Stick 'Em Slot Review
We spent time testing Stick ‘Em properly, and this Stick ‘Em slot review is based on genuine hands-on play across multiple sessions. Released by Hacksaw Gaming in September 2019, this game holds a special place in the studio’s history as their very first video slot. Before Wanted Dead or a Wild, before Chaos Crew, before any of the high-octane titles that made Hacksaw a household name, there was Stick ‘Em. Set on a 5-reel, 4-row grid with 1,024 ways to win, it introduces Canny the Can, the cheerful mascot who has since appeared across much of the Hacksaw catalogue. With a 96.10% RTP, medium volatility, and a maximum win of 2,048x, this is a gentler game than anything Hacksaw produces today. We cover what it does well and where it shows its age.
| Provider: | Hacksaw Gaming |
| RTP: | 96.10% |
| Type: | Video Slots |
| Launched: | 2019 |
| Volatility: | Medium |
| Max Win: | 2048x |
| Min/Max Bet: | $0.20/$100.00 |
Stick 'Em Demo
Where To Play Stick 'Em
- FastPay100% up to NZ$750 + 100 Free SpinsSecond deposit bonus 75% up to NZ$75
Author: Liam Harrington
Stick 'Em Slot Game Overview
Stick ‘Em is a 5-reel, 4-row video slot from Hacksaw Gaming, released in September 2019 as the studio’s very first slot game. It runs on 1,024 ways to win rather than fixed paylines, with winning combinations forming when three or more matching symbols land on adjacent reels from left to right. The Stick ‘Em online slot carries a medium-volatility rating with an RTP of 96.10%, sitting right at the online slot industry average. The maximum win is 2,048x your total bet, which is modest by modern standards but was a reasonable ceiling for a 2019 release from a studio just entering the slot market.
Our review of Stick ‘Em found a game that is charming, approachable, and deliberately uncomplicated. The hit frequency of 23.45% means a winning combination forms roughly once every 4.3 spins, which gives the base game a comfortable rhythm. Most base game wins are small amounts from the lower-tier symbols, but the pace is steady enough to keep sessions moving without the long dry spells associated with later Hacksaw high-volatility releases. Canny the Can bounces around the side of the reels, celebrating every win with the energy of a cartoon character who genuinely loves his job. The retro cartoon aesthetic, complete with a jazzy piano soundtrack and hand-drawn style symbols, gives the game a personality that is easy to like even before the features kick in.
Stick 'Em RTP, Payout, and Volatility
The Stick ‘Em slot review numbers are straightforward. The RTP of 96.10% sits right at the online slot industry average of 96%, meaning over a very long run players theoretically get back $96.10 for every $100 wagered. There are no multiple RTP configurations to worry about here, unlike later Hacksaw titles such as Wanted Dead or a Wild which can drop to 88.42% at some casinos. Stick ‘Em keeps it simple with one rate across the board. As always, RTP is a long-term figure across millions of spins and not a session-by-session guarantee.
The paytable in the Stick ‘Em online slot splits into lower-tier symbols and higher-tier symbols. The lower-paying symbols include gold stars, dice, playing cards, a poison bottle, and bones. The higher-paying symbols include banknotes, diamonds, gold coins, and the money bag at the top. The thumbs-up symbol is a special symbol that drives the Sticky Win Spin feature rather than a standard paying symbol. The maximum win of 2,048x is quite low compared to modern standards, where titles like Chaos Crew from the same studio reach 10,000x and Wanted Dead or a Wild goes to 12,500x. The Bonus Wheel can pay up to 1,000x your bet as a single prize, which is where most of the game’s bigger payouts come from.
| Slot Name | Stick 'Em |
|---|---|
| Game Provider | Hacksaw Gaming |
| RTP | 96.10% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Paylines | 1,024 |
| Bonus Buy | No |
| Progressive Jackpot | No |
Volatility in a slot game describes how risky the game is to play. A low-volatility slot pays smaller amounts more often. A high-volatility slot pays larger amounts less often. Stick ‘Em sits in the medium volatility range, which was unusual for Hacksaw Gaming even at launch and has since become increasingly rare in their catalogue as they have moved toward predominantly high and very-high-volatility releases. The medium volatility means that wins land at a more comfortable rate than Hacksaw’s later titles, and the swings between winning and losing sessions are less dramatic.
