Dead Man’s Gold

Set sail for danger, mystery, and epic treasure in Dead Man’s Gold, an adventurous pirate-themed pokie from ELK Studios. With its expandable grid, explosive bonus features, and a top prize of 25,000x your stake, this high-volatility slot is a thrill ride across turbulent seas. It’s ideal for Kiwi players who crave cinematic action and huge win potential.

Provider: ELK Studios
Game Type: Pokie
RTP: 94.00%%
Reels: 6
Paylines: Up to 262,144
Volatility: High
Configurable Winlines: No
Autoplay: Yes
Min. Bet: 0.20
Max. Bet: 100
Max. Win: 25,000x
Progressive Jackpot: No
Bonus features: Yes
Free spins: Yes
Quickspin feature: Yes
Gamble feature: No

About Dead Man’s Gold

Dead Man’s Gold continues ELK’s popular “Gold” series, this time starring the swashbuckling Kane, a treasure hunter on a mission to unearth lost pirate riches. From cursed idols to cannonballs blasting open extra reels, this game is pure slot spectacle – but with serious gameplay under the surface.

Its key mechanics include expanding reels, cluster-style symbol drops, and a dramatic bonus round full of surprises. You’ll face sea monsters, discover hidden loot, and chain together big wins as Kane navigates one of the most visually dynamic slots in the series.

Gameplay and Features

The game starts with 6 reels and 4 rows, but rows can expand up to 8 high, unlocking up to 262,144 ways to win.

Here’s what you’ll uncover:

  • Avalanche Wins:
    • Winning symbols explode, allowing new ones to fall in.
    • Each win can help expand the grid up to 8 rows high.
  • Cannonball Power-Up:
    • Randomly fires onto the grid, destroying blocker symbols and revealing more rows.
  • Big Symbols:
    • 2×2, 3×3, and 4×4 oversized symbols can land, boosting hit potential.
  • Bonus Game:
    • Triggered by 3+ bonus symbols.
    • Starts with an expanded grid and persistent blockers, which can be destroyed with cannonballs.
    • Treasure chests appear that guarantee wins, especially when collected with keys.
  • Treasure Target Feature:
    • Activates when a cannonball hits a treasure chest, causing a cluster of symbols to form around it for a guaranteed win.

Highlights:

  • Expanding reels and 262,144 ways to win
  • Treasure Target clusters with guaranteed wins
  • Cannonball power-ups and giant symbols
  • 25,000x max win – among the highest in ELK’s portfolio

Symbols and Payouts

Symbols include Kane, golden idols, parrots, sea serpents, daggers, and compass icons – all styled with pirate flair. Card symbols (A–J) serve as the low-paying icons.

  • Wild Symbol: Substitutes for all regular symbols.
  • Bonus Symbol (Red Skull Idol): Triggers free spins.
  • Treasure Chest: Appears during bonus rounds to create instant-win clusters.

Kane is the highest-paying symbol, and the game’s top win potential of 25,000x is usually achieved through grid expansions, treasure chests, and multiple cascading hits in the bonus game.

Graphics and Sound

Dead Man’s Gold is a visual blockbuster. The background features a foggy sea cave filled with ancient ruins and lost treasure. The symbols are bold and dynamic, while animations like cannonball blasts and Treasure Target explosions make every spin feel like a moment of high drama.

The soundtrack matches the pirate theme perfectly – epic orchestral swells, stormy ambient sounds, and powerful percussion that build tension and excitement during gameplay.

Mobile Experience

As expected from ELK Studios, the game is fully optimised for mobile devices. The vertical reel expansion suits mobile perfectly, and touch controls are smooth and intuitive. Whether you’re playing on iOS or Android, this adventure sails smoothly on all screens.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Huge max win of 25,000x
  • Dynamic visuals and cinematic presentation
  • Expanding reels with multiple ways to unlock features
  • Treasure Target and big symbols add real excitement

Cons

  • High volatility means dry spells between big wins
  • Can feel chaotic to new players
  • Bonus game may take time to trigger

Final Verdict

Dead Man’s Gold is one of ELK Studios’ most ambitious slots to date. It’s packed with features, dripping with atmosphere, and offers massive payout potential. For Kiwi players who love pirate adventures, cinematic gameplay, and smart mechanics that evolve with each spin, this one is pure gold.

