Our review of Balloons cuts through the marketing and looks at what matters: how it plays and how it pays. Developed by Hacksaw Gaming, Balloons arrives with high volatility and a return-to-player rate of 92.04%. Top wins are capped at 200,000x your stake, a genuinely massive ceiling for the patient. You get 20 paylines across 5 reels, all given an engaging visual treatment. So does it deliver? Let's get into it.
Written by Daniel Chen · Last updated: January 2026
Balloons comes to us from Hacksaw Gaming, finished with a clean, modern look. It runs on a 5-reel grid running 20 paylines with high variance, and a published RTP of 92.04%.
The high volatility means patience is rewarded — expect quiet spells broken by bigger hits. On balance, Balloons is a no-frills option worth a few spins in the demo first.
The RTP of 92.04% is below the industry average of ~96%. This is common for older slots or those with special features. The lower RTP may be offset by unique mechanics or higher maximum win potential.
High volatility means longer gaps between wins, but when wins do land, they can be significantly larger. A bigger bankroll and patience are recommended for this type of slot.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
2.0 / 5 — Below Average
Balloons by Hacksaw Gaming provides a straightforward slot experience. While it may not break new ground, it offers high volatility gameplay that will appeal to certain player preferences.