The 23.45% hit frequency produces a win roughly once every 4.3 spins in the base game, which is notably more active than most Hacksaw releases. Most of those wins are small and come from the lower-tier symbols. The Sticky Win Spin feature is where the more interesting results happen, as accumulating thumbs-up symbols across multiple respins can build up a better outcome than any individual winning spin would suggest. The balance between base game and bonus is less skewed toward the feature than in Hacksaw’s later catalogue, making Stick ‘Em a more evenly distributed session experience overall.
Stick 'Em Special Features and Bonus Options
The Stick ‘Em online slot bonuses are built around three features that work together simply and clearly. The Sticky Win Spin is the standout mechanic and the one that defines the game’s identity. The free spins round and the Bonus Wheel round out the feature set. None of these are complex systems. By the standards of Hacksaw’s later releases, Stick ‘Em is deliberately light on features, which makes it an excellent entry point for players new to the studio’s style. The Stick ‘Em slot game features do not include a wild symbol, which is unusual and worth noting. There are no substituting wilds at all in this game, which means winning combinations rely entirely on matching symbols landing in the right positions. Games like Stack ‘Em, the 2021 sequel from the same studio, added wilds and a bonus buy feature along with a significantly higher 10,000x win ceiling. Stick ‘Em is the original, simpler version of the concept.
Sticky Win Spin Feature
The Sticky Win Spin is the most distinctive feature in Stick ‘Em. When thumbs-up symbols land on the reels, they stick in place and trigger a free respin. The remaining reels spin again while the thumbs-up symbols stay locked where they are. If the new spin produces additional thumbs-up symbols, those also stick and trigger another respin. This chain continues for as long as new thumbs-up symbols keep appearing on each respin. The more thumbs-up symbols that accumulate across the grid before the chain ends, the larger the resulting payout. The maximum possible outcome from the Sticky Win Spin is up to 2,048x your total bet, which represents the game’s overall maximum win.
In testing this feature plays out with genuine charm thanks to Canny the Can’s increasingly excited reactions as each new thumbs-up lands. The tension of watching each respin and hoping for more thumbs-up symbols to keep the chain alive is simple but effective. It is clearly the inspiration for later sticky mechanic features across the Hacksaw catalogue, though subsequent titles like Stack ‘Em added multipliers to the concept to create significantly higher win ceilings. In its original form here it is clean and easy to understand from the first time it activates.
Free Spins Round
The free spins round in Stick ‘Em is triggered by landing free spins scatter symbols on the reels. The base award is a set of free spins, with the potential to reach up to 15 free spins in total through retriggers during the round. The features on Stick ‘Em online slot during free spins operate the same as in the base game, with the Sticky Win Spin active throughout. Thumbs-up symbols continue to stick and trigger respins during the free spins round, and since those respins do not count against the remaining free spins total, they effectively provide additional spin time within the bonus. The free spins round does not introduce additional multipliers or enhanced mechanics, which means it relies on the same Sticky Win Spin system as the base game to generate its bigger results. Landing a Sticky Win Spin chain during free spins is where the most meaningful outcomes occur.
Bonus Wheel
The Bonus Wheel is triggered by landing bonus game scatter symbols on the reels. When activated, a spin of the wheel determines the prize, with awards ranging from modest multipliers up to a maximum of 1,000x your total bet for a single wheel outcome. The Bonus Wheel is the most straightforward of the three features in Stick ‘Em. It is entirely random and does not involve any player decision or accumulation mechanic. The 1,000x potential from a single Bonus Wheel spin is the closest thing the game has to a major single-spin payout outside of the Sticky Win Spin chain. For context, 1,000x at the minimum bet of $0.20 per spin would return $200. At the maximum $100 bet it would return $100,000. Neither the free spins round nor the Bonus Wheel can be bought directly, as Stick ‘Em does not include a bonus buy feature. Both must be triggered organically through normal base game play.
