Sticky Bandits
How’s she goin’, fellas? Grab a double-double and settle in. We’ve spent some serious time at the reels to bring you the lowdown on the original Sticky Bandits by Quickspin. This isn’t just another dusty Western; it’s the spark that started a massive franchise. Whether you want to play for free or put some real loonies on the line, we’ve fact-checked everything to make sure your heist goes off without a hitch.
Written by: Martin Hansen
Fact Checked by: Gabriel Bouchard
Game Specs
Provider: Quickspin
Release Date: August 15, 2017
Theme: Wild West / Train Heist
Layout: 5 Reels, 5 Rows
Paylines: 30
RTP%: 96.58%
Variance: Medium to High
Player Suitability: Recommended for very beginner players
Minimum Bet: C$0.15/spin
Maximum Win Potential: Up to 739x your bet
Technology: JS, HTML5
Minimum OS: iOS 11.0 or later / Android 5.0 or later
Game Size: ~ 15MB
Key Gameplay Features You Should Look Out For
Bonus Buy Option
The original Sticky Bandits slot does not have a “Buy Bonus” or “Feature Buy” button.
When this game was released back in 2017, the bonus buy mechanic wasn’t the industry standard it is now. Back then, Quickspin focused on their Achievements Engine instead. You earn tokens by hitting certain milestones while playing, and you can later spend those tokens to trigger the free spins.
If you’re specifically looking for that “skip the line” feel within the “Sticky Bandits” series, you’ll find it in the newer sequels:
- Sticky Bandits: Wild Return: Still no direct “buy” button here, but it features a “Quick Slot” side-game.
- Sticky Bandits 3: Most Wanted: This one lets you buy the free spins for 60x your bet.
- Sticky Bandits Thunder Rail: Offers three different buy options ranging from 5x to 155x your bet.
- Sticky Bandits Unchained: The high-stakes version with buy options going all the way up to 750x your bet for the “Fully Loaded” bonus.
Top Streategies & Wins Reported by Fans
I’ve scouted some advice from players on reddit and YouTube comments, who’ve spent a few nights in this digital desert:
- The “Reel 1” Watch: Real users suggest keeping a close eye on the first reel. Since the Bonus symbol only lands there, you’re looking for that specific trigger. If you see a Massive Wild land on reels 2-3 but no Bonus on reel 1, don’t get discouraged—the Wilds still pay out big in the base game.
- Patience with the “Sticky” Trigger: Frequent players mention that while the 739x max win isn’t the highest in the series (looking at you, Most Wanted), the consistency of the 96.58% RTP means the base game keeps you afloat while you wait for those massive symbols to lock.
- Token Management: Don’t ignore the Achievements. Pro users recommend saving your tokens until you have enough to trigger the high-level features directly. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, especially when you’re looking for that perfect “Full Screen of Wilds” setup.
Graphics & Sound
Recent News
Unchained Power (January 2024): The series reached a new peak with the release of Sticky Bandits Unchained. This installment is the “heavy hitter” of the family, boasting a massive 30,000x max win potential. It features a darker, grittier atmosphere in the town of Dustwood and introduces the “Peacemaker Fully Loaded” bonus, which uses infinite free spins until a cylinder multiplier hits the reels.
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Thunder Rail Expansion: Sticky Bandits Thunder Rail continues to be a fan favorite due to its unique grid expansion. Starting as a 5×4 layout with 26 paylines, the game can grow into a 7×7 grid with 53 paylines. It includes nine different character Wilds, each with its own special mechanic like “Diagonal Wilds” or “Cash Wilds.”
A Live Twist (May 2024): In a big move for the brand, Quickspin Live (in partnership with Playtech) launched Sticky Bandits Roulette Live. This takes the theme into a live dealer setting, featuring a 3×3 slot mini-game called “Diamond Duke” that triggers when the ball lands on specific “Bandit Numbers.” It brings the slot’s sticky wild mechanics to the roulette table with multipliers up to 5,207x.
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Provider Milestones: Quickspin has been busy expanding its footprint, recently going live with major partners like Paddy Power, Betfair, and Snaitech. They also received a “Great Place to Work” certification in March 2025 and continue to be a staple in the Global Gaming Awards EMEA, with nominations across several slot and supplier categories.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a solid, high-RTP Western that doesn’t overcomplicate things, this is your game. It’s got enough grit for the pros and enough simplicity for the newcomers. Give it a whirl – just try not to get stuck!
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