulas is Slingo games, with these providing completely overhauled gameplay that pulls various aspects from already popular titles.
Nowadays, Slingo games are staples of any casino experience, with a wide variety of these titles right here at BoyleSports Games, too. From their innovative gameplay blueprint all the way to the various pre-established franchises they lend themselves to, there are a whole range of reasons why this collection of games has proved to be a fan favourite amongst players.
Before we actually get into any of the specifics surrounding these games, we must first address the question, ‘What are Slingo games?’. In the simplest of terms, these casino games are a merger between slots and bingo titles, something which can likely be denoted due to their name. These releases date all the way back to 1994, when developer Sal Falcigilia decided to combine these two popular game formats together. The game studio Slingo Originals would then be founded and become the sole creator of these releases.
Since then, these games have taken over the online casino world, with more of these games now boasting their own unique theme yet keeping the same gameplay style. Due to the overall versatility of the mechanic, these games are based around the formula that has been adopted by many already established franchises of online slots, something which has only contributed to their notoriety even further.
All Slingo games will generally follow the same formula in terms of their base gameplay. These titles are dissected into games, with players deciding the stake they wish to use for each one. In each game, a 5x5 playgrid is the main basis of gameplay, with this being allocated 25 random numbers at the beginning of each game. This is where the game draws similarities to bingo; however, where this differs is down to the single-segment reel that will spin throughout these titles.
This reel could display random numbers, and if any of these match those on the players' grid, these could be marked off. The overall aim of these Slingo games is to try and land a full line of marked-off numbers in the allocated number of spins the player receives each game. This can be done in either a vertical, horizontal or even diagonal fashion, with these being referred to as Slingo lines. The number of lines formed in these titles will often correlate to a specific prize ladder, with this being able to present things like multipliers, prize values and even bonus rounds in some instances; however, this differs from game to game.
In regards to the single spinning reel, though, numbers aren't the only thing that could be landed, with a certain collection of bonus symbols often incorporated into Slingo games. Wilds and super wilds are two of the most common inclusions, with these giving players the choice to mark off numbers on the playgrid if they land in play. There are also extra spin symbols, which, unsurprisingly, could add an extra spin to the players’ count, and even blocker symbols, which don't actually serve any purpose, solely taking up space on the spinning reel.
Due to the popularity this style of gameplay has garnered over the years, the number of Slingo games is now greater than ever before. Despite this, certain titles have still proved to be fan favourites in the iGaming space, each of which comes coupled with its own distinctive set of thematics. Despite the genre being expansive, we here at BoyleSports have still picked out some of the best Slingo games in our opinion, with some of these being as follows:
Starting off with Slingo Rainbow Riches, this was one of the first-ever Slingo games to actually hit the market. As is evident, this release lends itself to the Rainbow Riches slot collection, a series that has been a staple of online casinos for so long now. This release features the ever-popular Irish-centred visuals that defined the franchise, all whilst seamlessly incorporating the innovative Slingo formula and a bonus round-infused prize ladder.
Another of the best Slingo games is Slingo Starburst, a cosmic-themed release that is popping with colour in all areas of its play screen. Once again, this game lends itself to a fan favourite title, the original Starburst slot from NetEnt. However, Slingo Originals has taken all the vibrant space-centred visuals and incorporated some more bingo-orientated style gameplay, something which provides a completely new experience for the series.
The Slingo Centurion game is yet another of the best Slingo games we house at BoyleSports, with this one basing its theme on one of history's most iconic ancient civilisations. With this title, some Roman-style columns surround the playgrid, and some other intricate architecture is synonymous with this historical period, with the polished Slingo formula pairing with all this seamlessly. The prize ladder in this title even has some unique bonus rounds carried over from the original Centurion slot release!
The last of the best Slingo games we will briefly touch upon is Slingo Deal or No Deal. Based on the long-running TV game show that has proven popular for so many years, this presents the playgrid segments in the style of the red numbered boxes, something synonymous with the show itself. Even the prize ladder in this game is designed to fit the overall aesthetic, too, with red and blue numbered components being removed from play as they are potentially marked off!
The titles we have just mentioned are just a brief selection of the Slingo games we house at BoyleSports Games, with the collection of these releases on-site being an extensive one. The innovative gameplay approach these titles present and the versatility of the themes they come coupled up with are just two of the reasons these games have become staples of the iGaming world, with Slingo Originals continuing to publish new takes on the genre, some of which we also have available!