How To Play Stick 'Em
Stick ‘Em is one of the most approachable slots Hacksaw Gaming has ever made and an excellent starting point for players new to the studio. There are no complicated mechanics to learn and no bonus buy decisions to make. The main thing to understand before you start is how the Sticky Win Spin works and what triggers the free spins and Bonus Wheel. Here is how to get started.
- 1
Set your bet size
Use the controls at the bottom of the screen to choose your stake. Stick ‘Em accepts bets from $0.20 to $100.00 per spin. Unlike most Hacksaw titles, there is no bonus buy feature here, so your full budget goes into normal base game spins. Given the medium volatility and steady hit frequency, your bankroll will last considerably longer here than in high-volatility Hacksaw releases. - 2
Spin the reels and watch for matching symbols
Hit spin and watch the 5 reels across 4 rows settle. Winning combinations pay for matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right with at least 3 in a row. There is no wild symbol in this game, so every winning combination requires matching symbols in the right positions without substitution help. The money bag symbol is the top payer in the regular paytable. - 3
Watch for thumbs-up symbols to trigger the Sticky Win Spin
When a thumbs-up symbol lands anywhere on the reels, it sticks in place and triggers a free respin. Any additional thumbs-up symbols landing on the respin also stick and trigger another respin. The chain continues as long as new thumbs-up symbols keep appearing. The more thumbs-up symbols that accumulate, the larger the eventual payout. - 4
Trigger free spins via the free spins scatter symbol
Landing the free spins scatter symbol on the reels starts the free spins round. You can receive up to 15 free spins total through the base award and retriggers. All features from the base game, including the Sticky Win Spin, remain active throughout the free spins round. Landing a Sticky Win Spin chain during free spins is where the bigger outcomes tend to come from. - 5
Trigger the Bonus Wheel via the bonus game scatter symbol
Landing the bonus game scatter symbol activates the Bonus Wheel. The wheel spins and awards a cash prize ranging from a small multiplier up to a maximum of 1,000x your total bet for a single wheel outcome. The result is entirely random and there is no player decision involved. At $100 per spin, a 1,000x Bonus Wheel result would pay $100,000.
Stick 'Em Online Slot: Pros and Cons
Stick ‘Em is an honest, charming slot that wears its limitations openly and delivers what it promises without pretension. The medium volatility and 23.45% hit frequency make sessions more active and comfortable than most of Hacksaw’s later catalogue. Canny the Can is a genuinely likeable mascot who adds personality to every spin. The Sticky Win Spin feature is simple but satisfying when it chains. The downside is equally clear: the 2,048x maximum win is very low by modern standards, there is no wild symbol at all, no bonus buy feature, and the visual design has dated considerably since 2019. This is not a game for players chasing big wins. It is a game for players who want a relaxed, comfortable session with a studio that has since become one of the most exciting in the business.
-
Medium volatility and 23.45% hit frequency give sessions a comfortable, active rhythm without long dry spells. - Canny the Can is a likeable mascot who adds genuine personality to every spin and feature activation.
- Sticky Win Spin feature is simple, satisfying, and chains in a way that builds real anticipation.
- Hacksaw Gaming's first-ever slot is easy to understand from the first spin with no complex mechanics to learn.
- RTP of 96.10% with no configurable lower versions means you get the same odds at every casino.
-
Maximum win of 2,048x is very low by modern standards and limits the game's appeal to big-win chasers. - No wild symbol at all means winning combinations depend entirely on matching symbols landing in position.
- No bonus buy feature and no way to speed up access to the free spins or Bonus Wheel triggers.
Stick 'Em Final Thoughts
Stick ‘Em is a charming historical footnote in Hacksaw Gaming’s story and a genuinely enjoyable low-pressure pokie in its own right. Testing it in 2026 is a bit like watching the first episode of a show that went on to become legendary. The ingredients that made Hacksaw recognisable are all here: the cartoon aesthetic, the fun mascot, the Sticky Win Spin concept that would later become the foundation for much more complex mechanics. The medium volatility and steady hit frequency make sessions comfortable and predictable in a way that none of the studio’s later titles quite match. The 2,048x maximum win and the absence of a wild symbol are real limitations, and anyone expecting the intensity of Wanted Dead or a Wild or Chaos Crew will be disappointed.