Online Casinos to play Dead Man’s Gold

Dead Man’s Gold Online Casino Rating
CasinoRatingWelcome Bonus
Stonevegas
Info about bonus
Horus Casino
€1,000 and 125 free spins
Info about bonus
Horus Casino offers a wager-free welcome package up to €1,000 and 125 free spins, spread across your first three deposits. The first deposit gets you a 100% bonus up to €200 with 25 free spins, followed by additional deposit rewards with increasing value. No wagering applies to any bonuses or winnings.
Playfina
NZ$7,200 + 1,000 FS
Info about bonus
Playfina Casino welcomes new players with a four-part bonus package worth up to NZ$7,200 and 1,000 free spins. The first deposit grants a 100% match up to NZ$1,200 with up to 200 free spins on Book of Dead. The second deposit gives an 80% bonus up to NZ$1,500 with up to 200 free spins on Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War. The third deposit offers a 60% match up to NZ$2,000 with up to 300 free spins on Mighty Wild: Jaguar, and the fourth deposit delivers a 40% bonus up to NZ$2,500 with up to 300 free spins on Temple of Thunder II Bonus Buy. To claim, use the promo codes FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, and FOURTH before depositing. Both the bonus and deposit must be wagered 40x before withdrawal.
Spinrollz
100% up to $1.000 + 200 FS
Info about bonus
New players at Spinrollz Casino can claim a 100% match bonus up to $1,000 plus 200 free spins on their first deposit. The minimum deposit required to activate the bonus is $40, and the wagering requirement is 35x (bonus + deposit), with free spin winnings requiring 40x wagering before withdrawal. Free spins are credited in batches of 20 per day over ten days, and each batch must be claimed within 24 hours to avoid expiration. Players must complete any active casino bonus before using the free spins.
Stupid Casino
Up to €1,000
Info about bonus
Stupid Casino offers new players a wager-free welcome bonus package of up to €1,000 across their first three deposits. The first deposit grants a 100% bonus up to €300, the second deposit provides a 50% bonus up to €400, and the third deposit awards another 100% bonus up to €300. To claim each bonus, players must use the respective codes FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD before depositing. The bonus is sticky, meaning it is deducted upon withdrawal, but players can cash out at any time since there are no wagering requirements on winnings.
CasinoStars
100% up to 300€
Info about bonus
New players at CasinoStars can claim a 100% welcome bonus up to NZ$500 with no wagering requirements. Simply use code STARS1 before making your first deposit of at least NZ$20, and the bonus will be automatically added to your account. The maximum bet with bonus funds is NZ$5, and winnings from the bonus cannot be withdrawn. The bonus will be forfeited upon withdrawal. Restricted games include jackpot games, table games, video poker, virtual games, live casino, and sportsbook events.
Tiki casino
100% up to NZ$1,000 + 200 FS
Info about bonus
Tiki Casino greets new players from New Zealand with a 100% match bonus up to NZ$1,000, plus 200 free spins and 1 Bonus Crab pick to enhance their gaming experience. A minimum deposit of NZ$40 is required to activate this offer. Both the bonus and the deposit need to be wagered 35x, while winnings from free spins are subject to a 40x wagering requirement. Free spins are credited as 20 per day over 10 days, with each batch valid for 24 hours. The maximum bet allowed while using the bonus is NZ$10, and the bonus must be used within 10 days of activation.
Talismania casino
100% up to $1,000 + 200 FS
Info about bonus
Talismania Casino offers new players a 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000, 200 free spins, and 1 Bonus Crab. The bonus is available to newly registered users who make a minimum deposit of $40. The Bonus Crab feature is activated with a deposit of at least $20, allowing players to claim a random reward. Free spins are credited in batches of 20 spins per day for 10 days and must be claimed within 24 hours. The wagering requirement for the deposit and bonus amount is 35x, while winnings from free spins must be wagered 40x. The maximum bet allowed while the bonus is active is $10. Players should note that deposits made with Neteller or Skrill do not qualify for this promotion. The bonus must be wagered within 10 days, or it will be forfeited. Withdrawals requested before meeting the wagering requirements will void the bonus and associated winnings.
Bizzo Casino
125% up to NZ$2,500 + 125 FS
Info about bonus
