Our review of The Black Book of Pirates cuts through the marketing and looks at what matters: how it plays and how it pays. This is a Apparat Gaming title, sitting firmly in the medium high volatility bracket and paying back a return-to-player rate of 87.1%. It first went live in 2023 and still earns its place today. You get a 5-reel grid running 15 paylines, all wrapped in a book of and pirate theme. Top wins are capped at 5,000x your stake, a healthy ceiling worth chasing. So does it deliver? Let's get into it.
Written by Daniel Chen · Last updated: February 2026
The Black Book of Pirates comes to us from Apparat Gaming, built around a book of and pirate theme. It runs on 5 reels and 15 paylines with medium high volatility, and an RTP of 87.1%.
Dig into the bonuses and The Black Book of Pirates starts to stand out. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. Its medium high variance balances steady wins with the odd larger payout. All told, it's a serviceable entry in the Apparat Gaming catalogue.
The RTP of 87.1% 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.
Medium-high volatility means wins come less frequently but tend to be larger when they hit. Players should be prepared for dry spells between bigger wins, requiring a moderate bankroll.
About 1 in 4 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
The Black Book of Pirates features scatter symbols that can trigger free spins rounds. Landing the required number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins feature, giving you extra chances to win without additional bets. During free spins, special modifiers may apply to boost your winning potential.
0.8 / 5 — Below Average
The Black Book of Pirates by Apparat Gaming provides a straightforward slot experience. While it may not break new ground, it offers medium high volatility gameplay that will appeal to certain player preferences.