Last updated: May 2026. Cross-game comparison based on test sessions of both titles plus Backseat Gaming's published specs.
Backseat Gaming released Pirate Bonanza 2 as a direct sequel to the original — and the confusion in the player community started immediately. The two games look almost identical at a glance (same captain, same galleon, same cannons), use most of the same mechanics, but the max-win ceiling is dramatically different: 15,000× on the original, 40,000× on the sequel. This article maps the differences exhaustively so you know which one you're playing and which one suits the kind of session you're after.
Decide which version to play▶ Play Pirate Bonanza (original) · 🎁 Welcome Bonus
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Quick comparison
| Spec | Pirate Bonanza (original) | Pirate Bonanza 2 (sequel) |
|---|---|---|
| Released | June 2024 | Later 2024 / early 2025 |
| Grid | 6×5 | 6×5 |
| Pay system | Scatter-pays (8+) | Scatter-pays (8+) |
| RTP (default) | 96.31% | 96.32% |
| RTP (reduced) | 94.26% | 94.27% |
| Volatility | High | Very high |
| Hit frequency | ~27% | ~24% |
| Max win | 15,000× | 40,000× |
| Cascade mechanic | Tumbling | Tumbling |
| Cannon-bomb | Yes | Yes (modified) |
| Multiplier counter | Cumulative across round | Cumulative + multiplier-doubler events |
| Bonus Buy cost | ~100× stake | ~120× stake |
| Free spins trigger | 4+ scatters | 4+ scatters |
| Free spins awarded | 10 | 10 |
The two games share most of their DNA but the sequel raises both the ceiling and the variance.
The 15,000× vs 40,000× difference — what changes
The headline difference is the max-win cap. The original is 15,000×; the sequel is 40,000× (a 2.67× ceiling expansion).
The math behind it:
- Multiplier counter in the original can compound to ~×100-150 in fortunate rounds, with cascade payouts that occasionally push toward the 15,000× cap.
- Multiplier counter in the sequel introduces a "multiplier doubler" event — when triggered (random mid-round event), the entire counter doubles. So a ×40 counter becomes ×80, then potentially doubles again to ×160.
The doubler events are what push the sequel's ceiling so much higher. Two doubler events on the same round can take a ×40 counter to ×160, and a fat final cluster at ×160 produces payouts that the original simply can't reach within its cap.
Trade-off: the doubler events are rare. Hit frequency on the sequel is lower (~24% vs ~27%) because the math is weighted toward the bigger ceiling. Sessions on the sequel feel drier more often. The cap is bigger but the path to a bonus is sparser.
Volatility: high vs very high
The original is rated high volatility by Backseat. The sequel is rated very high volatility.
Practical implications:
- Original: Suits weekly recreational players. A$50-200 bankrolls produce enjoyable sessions with reasonable win frequency.
- Sequel: Suits chase players willing to absorb longer dry streaks. A$200-1,000 bankrolls are more appropriate. The 40,000× ceiling is the draw — most sessions end at modest loss with the dream payout being the carrot.
If you're new to the franchise, start with the original. The hit frequency feels more rewarding and the gameplay loop is easier to digest. Move to the sequel after 20-30 sessions on the original if the higher ceiling appeals to you.
Cannon-bomb in original vs sequel
Both games have the cannon-bomb. The mechanic in the sequel is slightly modified:
- Original cannon-bomb: Random fire, 4-7 position blast radius, removes symbols in the zone.
- Sequel cannon-bomb: Random fire, 4-7 position blast radius, plus occasional "double-shot" where two cannons fire in quick succession.
The double-shot in the sequel is a low-probability variant that can detonate up to 12 positions on a single spin. It contributes to the sequel's bigger payout potential during free spins.
RTP variants — same pattern
Both games ship with the two-variant RTP structure:
- Original: 96.31% default / 94.26% reduced.
- Sequel: 96.32% default / 94.27% reduced.
The two-percentage-point gap between variants applies to both games — for the full RTP-variant playbook see our RTP variants guide. Check the in-game info panel for both. All four featured casinos run the certified default for both titles as of May 2026.