New players at Bizzo Casino can claim a first deposit bonus of up to 125% and NZ$2,500 plus 125 free spins. The percentage of the bonus and the number of free spins depend on the deposit amount. A deposit between NZ$30 and NZ$50 grants a 50% bonus and 50 free spins, while a deposit between NZ$50 and NZ$200 increases the bonus to 75% and awards 75 free spins. Those who deposit between NZ$200 and NZ$500 receive a 100% match bonus and 100 free spins. For players who deposit between NZ$500 and NZ$2,000, the bonus reaches its maximum of 125% along with 125 free spins. Free spins are credited in batches over five days, with winnings subject to a 40x wagering requirement. The bonus funds also require a 40x wagering requirement, and the maximum bet allowed while the bonus is active is NZ$6.5.
Rollino
Up to NZ$9,000 + 425 FS
Info about bonus
Rollino Casino welcomes new players with a generous bonus package of up to NZ$9,000 and 425 free spins spread across the first four deposits. On your first deposit, you can claim a 200% bonus up to NZ$1,500 plus 100 free spins on Sugar Pop, or opt for a highroller version offering 200% up to NZ$4,500 with 200 free spins if you deposit NZ$150 or more. The second deposit brings a 100% match up to NZ$1,500 and 75 free spins on Viking Voyage. The third deposit rewards a 50% bonus up to NZ$1,500 along with 50 free spins on Take the Vault – Hold and Win. Finally, the fourth deposit adds a 100% bonus up to NZ$1,500 and 100 free spins on Coins of Ra – Hold and Win. A minimum deposit of NZ$30 is required for the first bonus, while the following three require at least NZ$75. Bonus funds must be wagered 30 times the sum of deposit and bonus, and free spin winnings are subject to 40x wagering. The maximum bet allowed when playing with bonus funds is NZ$8, and all bonuses are valid for 10 days. Free spins are credited instantly and linked to specific games.
Casiplay
£100 + 100 FS
Info about bonus
Casiplay's welcome bonus offers new players in New Zealand up to £100 and 100 free spins across their first four deposits. The first deposit gives a 50% match up to £50 + 30 free spins on Starburst. The second and third deposits reward 20 free spins each (on Starburst and Book of Dead respectively), while the fourth deposit brings a 50% match up to £50 + 30 free spins on Gold King. A minimum deposit of £20 is required to claim each bonus. Bonus funds and free spin winnings must be wagered 35x before any withdrawals are allowed.
21Privé
NZ$1300 + 200 free spins
Info about bonus
21Privé's welcome bonus for New Zealand players offers a 125% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$300, giving players up to NZ$675 to play with when depositing the full amount. The bonus also includes 200 free spins, credited as 40 spins per day for five days. The second deposit bonus grants 75% up to NZ$300, the third offers 50% up to NZ$300, the fourth provides 25% up to NZ$300, and the fifth gives 100% up to NZ$100. Bonus funds and winnings from free spins must be wagered 35x before withdrawal. The maximum bet with bonus funds is NZ$5. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are not eligible for this promotion. Free spins must be used within 10 days, and bonus funds expire after 30 days. No bonus code is required to activate the offer.
Hello Casino
100% up to €500 + 100 FS
Info about bonus
Hello Casino’s welcome bonus for New Zealand players includes a 100% match on the first deposit up to €500, effectively doubling your starting balance. You’ll also receive 100 bonus spins on Book of Dead, credited over three days. Bonus funds and free spin winnings must be wagered 35x before they can be withdrawn, and the maximum bet allowed with bonus funds is €5. Deposits made via Skrill or Neteller are not eligible, and any winnings from such deposits may be forfeited. Bonus spins expire after 10 days, and bonus funds expire after 30 days. No bonus code is needed—just opt in from the cashier when making your first deposit.
Slotnite
100% up to 250 NZD + 100 FS
Info about bonus
Slotnite's welcome bonus for New Zealand players offers a 100% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$250, doubling the amount players can play with when depositing the full amount. The bonus also includes 100 free spins on Gonzo's Quest. The second deposit bonus grants 50% up to NZ$250 plus 50 free spins on Starburst, while the third deposit bonus offers 50% up to NZ$500 with 50 free spins on Twin Spin. Bonus funds and winnings from free spins must be wagered 35x before withdrawal. The maximum bet with bonus funds is NZ$5. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are not eligible for this bonus. Free spins must be used within 10 days, and bonus funds expire after 30 days. No bonus code is required to activate the offer.
National Casino
100% up to 500 NZD + 100 FS
Info about bonus
National Casino's welcome bonus for New Zealand players offers a 100% match on the first deposit, up to 500 NZD, plus 100 free spins, released as 50 spins per day over two days. The second deposit bonus offers a 50% match up to 1,000 NZD and includes 50 free spins, credited immediately after the deposit. Winnings from free spins are subject to a 40x wagering requirement. General Bonus Terms & Conditions apply.
