This game cannot be played with bonus funds. Cash play only.

First place is up for grabs.
First place is up for grabs.
Pirate Pays Megaways is an exhilarating high volatility seafaring adventure from Big Time Gaming that delivers treasure-hunting thrills across 6 reels, a bottom sliding reel, and up to 117,649 Megaways. This buccaneer-themed slot features an innovative Compass Wild on the bottom reel that transforms symbols in the direction the needle points, plus a unique 'Deal or No Deal' style bonus selection before the main feature begins. With an unlimited progressive multiplier and maximum wins reaching 104,400x your stake, this pirate expedition promises epic rewards for brave players ready to set sail.
Setting aside BTG's earlier treasure-hunting release Tumblin' Treasures, Pirate Pays Megaways represents the Australian developer's flagship entry into the buccaneer slot genre. While we anticipated more swashbuckling action, this Megaways slot delivers a polished, Bonanza-inspired gaming experience with several unique mechanical innovations.
The standout feature is the Compass Wild on the bottom sliding reel, which dynamically transforms symbols wild based on the random direction the needle indicates. Before the main bonus round begins, players navigate through an entertaining Deal or No Deal inspired selection game, adding strategic decision-making to the free spins trigger.
The slot occasionally awards an Enhanced bonus version for even greater winning potential. BTG's mathematical modeling remains rock-solid as expected, though we're eager to see this developer flex their muscles with more frequent big win delivery.
Our gameplay session remained relatively calm until the Kraken Bonus Round activated at the 1:27 mark in our 4:55-minute highlight reel. During the base game, we landed a compass wild pointing south, which unfortunately provided no transformative effect on the reels.
In the Deal or No Deal selection phase, we strategically rejected multiple Kraken offers before settling on 15 free spins with an x2 starting multiplier. The entire bonus sequence showcases the slot's progressive multiplier mechanics and potential for substantial payouts.
While Big Time Gaming rarely disappoints, Pirate Pays Megaways falls slightly short of our elevated expectations. This Megaways slot offers solid mechanics and entertaining gameplay, yet feels like it needed additional refinement to reach its full potential.
The pirate theme lacks the swashbuckling intensity we craved, instead delivering a more subdued sailing experience. The Compass Wild restriction to the bottom reel limits its impact—when pointing south or toward edges, it produces no effect, and even successful transformations often yield modest results.
Several core elements appear borrowed from other successful titles, including Hacksaw's Cash Compass and Blueprint's Deal or No Deal series. The claimed 15,500x base game potential seems optimistic, while the theoretical 104,400x maximum win through the unlimited progressive multiplier represents an ambitious but rarely achievable target.
• Compass Wild transformation mechanic adds unique symbol conversion gameplay • 'Deal or No Deal' pre-bonus selection creates engaging strategic decision-making • Free spins with progressive win multipliers offer escalating payout potential • Maximum win potential of 104,400x your stake provides life-changing jackpot opportunities • Megaways engine delivers up to 117,649 ways to win on every spin