Key facts
- Book of Dead is a Play'n GO pokie released in January 2016, starring the explorer Rich Wilde in Ancient Egypt.
- Three or more scatters trigger 10 free spins with one randomly chosen special expanding symbol.
- The expanding symbol can cover its whole reel and pays on active paylines even when the reels are not next to each other.
- Landing three or more scatters during free spins adds 10 more spins.
- Play'n GO games are often offered in several RTP versions, so check the RTP in your casino's game rules.
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Contents
What is Book of Dead?
Book of Dead is an online pokie by Play'n GO, released on 14 January 2016. It follows the explorer Rich Wilde to Ancient Egypt in search of the Book of Dead, and it is built around one feature: free spins with a special expanding symbol. Its simple design has kept it among the best known online pokies for years.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Provider | Play'n GO |
| Released | 14 January 2016 |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Rich Wilde adventure series |
| Feature | 3+ scatters: 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol |
| Retrigger | 3+ scatters in free spins: +10 spins |
| RTP | Set by the casino's chosen version; check the game rules |
How do the free spins and expanding symbol work?
The free spins feature starts when three or more scatter symbols land, and it awards 10 free spins. Before the spins begin, one ordinary symbol is picked at random as the special expanding symbol for the whole feature.
During free spins, the game first pays normal line wins. Then, if the special symbol is on the reels and expanding it would create additional wins on the active paylines, it expands to fill its entire reel. Expanded symbols pay even when the reels they sit on are not next to each other. Three or more scatters during the feature add another 10 spins.
Which symbol is picked matters a great deal. A high-paying symbol expanding across several reels produces the game's biggest wins; a low-paying one produces modest results.
Why can the RTP differ between casinos?
The RTP can differ between casinos because Play'n GO, like many providers, offers games in more than one RTP version and lets the casino choose. The game, its features and its look are the same; only the long-run return differs. The version is shown in the game rules or information screen. If you have a choice, play where the higher version runs. Our guide to best payout pokies explains how to check.
What about the gamble feature?
After a win, Book of Dead offers a gamble option where you guess the colour or suit of a card to double or quadruple the win, or lose it. It does not improve your expected return; it only makes results more uneven. Many players leave it off.
How does Book of Dead behave over a session?
Book of Dead takes much of its value from the free spins feature, so stretches with only small wins between features are normal. Choose a stake that gives your budget enough spins to reach a feature, and remember that the expanding symbol can be a low-paying one. Our guide to how pokies work explains how volatility shapes a session.
Which pokies are similar to Book of Dead?
Many "book" pokies from other studios use the same expanding symbol free spins. For a different approach to Egypt-themed pokies, see Queen of the Nile, the Aristocrat venue classic. To compare styles first, use demo mode with our free online pokies guide.
How do you keep Book of Dead play under control?
Each scatter that nearly lands can make the feature feel close. It is not. Set your budget and time before you start and stop at either limit, and skip the gamble feature if it tempts you to chase. Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.
Gambling is for adults only (18+).
Sources
- Play'n GO - Book of Deadplayngo.com
- Gambling Help Onlinegamblinghelponline.org.au
Frequently asked questions
How does the expanding symbol in Book of Dead work?
Before free spins start, one ordinary symbol is chosen at random as the special expanding symbol. During the feature, after normal wins are paid, it can expand to cover all three positions on its reel, but only when that creates additional wins on active paylines. Expanded symbols do not need to be on adjacent reels.
How many free spins do you get in Book of Dead?
Three or more scatter symbols award 10 free spins. Landing three or more scatters again during the feature adds another 10 free spins.
What is the RTP of Book of Dead?
It depends on the casino. Play'n GO offers many of its games in more than one RTP version, and the casino chooses which to run. Open the game rules in the version you play to see the RTP that applies.
Can I play Book of Dead for free?
Yes. Play'n GO offers a free demo on its website, and many casinos have one in their lobby. Demo play uses virtual credits only.
Who is Rich Wilde?
Rich Wilde is Play'n GO's recurring explorer character. Book of Dead follows earlier adventures, and the character appears in a series of later Play'n GO pokies.