Book of Dead slot guide

Some slot games come and go—but then there’s Book of Dead. Since launching in 2016, this iconic Play'n Go release has earned a legendary status at South African online casinos. I’ve spun the reels countless times, and it’s easy to see why so many players keep coming back.

The game’s set in Ancient Egypt, with bold visuals, eerie sound effects, and a familiar adventurer—Rich Wilde. He’s the hero of the story, and landing him across the reels can lead to serious payouts. The slot blends classic mechanics with exciting features like expanding symbols, free spins, and a gamble function for added thrill.

Even without a progressive jackpot, Book of Dead still holds massive win potential. With a max win of 5000x your stake and a hit rate that feels just right for high volatility gameplay, this one’s worth exploring—whether you're spinning for fun or chasing treasure.

In this review, I’ll break down the RTP, bonus features, volatility, mobile play, and everything else you need to know before giving it a spin.

By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/03/24 - Estimated reading time: 7 minutes.

» Book of Dead stats
» Game Layout
» Technical Characteristics
» Bonuses and Rewards
» Book of Dead Slot Sequels and Spinoffs
» Book of Dead slots on mobile
» Conclusion

Book of Dead stats

Slot Game Information
Game Developer	Play'n Go
Reels	5
Rows	3
Paylines	10
RTP	96.21%
Hit Frequency	~30% (estimated)
Free Spins	Yes
Wilds	Yes
Bonuses	Free spins, Wilds, Scatters, Expanding symbols, Gamble feature
Mobile Play	Yes (HTML5 compatible)
Maximum Jackpot Win	5000x your bet (up to R250,000 at max stake)
Slot Volatility	High variance (big wins, less frequent)
Min/Max Bet	0.10 - 50.00
Release Date	January 2016

Quick Pros and Cons

✅ High payout potential (up to 5000x)
✅ Engaging Egyptian theme with immersive design
✅ Gamble feature adds risk/reward excitement
❌ No progressive jackpot
❌ High volatility may cause long dry spells

Game Layout

I’ve played Book of Dead at multiple online casinos here in South Africa. It’s often one of the first games I spot, thanks to its popularity and those tempting no deposit bonuses.

The game plays out across 5 reels and 3 rows with 10 paylines. The design is rich with hieroglyphics, ancient ruins, and a mysterious tone. You’ll join Rich Wilde, an adventurer navigating the secrets of Ancient Egypt. The smallest bet you can place is R0.10, going up to R50.00 per spin. When at least 3 symbols align from left to right, a win is triggered.

RTP stands at 96.21%, right in line with most modern slots. That means in theory, R96.21 is returned for every R100 wagered. The high volatility means you might go through several spins without a win—but when wins hit, they’re often worth it.

Playing the Book of Dead slot.

Symbol Breakdown & Payouts

Here’s what I’ve noticed while spinning: symbols are split into two tiers—basic and premium. The lower-paying group includes 10, J, Q, K, and A. The high-paying icons include gods and explorers.

Rich Wilde – 5 symbols = 5000x your stake
Pharaoh – 5 symbols = 2000x
Anubis – 5 symbols = 750x
Falcon – 5 symbols = 750x

The Book symbol acts as both wild and scatter. It replaces other symbols to create wins and unlocks bonuses when three land anywhere on the reels. High-paying symbols reward even with just two matches. Lower ones need three.

Bonuses and Rewards

Land 3 Book symbols and you’ll trigger 10 free spins. Before the bonus starts, a random symbol is selected to expand vertically. These expanding symbols don’t have to land next to each other to win. I’ve had rounds where a single spin filled the reels with matching icons—massive win potential.

The wild Book also multiplies your wins during this bonus. Free spins can retrigger with 3+ new scatters. All scatter wins are multiplied by your total stake. I’ve seen small bets snowball into large wins thanks to this.

Then there’s the Gamble feature. After a win, a flashing button lets you risk it all. You can guess the card colour to double your win, or the suit to quadruple it. I’ve tried it—some wins doubled, others vanished. It’s risky fun.

Gameplay Controls & Licensing

The layout is simple: bet buttons adjust your stake, an autoplay option is available, and the Gamble icon only appears after wins. Everything is touch-friendly and smooth, even on smaller mobile screens.

Book of Dead is certified by both the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, meaning the game meets international fairness and compliance standards.

Book of Dead Slot Sequels and Spinoffs

If you're hooked on this slot like I was, you’ll be happy to know there are sequels. Each one brings a unique twist to the series.

Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness

A darker theme with cascading cluster wins. Wilds and special portals boost your win potential. Visuals and pace are top-tier.

Cat Wilde and the Doom of Dead

Meet Cat Wilde—Rich’s daughter. Similar bonus mechanics to Book of Dead, but with added flexibility in how expanding symbols line up. I found this one to hit more often.

Legacy of Dead

This one keeps it close to the original. But there’s an extra punch with multiple expanding symbols during the bonus. Great visuals and free spins potential.

Book of Dead slots on mobile

I tested this on both iOS and Android, and the experience was just as smooth as desktop. You don’t need an app—HTML5 tech makes it run directly in your browser. The buttons adjust for smaller screens and the design scales well.

Demo versions are usually available too. I often use those to test symbol behavior before betting real money. Some casinos even include it in their free spins bonus packs—just check for wagering conditions.

Conclusion

After many spins, I can say this: Book of Dead is a slot that still holds up. It doesn’t have a progressive jackpot, but that 5000x payout makes up for it. The balance of theme, risk, and big rewards gives it staying power.

I’d recommend it for players who enjoy risk and want something with old-school charm and modern payout mechanics. Whether you’re here for a few spins or chasing a big win, this one deserves your time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Book of Dead

What is the maximum you can win on Book of Dead?

The maximum payout on Book of Dead is 5000x your stake. If you’re playing at the highest bet level of R50.00, that translates to a potential win of R250,000 on a single spin. It’s not easy to hit, but it’s definitely possible during the free spins round with expanding symbols.

How do the free spins work in Book of Dead?

When you land three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels, you’ll trigger 10 free spins. Before the round begins, a random symbol is selected to expand. These expanding symbols don’t need to land next to each other to form a win. Free spins can be retriggered by landing more Books during the bonus.

Is Book of Dead available on mobile devices?

Yes, Book of Dead runs smoothly on both Android and iOS devices. It's built in HTML5, which means no downloads are needed. You can play it directly in your mobile browser, and all the controls adjust nicely to smaller screens.

What does high volatility mean in Book of Dead?

High volatility means that Book of Dead doesn’t pay out small wins often, but when it does, the wins can be big. In my experience, you’ll go through stretches with no wins, followed by sudden big payouts—especially during bonus rounds. It’s great for thrill-seekers, but not ideal if you’re after steady low-risk returns.

Can I play Book of Dead for free?

Yes, most South African online casinos let you try Book of Dead in demo mode. It’s a great way to test how the slot works—like the expanding symbols and Gamble feature—without risking real money. You can also find no deposit offers that include free spins on this game.

Is the Gamble feature worth using?

The Gamble feature in Book of Dead gives you the chance to double or quadruple your win by guessing a card’s colour or suit. I’ve used it a few times—it’s risky, but fun. If you’re ahead and don’t mind a bit of risk, it can boost your balance. But if you want to hold onto a solid win, it’s often safer to skip it.