Book of Dead — Full Review 2026
Rich Wilde's Egyptian adventure · 10 retriggerable Free Spins · The benchmark “Book” slot
Book of Dead at a Glance
Our Book of Dead Review
Released by Play'n GO in 2016, Book of Dead popularised a mechanic copied by dozens of games since: the expanding symbol in Free Spins. You follow explorer Rich Wilde into an Egyptian tomb on a 5×3 grid with 10 paylines. No cascades or giant grid — a classic layout that is easy to read from the first spin.
Everything revolves around the Book, which is both Wild and Scatter. Three or more Books trigger 10 Free Spins, and a symbol is randomly chosen to expand for the whole bonus. When it lands, it covers the entire reel and pays on every line, even without being on adjacent reels. If the draw lands on Rich Wilde, the highest-paying symbol, the potential becomes huge — that is how the x5,000 max win comes within reach.
Its 96.21% RTP is decent, slightly below Pragmatic Play slots such as Big Bass Bonanza (96.71%). Be careful: Play'n GO lets casinos choose lower-RTP versions, down to 94.25% and below. Check the RTP in the game info, and read our RTP guide to see what this figure means for you.
The flip side is high volatility: the base game alternates small wins with long dry spells, and almost all the value sits in the Free Spins. The game also offers a Gamble feature to double a win by guessing a card. It is pure double-or-nothing that raises your risk without improving your odds.
For players who like simple mechanics and the suspense of a big bonus, and who accept long runs without a win. If you prefer multipliers and cascades, try Gates of Olympus or Wanted Dead or a Wild instead.
Game Mechanics
5 reels, 3 rows and 10 paylines that you can reduce. It is best to play all 10 lines: fewer lines sharply reduce the Free Spins potential.
The Book substitutes for other symbols to complete a line, and 3 or more Books anywhere on the grid trigger the Free Spins.
At the start of Free Spins, a symbol is randomly chosen. During the bonus it expands over the whole reel and pays on all active lines, even on non-adjacent reels.
10 Free Spins to start. 3 more Books during the bonus add another 10, with the same expanding symbol.
After a win, you can try to double it (colour) or quadruple it (suit) by guessing a card. If you guess wrong, the win is lost.
The explorer is the highest-paying symbol. If he becomes the expanding symbol and covers all 5 reels, that is the x5,000 max win.
Pros
- Expanding symbol: a bonus with unique suspense
- x5,000 max win
- Simple, easy-to-follow mechanic
- Retriggerable Free Spins
- Low minimum bet (€0.10)
- Often used for welcome Free Spins
Cons
- High volatility: long runs without a win
- Reduced-RTP versions at some casinos
- Everything depends on the symbol drawn in Free Spins
- Dated graphics compared with newer slots
Where to Play Book of Dead in 2026
Casinos with Play'n GO and a welcome bonus:
18+ · Play responsibly · responsible gambling
Frequently Asked Questions — Book of Dead 2026
What is the RTP of Book of Dead?
Book of Dead has an RTP of 96.21% in its standard configuration. Play'n GO also offers lower-RTP versions (94.25% and below), and the casino chooses which one it runs. Always check the RTP in the game info before betting.
What is the max win on Book of Dead?
The max win is 5,000x your stake. It happens during Free Spins, when the expanding symbol is Rich Wilde, the highest-paying symbol, and it covers all five reels.
How do you trigger Book of Dead Free Spins?
Land 3 or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels. You get 10 Free Spins, and a symbol is randomly chosen to become the expanding symbol for the whole bonus. Free Spins can be retriggered with 3 more Books.
How does the expanding symbol work?
During Free Spins, the symbol chosen at the start of the bonus expands to cover the whole reel when it lands, as long as it can form a win. It then pays on all active lines, even without being on adjacent reels. The stronger the chosen symbol, the higher the potential.
What does the Book do in Book of Dead?
The Book plays two roles: it is the Wild (it substitutes for other symbols to complete a line) and the Scatter (3 or more Books trigger the Free Spins). It is the game's central symbol.
Should you use the Gamble feature?
After a win, Book of Dead lets you gamble it by guessing the colour or suit of a card. It is pure chance that raises your risk without improving your long-term odds. Use it sparingly, or not at all.
Which casinos offer Book of Dead?
Book of Dead is available at the casinos in our selection that offer Play'n GO, including Cosmobet, GoldenPlay and CrownSlots. GoldenPlay even gives its welcome Free Spins on Book of Dead.
9 years of experience in the iGaming industry. Former analyst for two European operators, Thomas tests every casino with a real account and real wagers before any publication.
Final Verdict — Is Book of Dead Worth Playing?
Our verdict: in 2026, Book of Dead is still the benchmark for expanding-symbol slots. Its rules fit in a few lines, yet every Free Spins trigger brings real suspense, especially when Rich Wilde is drawn. Its high volatility calls for patience and a suitable bankroll. Play at a casino that runs the 96.21% version, and take welcome Free Spins when they are offered on this game.
18+ · Play responsibly · responsible gambling
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