Pokies and instant-win
Hacksaw Gaming games for NZ players
Pokies and scratch-style instant-win games, often high volatility.
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Malta
- Catalogue
- 200+ titles including pokies and instant-win scratch games
- Certified by
- BMM Testlabs, iTech Labs
Popular Hacksaw Gaming titles at NZ casinos
- ▶Chaos Crew
- ▶Wanted Dead or a Wild
- ▶Stick Em
- ▶Xmas Chaos
- ▶Space Rocks
NZ note: Hacksaw Gaming is one of the fastest-growing studios at NZ-facing casinos since 2022. Wanted Dead or a Wild (max win 12,305x) is widely available. The studio's instant-win scratch games are a distinct category from pokies — the results are determined immediately on purchase rather than through a spin mechanic, which suits players who prefer faster play.
RTP: check the setting, not the headline
Many studios, including Hacksaw Gaming, supply games at more than one RTP setting — the operator chooses which to apply. On NZ$1,000 of spins, the gap between a 96% and a 92% setting is roughly NZ$40 in expected losses. Always open the game's information panel on the specific casino you are using to see which RTP setting is actually in play.
Maximum win potential: Up to 12,305x on Wanted Dead or a Wild. High max-win games achieve these returns rarely and with high variance — they are not typical session outcomes.
Volatility and your bankroll
Two games with identical RTP can behave very differently. Low-volatility games pay small amounts often — suited to longer sessions with a limited budget. High-volatility games can run cold for extended periods before a large win. Set a session budget and stick to it before you start, whichever studio you play.
Expected hourly cost is the house edge multiplied by total amount wagered. Speed matters: a fast pokie at NZ$1 per spin (around 400 spins/hour) wagers NZ$400/hour — with a 4% house edge that is NZ$16 expected loss per hour. A live blackjack hand at NZ$10 with basic strategy has a house edge near 0.5%, costing about NZ$3/hour at 60 hands. See our RTP and volatility guide for full examples.
What an hour of play costs
| Scenario | Wagered/hour | House edge | Expected loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokie NZ$1/spin · ~400 spins/hr | NZ$400 | 4% (96% RTP) | ~NZ$16 |
| Pokie NZ$1/spin · 8% edge (92% RTP) | NZ$400 | 8% (92% RTP) | ~NZ$32 |
| Pokie NZ$0.20/spin · ~400 spins/hr | NZ$80 | 4% | ~NZ$3.20 |
| Live blackjack NZ$10/hand · ~60 hands/hr | NZ$600 | ~0.5% basic strategy | ~NZ$3 |
Figures are illustrative. For bonus play: what wagering requirements really cost.
Playing responsibly
Understanding the studio behind a game helps you make informed choices — but no amount of studio knowledge changes the house edge. All casino games are designed so the operator keeps a percentage over time. Set deposit and session limits before playing; NZ casinos reviewed on this site all offer these tools. The Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) is free and available 24/7.
Hacksaw Gaming FAQ for NZ players
Not always. Hacksaw Gaming publishes an RTP range of 96–96.5% on most titles. Some studios supply the same game at multiple RTP settings and each operator chooses which to offer. The only reliable place to confirm the exact setting is the game's own information panel on the specific casino you are playing at.
Hacksaw Gaming games are certified by BMM Testlabs, iTech Labs. Independent testing confirms results are random and match the published maths — it does not mean the game favours the player, as every game has a house edge.
Hacksaw Gaming is best known for pokies and instant-win. Its most popular titles among NZ players include Chaos Crew, Wanted Dead or a Wild, Stick Em. Hacksaw Gaming is one of the fastest-growing studios at NZ-facing casinos since 2022. Wanted Dead or a Wild (max win 12,305x) is widely available. The studio's instant-win scratch games are a distinct category from pokies — the results are determined immediately on purchase rather than through a spin mechanic, which suits players who prefer faster play.
High to very high — Wanted Dead or a Wild is very high volatility; scratch games vary from low to very high