We recommend Stick ‘Em to players who are new to Hacksaw Gaming and want to understand the studio’s design sensibility without the complexity and volatility of their modern releases. It is also worth a look for anyone who enjoys medium-volatility sessions with steady activity rather than the boom-bust rhythm of high-volatility play. Try the demo first to experience the Sticky Win Spin chain and the Bonus Wheel before committing real money. If you enjoy it but want more potential, Stack ‘Em from 2021 takes the same concept and scales it up significantly with a 10,000x ceiling and a bonus buy option.
FAQ
What is the RTP of Stick 'Em?
Stick ‘Em has an RTP of 96.10%, which sits right at the online slot industry average of 96%. Unlike later Hacksaw Gaming titles, there is only one RTP version available and operators cannot configure lower settings. This means the same maths apply at every casino carrying the game. RTP is a long-term theoretical figure across millions of spins and is not a prediction of what you will earn in any individual session.
How does the Sticky Win Spin work in Stick 'Em?
The Sticky Win Spin activates when a thumbs-up symbol lands on the reels. The thumbs-up sticks in place and the remaining reels respin. If the respin produces another thumbs-up symbol, that also sticks and triggers another respin. This chain continues for as long as new thumbs-up symbols keep appearing on each respin. When no new thumbs-up symbols land on a respin, the chain ends and the accumulated value pays out. The maximum outcome from this feature is up to 2,048x your total bet.
What is the maximum win in Stick 'Em?
The maximum win in Stick ‘Em is 2,048x your total bet. At the maximum bet of $100 per spin that equates to a potential payout of $204,800. This ceiling is quite low by modern slot standards, where high-volatility titles often offer 10,000x or more. The 2,048x is achievable through the Sticky Win Spin feature with a full accumulation of thumbs-up symbols across the grid. The Bonus Wheel can pay up to 1,000x as a single prize but this sits below the overall game cap.
Does Stick 'Em have a bonus buy feature?
No, Stick ‘Em does not have a bonus buy feature. Both the free spins round and the Bonus Wheel must be triggered organically through normal base game play. If you prefer to buy directly into bonus rounds, Stack ‘Em, the 2021 sequel from the same studio, introduced a bonus buy option at 129x your total bet alongside a significantly higher 10,000x maximum win.
What makes Stick 'Em different from Stack 'Em?
Stick ‘Em is Hacksaw Gaming’s first ever slot, released in 2019. Stack ‘Em is the 2021 sequel that builds on the same concept but with major upgrades. Stack ‘Em uses a 5×6 cluster pays grid rather than Stick ‘Em’s 5×4 payline structure, adds a wild symbol, introduces a bonus buy feature at 129x your bet, and raises the maximum win from 2,048x to 10,000x. Stick ‘Em has medium volatility and is more accessible. Stack ‘Em is significantly more volatile and feature-rich.
Is Stick 'Em suitable for beginners?
Stick ‘Em is one of the best choices for beginners in the Hacksaw Gaming catalogue. The medium volatility means wins land more frequently than in most Hacksaw titles, the rules are straightforward, and there are no complex bonus mechanics to navigate. The Sticky Win Spin is easy to understand from the first time it activates. The game is also forgiving on the bankroll given the 23.45% hit frequency. We recommend trying the free demo version to experience the Sticky Win Spin and Bonus Wheel before playing for real money.
If you enjoy the relaxed pace and Sticky Win Spin mechanic of Stick ‘Em, there are a few related titles worth exploring. Stack ‘Em from Hacksaw Gaming is the 2021 sequel that builds directly on the same concept with a cluster pays mechanic, a 10,000x maximum win, and a bonus buy feature. Chaos Crew, also from Hacksaw, is a step up in volatility with a hold-and-win bonus style and a 10,000x ceiling that suits players ready for more intensity. For players who enjoy charming low-to-medium-volatility slots from other providers, Starburst from NetEnt and Gonzo’s Quest offer similar accessible energy with different mechanics. Here are some other popular titles our readers also enjoy.
