Stick ‘Em
Stick ‘Em is where Hacksaw Gaming’s video slot story begins. Launched in 2019 as the studio’s first video slot, it is a cheerful 5×4 game with 1,024 ways to win, a bright cartoon style and three separate features: free spins, a prize wheel and the sticky “thumbs up” respins that give the game its name. The maximum win is 2,048x the bet, which is modest next to Hacksaw’s later 10,000x releases, but it comes with a medium volatility profile that feels very different from the studio’s high-volatility titles.
If you have only played recent Hacksaw games, Stick ‘Em is a useful reminder of how the studio started: simple rules, quick features and no complicated multiplier systems. This review covers how the ways-to-win grid pays, how each feature is triggered, the RTP and what to expect from a session.
Where to Play Stick ‘Em
As one of Hacksaw Gaming’s older titles, Stick ‘Em is not featured as prominently as new releases, but many casinos with a full Hacksaw library still list it. The sites below carry Hacksaw games, accept Australian players and are reviewed on BetsAuthority. Search the lobby for “Stick ‘Em” and open the game info to confirm the RTP.
Quick Facts About Stick ‘Em
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Slot | Stick ‘Em |
| Provider | Hacksaw Gaming |
| Release | 2019 |
| Layout | 5 reels / 4 rows |
| Ways to win | 1,024 |
| RTP | 96.10% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Bet range | 0.20 to 100 per spin (casino limits may differ) |
| Maximum win | 2,048x the bet |
| Hit frequency | About 23.5% |
| Features | Free spins, Bonus Game wheel, Sticky Win Spin |
| Bonus Buy | Not part of the game’s published feature set |
How Stick ‘Em Works
There are no fixed paylines. Instead, the game uses 1,024 ways: you win when three or more matching symbols land on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel, in any row. Every position on a reel counts, so a symbol appearing twice on reel two doubles the number of ways that combination pays. The regular symbols are drawn as unique cartoon objects rather than card ranks, and the top regular symbol is the money bag, which pays 3x the bet for five of a kind.
That top pay is small, so the paytable alone will not produce big wins. The value of Stick ‘Em sits in its three features, each triggered by a different symbol. Knowing which symbol leads where makes the game much easier to follow.
Sticky Win Spin
Land three thumbs-up symbols and the Sticky Win Spin begins. The thumbs stick to the grid and the reels respin. As long as at least one new thumbs-up lands on a respin, it also sticks and the sequence continues. Other wins that land while the respins are running are added to the total. Once a respin passes without a new thumbs-up, the feature ends.
The headline prize is reserved for filling the entire 5×4 grid with thumbs-up symbols, which pays 2,048x the total bet. That is also the game’s maximum win. Most Sticky Win Spins end long before the screen fills, but the format gives every trigger a clear goal you can see building.
Free Spins
Free spins are triggered by scatter symbols, with the number of spins depending on how many land:
| Scatters | Free spins |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5 spins |
| 4 | 10 spins |
| 5 | 15 spins |
When two scatters are already on the screen, the game plays a tension animation on the remaining reel to build suspense. The free spins then run automatically until they are used up. Bonus Game symbols do not appear during free spins, so you cannot trigger the wheel from inside the round.
Bonus Game Wheel
Three Bonus Game symbols launch a prize wheel. You spin it once and receive the prize where it stops, and the top segment is worth up to 1,000x the stake. It is a quick, all-or-nothing style feature: there is no skill element and nothing to choose, but it adds a third route to a decent win that does not depend on line hits.
RTP and Volatility
Stick ‘Em is listed with an RTP of 96.10% and medium volatility. Unlike most of Hacksaw’s newer titles, published sources do not list a range of lower RTP versions for this game, but casinos can still be supplied with different configurations, so it is worth opening the game’s info screen to confirm the figure before playing for real money.
Medium volatility here means a balance between frequency and size of wins. A hit rate of about one paying spin in four is not high, but because the maximum is 2,048x rather than 10,000x, the game does not need to hold back as much of its return for rare large wins. Sessions tend to swing less than on Hacksaw’s 5/5 releases.
It helps to be clear about what an RTP of 96.10% actually means. It is a theoretical figure calculated over millions of spins, suggesting that for every A$100 wagered, around A$96.10 is returned to players in total over the very long run. It says nothing about an individual session, which can end well above or well below that figure. Over a short session of a few hundred spins, luck dominates the result, and the house edge only becomes visible over a much larger number of rounds.
Worked Example: Counting Ways
Suppose you bet A$1 and the money bag lands once on reel 1, twice on reel 2 and once on reel 3. The number of winning ways is 1 x 2 x 1 = 2, so you are paid the three-of-a-kind money bag value twice. If a fourth money bag also landed on reel 4, the win would become a four-of-a-kind on two ways. This is why stacked symbols matter more in a ways game than in a line game.
Bankroll Tips for Stick ‘Em
- Medium volatility still means losing runs. Set a budget that covers at least 150 to 200 spins.
- The 2,048x cap is a ceiling, not a target. Plan for sessions where none of the features pay much.
- Avoid increasing your stake after a loss. Each spin is independent of the last.
- Use deposit limits and session reminders provided by your casino.
- Stop when you hit your loss limit or time limit, even if a feature “feels close”.
Pros and Cons of Stick ‘Em
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three different features to trigger | Maximum win of 2,048x is low by modern standards |
| Medium volatility, easier on the bankroll | Low regular symbol pays |
| Simple 1,024 ways format | No bonus buy option |
| Sticky Win Spin has a clear visual goal | Older graphics and presentation |
| Good introduction to Hacksaw’s style | Not always featured in casino lobbies |
Stick ‘Em Compared with Newer Hacksaw Slots
Later Hacksaw slots such as Chaos Crew, Hand of Anubis or RIP City add layered multipliers, several bonus types and FeatureSpins options, and most of them are rated far higher for volatility. Stick ‘Em has none of that. Its appeal is that you can understand every feature within a few minutes and the swings stay more manageable. If you want a lighter Hacksaw experience, or you are new to the studio, it is a reasonable place to start.
Demo Play vs Real Money
The free demo lets you see how often each of the three features triggers and how much they tend to pay, using virtual credits and the same rules as the real game. A short demo session will show you quickly whether the game’s pace suits you.
For real money play, choose a licensed casino with clear RTP information, fast withdrawals and responsible gambling tools. Our casino reviews can help you compare sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stick ‘Em is listed with an RTP of 96.10%. Check the game info at your casino to confirm the version in use.
It is rated medium volatility, which is lower than most of Hacksaw Gaming’s newer slots.
The maximum win is 2,048x the bet, paid when the Sticky Win Spin fills the whole grid with thumbs-up symbols.
Three scatters award 5 free spins, four award 10 and five award 15.
Three Bonus Game symbols launch a prize wheel with a top prize of up to 1,000x the stake.
Yes, Stick ‘Em is widely cited as Hacksaw Gaming’s first video slot, released in 2019.
Responsible Gaming Note
Stick ‘Em is meant to be entertainment. Only play if you are 18 or older, set a spending limit before you start and stick to it. If gambling stops being enjoyable, free and confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Final Verdict
Stick ‘Em is a light, easy-going slot from Hacksaw’s early days. The 1,024 ways grid, free spins, prize wheel and sticky thumbs-up respins give it more variety than the simple look suggests, and medium volatility keeps sessions calmer than on the studio’s newer releases. The trade-off is a 2,048x ceiling and small regular pays. Try it in demo mode first and confirm the 96.10% RTP at your casino.