Fun Casino
100% bonus up to NZ$ 123
Info about bonus
Fun Casino's welcome bonus offers a 100% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$123, effectively doubling your initial deposit. For example, depositing NZ$123 will give you a total of NZ$246 to play with. Additionally, new players receive 160 free spins, with 10 spins credited upon registration and 150 spins awarded after the first deposit. The maximum bet allowed with bonus funds is NZ$5. No bonus code is required to activate the offer-simply register and make a qualifying deposit to receive it. The bonus comes with a 50x wagering requirement, which must be met within 30 days. Deposits made via Neteller and Skrill are excluded from this offer. Always read the full terms and conditions before participating in any promotion.
No Bonus Casino
No welcome bonus - 10% cashback
Info about bonus
No Bonus Casino offers a straightforward 10% cashback program for New Zealand players, calculated on net deposit losses during a 24-hour period starting from the first deposit. For example, if you deposit 200 NZD and lose the entire amount, you'll receive 20 NZD as cashback. The cashback becomes available 24 hours after the initial deposit and can be claimed immediately or within 10 days, provided your account balance is below 10 NZD and there are no pending withdrawals. Unlike traditional bonuses, the cashback is free of wagering requirements, offering players a transparent and hassle-free way to recover part of their losses.
WooCasino
3750 NZD + 200 free spins
Info about bonus
WooCasino's welcome bonus offers New Zealand players a 100% match on their first deposit, up to 450 NZD, plus 150 free spins, credited as 25 spins per day for six days. A second deposit bonus gives a 50% match up to 1,000 NZD and 50 free spins. A third deposit gives 30% up to 800 NZD, and the fourth deposit gives 20% up to 1,500 NZD. The minimum deposit to activate the bonus is 25 NZD, and the maximum bet with bonus funds is 8 NZD. All the deposit bonuses and free spin winnings carry a 40x wagering requirement. To activate the bonuses, players must use the codes provided in the promotion details.
PlayOJO
80 FS with no wagering
Info about bonus
Deposit NZ$10+ to get 50 free spins on Thor: The Trials of Asgard (NZ$0.10 per spin). Claim 30 extra free spins via the Kicker Section after your deposit. The Prize Twister awards random prizes like cash or free spins. Spins are auto-credited, and winnings are cashable with no minimum withdrawal. T&Cs apply.
Hell Spin
Up to NZ$5,200 + 150 FS
Info about bonus
Hell Spin welcomes new players from New Zealand with a four-part bonus package worth up to NZ$5,200 and 150 free spins. The first deposit gives a 100% match up to NZ$300 plus 100 free spins on Gates of Olympus 1000, credited as 20 per day over five days. The second deposit rewards a 50% match up to NZ$900 and 50 free spins on Hot to Burn Hold and Spin. The third and fourth deposits offer 30% and 25% match bonuses up to NZ$2,000 each. A minimum deposit of NZ$20 is required for each bonus, and all come with a 40x wagering requirement. No code is needed for the first, third, or fourth bonus, but the second deposit requires the code HOT. The maximum bet allowed with bonus funds is NZ$10.
Beteum
Up to NZ$4,000 + 250 FS + 1 Bonus Crab
Info about bonus
Beteum's welcome bonus for New Zealand players begins with a 150% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$2,000, along with 50 free spins. To qualify, players must deposit at least NZ$40. The free spins must be claimed manually after logging in and are subject to a 35x wagering requirement. The bonus funds also carry a 35x wagering requirement. The maximum allowed bet while wagering is NZ$10, and deposits made via Skrill or Neteller are not eligible.
PlayAmo
Up to NZ$700 + 150 FS
Info about bonus
Playamo's welcome bonus for New Zealand players includes a 100% match up to NZ$450 on the first deposit plus 100 free spins for Elvis Frog in Vegas, followed by a 50% bonus up to NZ$250 and 50 free spins for Lady Wolf Moon on the second deposit. Bonus codes FIRSTDEP and SECONDDEP must be used to claim the offers. Free spins are released in daily batches, and the maximum bet while wagering bonus funds is NZ$6.5.
Authors (Published: 13 May 2025, Updated: 23 June 2025)
  • Liam Wilson

    Liam plays where you play: testing pokies, bonuses, payments, and even the support teams (sorry, not sorry). He's the numbers guy making sure everything stacks up before you dive in.

  • Charlotte Harris

    Charlotte's the one who pulls it all together: from Liam's gameplay notes to Sophie's rule-checking. She's the voice behind our reviews, turning facts, feedback, and player stories into the guides Kiwis can trust.