Book of Dead is one of the most famous online slots of all time and a permanent fixture in UK casino lobbies. Play’n GO released it in 2016, starring the adventurer Rich Wilde on his hunt for treasure in the tombs of ancient Egypt. The game is built on the classic book formula: a Book symbol that is both Wild and Scatter, and free spins with a randomly chosen expanding symbol that can cover entire reels. Simple rules, high volatility and a maximum win of 5,000x your stake have made it a favourite for years. In this Book of Dead slot review we explain everything you need to know.
Book of Dead at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Play’n GO |
| Release | 2016 |
| Reels and rows | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 (adjustable from 1 to 10) |
| RTP | Up to 96.21% (casinos may use a lower setting) |
| Volatility | High |
| Maximum win | 5,000x your stake |
| Stake in the UK | Up to the £5 per spin limit (£2 for players aged 18 to 24) |
Theme and Rich Wilde
Book of Dead is part of Play’n GO’s Rich Wilde series, a set of adventure slots that follow an Indiana Jones-style explorer through ancient ruins. The reels are set in a tomb lit by flickering torches, and the soundtrack is full of suspense. The high-value symbols are Rich Wilde himself and a set of Egyptian gods and artefacts, while the card ranks 10 to A form the lower-value symbols. The design is still sharp years after release, and the eerie atmosphere fits the treasure-hunting story well.
How to Play Book of Dead
Book of Dead has up to 10 paylines. You can choose how many lines to play, but playing all ten gives you the best chance of winning and is recommended. Wins pay from left to right. The high-value symbols pay from two of a kind on a line, the card symbols from three. You choose your stake and spin.
The Book of Dead symbol is the key to the game. It is a Wild that substitutes for all other symbols, and it is also the Scatter that triggers the free spins. Books pay anywhere on the reels.
Free Spins with an Expanding Symbol
Three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels trigger 10 free spins. Before the round starts, one regular symbol is chosen at random as the special expanding symbol. During the free spins:
- When the special symbol lands in enough positions to form a win, it expands to cover the whole reel.
- Expanded symbols pay on all active paylines, even if they are not on adjacent reels.
- Three more Books during the round award 10 extra free spins with the same special symbol.
If Rich Wilde himself is chosen as the special symbol and expands across all five reels, you reach the maximum win of 5,000x your stake. This is the dream result every Book of Dead player is chasing.
RTP, Volatility and Maximum Win
Play’n GO lists an RTP of up to 96.21% for Book of Dead, but the game is offered in several RTP versions, and some casinos use a lower one. Always check the game information. The volatility is high. You can play many spins without a big win, and the free spins can vary from very small to very large depending on the expanding symbol. The maximum win is 5,000x your stake.
Book of Dead vs Book of Ra
Book of Dead is often compared with Novomatic’s Book of Ra, the game that started the book genre. Both use the same core idea, but Book of Dead has a higher RTP than Book of Ra Classic, sharper graphics and the Rich Wilde character. Play’n GO later released Legacy of Egypt and Legacy of Dead, which add new twists to the Egyptian theme.
The Rich Wilde Series
Rich Wilde stars in a whole series of Play’n GO slots, including Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, Rich Wilde and the Amulet of Dead and Rich Wilde and the Wandering City. Each game has a different setting and mechanic, but Book of Dead remains the most popular of them all.
Playing Book of Dead in the UK
At UK-licensed casinos, slots follow the rules of the UK Gambling Commission. Autoplay and turbo spins are not allowed, spins last at least 2.5 seconds, and the maximum stake is £5 per spin for players aged 25 and over, or £2 per spin for players aged 18 to 24. Book of Dead is also one of the most common games for free spins offers at UK casinos. Compare current deals on our free spins bonus page. Since January 2026, UK bonus wagering is capped at 10x.
Book of Dead on Mobile
Book of Dead runs smoothly on iPhone, Android phones and tablets. The clear layout and large symbols work well on a small screen. See our guide to mobile slots in the UK.
Who Is Book of Dead For?
Book of Dead suits players who enjoy high volatility and a simple game with one big feature. The free spins create real tension, because the expanding symbol can turn an ordinary round into a huge win. If you prefer frequent small wins, a low volatility slot such as Starburst will feel more comfortable.
Tips for Playing Book of Dead
- Play all 10 lines: expanding symbols only pay on active lines, so fewer lines means smaller free spins wins.
- Choose a modest stake: high volatility means you need enough spins to reach the bonus.
- Check the RTP version: look in the game help before you start.
- Set limits: decide on a budget and stick to it.
Where to Play Book of Dead
Book of Dead is available at almost every UK casino with Play’n GO games. Browse more titles on our online slots page, and always choose a licensed casino. Read our guide to gambling with real money for tips on playing safely.
Play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never play with money you cannot afford to lose. For support, visit BeGambleAware.org. 18+ only.
Features
Book of Dead FAQ
What is the RTP of Book of Dead?
The RTP is up to 96.21%. Casinos can use lower settings, so check the game information.
How do free spins work in Book of Dead?
Three or more Books award 10 free spins with a randomly chosen symbol that expands to cover whole reels.
What is the maximum win on Book of Dead?
The maximum win is 5,000x your stake, reached with expanded Rich Wilde symbols on all reels.
Who makes Book of Dead?
Book of Dead is a Play'n GO slot released in 2016.
Is Book of Dead high volatility?
Yes. Book of Dead has high volatility, with the biggest wins coming from the free spins.
