Book of Dead Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most iconic online slots ever created and remains a staple at Irish online casinos nearly a decade after its 2016 release. Following the adventurer Rich Wilde on his journey through ancient Egyptian tombs, this 5-reel, 10-payline slot delivers classic high-volatility gameplay with a focus on one explosive bonus feature: expanding symbols during free spins.
Book of Dead belongs to the beloved "book" slot genre, where a single special symbol acts as both wild and scatter, and where free spins revolve around a randomly chosen expanding symbol. The format has been imitated countless times, but Play'n GO's original remains one of the best and most widely played versions available to Irish players.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
The Book of Dead symbol is the key to everything in this slot. It serves as both the wild symbol, substituting for all other symbols to complete winning combinations, and the scatter symbol that triggers the Free Spins round. Landing three or more Book of Dead symbols anywhere on the reels awards 10 free spins.
Before the free spins begin, a special expanding symbol is randomly selected from the paytable. Whenever this chosen symbol appears during free spins, it expands to fill the entire reel. If the expanding symbol lands on enough reels to form a winning combination across your active paylines, the results can be spectacular. Landing Rich Wilde as the expanding symbol across multiple reels on a 10-payline setup can produce the game's maximum 5,000x payout.
Book of Dead also features a Gamble option after any win, where you can risk your winnings on a card colour or suit prediction. Correctly guessing the colour doubles your win, while guessing the suit quadruples it. This optional feature adds an extra layer of risk-reward for players who enjoy pushing their luck.
Theme and Design
The Egyptian theme is executed with polish and atmosphere. The reels are set inside a golden-framed tomb, with hieroglyphic walls visible in the background. High-value symbols include Rich Wilde himself, the golden bird of Horus, Anubis, Osiris, and the scarab, while the lower-value symbols are traditional playing card values styled in an Egyptian aesthetic. The animations are smooth, with satisfying reel spin effects and dramatic reveals during the expanding symbol feature. The soundtrack evokes mystery and adventure with Middle Eastern-inspired instrumentation.
Verdict
Book of Dead has earned its legendary status for good reason. The high volatility means patience is required, but when the expanding symbol feature delivers, the results can be extraordinary. The 96.21% RTP is solid, the gameplay is intuitive, and the gamble feature adds optional excitement. After a decade, Book of Dead remains one of the most-played slots in Ireland, and it continues to be a go-to title for both newcomers and experienced players. If you have never tried a "book" slot, this is the definitive place to start.
Pros
- Iconic expanding symbol feature with huge win potential
- Simple, proven gameplay that is easy to learn
- Very low minimum bet of €0.01
- Optional gamble feature for risk-takers
- Trusted Play'n GO quality and fairness
Cons
- High volatility with long stretches between big wins
- Only 10 paylines limits winning frequency
- Graphics showing their age compared to newer releases
- No Buy Bonus or modern feature mechanics
Where to Play Book of Dead in Ireland
Book of Dead is available at virtually every Irish online casino that carries Play'n GO games. Here are three recommended options:
Best for Free Spins Bonuses
Book of Dead is one of the most commonly featured slots in welcome bonus free spins packages. Look for casinos offering free spins specifically on this title to get started without extra cost.
View Best BonusesBest for Fast Withdrawals
When the expanding Rich Wilde fills the screen for a massive win, get your money out fast. Choose a casino with rapid withdrawal processing for the best cashout experience.
View Fast Payout CasinosBest for Play'n GO Selection
If you enjoy Book of Dead, explore the wider Rich Wilde series and other Play'n GO titles. Choose a casino with a comprehensive Play'n GO library for maximum variety.
View Top CasinosSimilar Games
If you enjoy Book of Dead, these slots offer similar experiences:
- Legacy of Dead — Play'n GO's sequel with multiple expanding symbols possible in free spins
- Gates of Olympus — Another high-volatility classic with mythology theme and big win potential
- Book of Ra Deluxe — The original "book" slot from Novomatic that inspired the genre
- Starburst — A contrasting low-volatility classic for a more relaxed session
Book of Dead FAQ
Before the free spins round begins, one symbol is randomly selected from the paytable. During free spins, whenever this symbol appears on a reel, it expands to cover all three positions on that reel. If the expanded symbol creates winning combinations across your active paylines, the payout can be enormous — especially if Rich Wilde is the chosen symbol.
Absolutely. Despite being released in 2016, Book of Dead remains one of the most popular online slots worldwide. Its gameplay mechanics are timeless, the RTP is competitive at 96.21%, and the expanding symbol feature still delivers thrilling wins. Many newer "book" slots owe their existence to this title.
As a high-volatility slot, the key strategy is bankroll management. Play with a budget that allows you to sustain a session long enough to trigger the free spins feature, where the biggest wins occur. Always play with all 10 paylines active to maximise your chances of benefiting from the expanding symbol. The gamble feature should be used sparingly, as it carries significant risk.
Yes, Book of Dead is one of the most popular titles for casino free spins promotions. Many Irish online casinos include free spins on Book of Dead as part of their welcome bonus package. Check our bonuses page for current offers that feature this game.