Slingo Explained: Rules, Gameplay & How To Play Guide

Slingo brings together two familiar games—bingo and slots—into one simple format that’s easy to follow once you understand how it works.

This guide explains the rules, what can happen during a round, and how outcomes are decided. It’s written for complete beginners who want to understand the basics before trying it on a UK-licensed casino site.

A photo of several bingo cards of different colours.

What Is Slingo And How Does It Work?

Slingo combines a bingo-style number grid with slot-style reels. The standard layout features a 5×5 grid showing numbers and five spinning reels below it. Each reel reveals one number or symbol per spin.

When a number on a reel matches one on the grid, it’s marked off. The goal is to create lines of five marked squares, known as Slingos. Lines can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

The more lines you make before the game ends, the higher the score shown on the game’s prize ladder. Most Slingo games use a similar format, but may include extra symbols, such as jokers, that change how you can mark the grid. These variations are explained in the paytable of each title.

How Do You Play Slingo?

You start by choosing a stake, which is the amount you wish to play with for one round. Each game provides a fixed number of spins, usually 10 or 11, though some titles offer more.

Each spin generates a set of numbers or symbols beneath the grid. When one matches a number on your grid, it’s marked automatically. Completing a full line counts as a Slingo. The aim is to build as many lines as possible within your allotted spins.

Some symbols can alter play. For example:

Jokers usually let you mark any number in the same column.
Super Jokers can let you choose any number on the grid.
Free Spin icons add an extra spin.
Blockers (often represented by a devil icon) prevent matches that spin.

When all spins are used, some games allow you to buy extra spins at a price displayed on-screen. Whether to do so depends entirely on your preference.

Basic Rules Of Slingo

Although versions vary, most Slingo games share the same foundation:

You play on a 5×5 grid of random numbers.
Five reels spin beneath the grid, each revealing one symbol.
Matching numbers are marked automatically.
Completing lines (Slingos) increases your prize potential.

The number of possible winning lines is usually 12, covering all horizontal, vertical, and diagonal combinations. The paytable in each game shows the prize values for one to twelve lines.

Some Slingo games add bonus rounds or special symbols, but the underlying rules remain consistent: spins reveal potential matches, matches create Slingos, and Slingos determine payouts.

Different Types Of Slingo Games

There are dozens of Slingo titles available on many UK-licensed casino platforms. Each has its own theme, visuals, and potential bonus features. Common examples include:

Slingo Rainbow Riches – Combines the layout with features from the Rainbow Riches slot.
Slingo Starburst – Uses the gem symbols from the Starburst slot with Slingo’s grid format.
Slingo Deal or No Deal – Adapts the TV game show’s prize boxes into bonus rounds.
Slingo Monopoly – Introduces a digital Monopoly board where you try to collect properties and bonuses.

While each looks different, all are based on the same basic rules. The paytable explains how each version’s bonuses and symbols work.

What Makes Slingo Different From Slots And Bingo?

Slingo combines features from both bingo and slots, but doesn’t function exactly like either.

In bingo, numbers are called out, and players manually mark cards.
In slots, you win by lining up matching symbols across reels.
In Slingo, the reels generate numbers that correspond to a bingo-style grid, and wins come from completing lines on that grid.

Because numbers are randomised, the result of each spin is determined by chance. You can make decisions—such as choosing where to place a joker—but outcomes remain unpredictable. There is no strategy that guarantees a win, and all results are determined by a game’s Random Number Generator (RNG).

How Do Slingo Payouts Work?

Payouts depend on how many Slingos you complete. Each game shows a prize ladder, where more completed lines mean higher rewards. For instance:

One or two lines may return a small prize.
Completing all twelve lines (a full house) usually triggers the top award.

Most Slingo titles display payout ranges clearly on the paytable before play starts. Some may also offer fixed cash prizes, multipliers, or bonuses triggered by symbols such as coins or special icons.

All outcomes are governed by random chance. The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) percentage—usually between 88% and 96% on licensed UK sites—shows the long-term average proportion of stakes returned to players, but this is calculated over thousands of rounds and doesn’t predict individual results.

What Are Slingo Bonus Features?

Bonus features add variation between games and can influence how you progress through a round. Common examples include:

Jokers and Super Jokers – Mark chosen numbers on the grid.
Free Spins – Add extra turns beyond your starting total.
Coin or Prize Symbols – Award payouts.
Mini-games – In themed titles, may lead to short bonus rounds.

Some features appear randomly, while others are unlocked through specific combinations. Each game’s information panel lists how these symbols behave.

Slingo games are built on chance, so outcomes are unpredictable. There is no guaranteed method to influence results. If you choose to play, setting a clear budget before you start may help you keep track of your spending. Always play responsibly.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}