Which to play — decision matrix
| You want... | Play... |
|---|---|
| Frequent cascades, regular wins | Original |
| Bigger ceiling, willing to grind | Sequel |
| Bankroll under A$200 | Original |
| Bankroll over A$500 | Either; sequel for max chase |
| First time with Backseat Gaming | Original |
| Already familiar with cumulative-multiplier free spins | Sequel |
| Bonus Buy player | Original (lower buy cost) |
| Streaming chase content | Sequel (bigger max-win clip potential) |
| Mobile session on the train | Original (smoother UI on smaller screens) |
For most Aussie players, the original is the better daily-driver. The sequel is the swing-for-the-fences sister.
Avoid the confusion — how to tell them apart in-game
The two games look superficially similar but distinct details separate them:
- Title screen: Says "Pirate Bonanza" vs "Pirate Bonanza 2" — obvious at launch.
- Captain character: Same captain, but the sequel adds an eye-patch and a parrot perch.
- Cannon model: Sequel has a brass-cannon design with engravings; original is wood-and-iron.
- Counter UI: Sequel includes a "Doubler" indicator that flashes when the multiplier doubler event triggers.
- Max-win banner: Sequel displays "40,000×" prominently; original "15,000×".
If you're unsure which you're on, check the in-game info panel.
At the four featured casinos
All four featured casinos stock both Pirate Bonanza and Pirate Bonanza 2:
| Casino | Original | Sequel |
|---|---|---|
| Vegasnova | ✅ 96.31% default | ✅ 96.32% default |
| Joe Fortune | ✅ 96.31% default | ✅ 96.32% default |
| GreatSlots | ✅ 96.31% default | ✅ 96.32% default |
| CasinoRocket | ✅ 96.31% default | ✅ 96.32% default |
You can switch between them at any of the four casinos. Try both in demo before committing real money to either.
A common confusion — the streaming clips
YouTube and Twitch are full of "Pirate Bonanza 15,000× max win!" and "Pirate Bonanza 40,000× insane hit!" clips. Watch the title bar — the 40,000× clips are the sequel, the 15,000× clips are the original.
If a streamer says "Pirate Bonanza" without specifying, watch the cannon design (engravings = sequel) or the counter UI (doubler indicator = sequel).
A lot of forum advice conflates the two games. Match the version of the game with the article you're reading. If you're reading this article (the original Pirate Bonanza), the numbers above are for the original.
What if you've been playing the wrong one?
Genuinely common: a player intended to play the sequel (drawn by the 40,000× number) and accidentally loaded the original. Or vice versa.
Symptoms you're on the sequel when you thought you were on the original:
- The screen says "Pirate Bonanza 2".
- The counter UI has the doubler indicator.
- Bonus Buy cost is ~120× stake (vs ~100× on original).
Symptoms you're on the original when you thought you were on the sequel:
- The screen just says "Pirate Bonanza".
- No doubler indicator.
- Lower Bonus Buy cost.
If you've been playing the wrong one, no harm done — both games run the same compliance / RNG framework. But the math and pacing differ, so adjust your bankroll expectations.
Pick the version that suits your style▶ Play Pirate Bonanza · 🎁 Welcome Bonus
18+ · BetStop · gamblinghelponline.org.au
Quick FAQ
Should I play original or sequel first? Original — gentler intro to the mechanics.
Is the sequel's 40,000× harder to reach than original's 15,000×? Yes, proportionally — and the variance is higher.
Do bets carry between games? No — each game has its own session.
Are welcome offers different per game? Usually no — the casino's welcome offer applies to both. Check the eligible-games list in the welcome offer terms.
Will Backseat release Pirate Bonanza 3? Unconfirmed. Backseat hasn't announced one publicly as of May 2026.
Which has better graphics? Subjective — the sequel has slightly more polished animations. The original is more stylised.
Is the sequel rigged or fair? Same compliance framework as the original. RNG certified. Different math, same fairness.
About this comparison
Both titles tested across all four featured AU casinos in April-May 2026. Cross-game observations recorded across 300+ original spins and 200+ sequel spins. Specs cross-checked against Backseat Gaming's official product pages.
Gambling responsibly. Sequels generate hype that can push players into higher-variance versions of games they're not bankroll-ready for. Pick the version that fits your bankroll, not the one with the biggest headline. AU support: gamblinghelponline.org.au · BetStop · 18+ only.
Further Reading
Related reading in this guide: