Book of Dead online slot review

Description: Explore the Book of Dead slot. Learn about symbols, free spins, and availability in regulated online casinos in Australia. It remains one of the most iconic “book” slots worldwide. Book of Dead, created by Play’n GO, has been one of the most talked-about online pokies for several years now. The theme is far from new – ancient Egypt has inspired countless slot machines – yet this title stands out. Why? Probably because it combines simplicity with bursts of intensity. It’s not overloaded with complex features, but you wouldn’t call it a basic pokie either. Many Australian players recognise it instantly since it appears in almost every international casino platform that accepts local users. So, in this review, the idea is straightforward: break down the essentials. We’ll look at how the slot operates, the roles of its symbols, what makes the bonus round special, and – importantly for Australians – which online casinos actually host Book of Dead for real money.
Overview of Book of Dead
Released in 2016, Book of Dead quickly became a signature title for Play’n GO. The developer placed their fictional explorer Rich Wilde front and centre, a character who went on to appear in other games later on. The reels are framed in gold, decorated with hieroglyphs, and the music is subtle but atmospheric, hinting at mystery rather than overwhelming players with noise.Technically, it’s a five-reel, ten-payline pokie. Some people might think ten lines sound limited, but that’s part of the design: a stripped-back structure that lets the bonus mechanics shine. Among Australian users, the slot is popular because it’s easy to grasp yet can deliver surprisingly large rewards if the right conditions are met.
How to Play the Slot Book of Dead for Real Money
The mechanics are simple. Book of Dead uses a 5x3 grid with up to ten paylines. Players can adjust how many lines to activate, plus the coin value and bet level. That flexibility is handy: beginners can take it slow, while high rollers might crank up the stakes. The minimum bet starts at just AUD 0.10, which means anyone can give it a try without risk of overspending. At the other end, the maximum stake is AUD 100 per spin. That’s more than enough to appeal to serious gamblers who want high exposure. The interface is clear. Spin, autoplay, bet adjustment – all easy to find. The star of the show is the Book symbol: it’s both wild and scatter. This means it can replace other icons to complete a win, and three or more Books trigger the free spins feature.Table 1: Game Specifications
Feature | Value |
Reels / Paylines | 5 reels / 10 lines |
Min Bet | AUD 0.10 |
Max Bet | AUD 100 |
RTP | 96.21% |
Volatility | High |
Provider | Play’n GO |
Symbols and Payouts
Book of Dead’s symbols are a mix of the ordinary and the thematic. At the bottom end, you’ll see 10, J, Q, K, and A – standard playing card icons. They’re not glamorous, but they fill the gaps. Then there are the more valuable images: deities like Anubis, and the Pharaoh mask, all carrying higher payouts. And of course, Rich Wilde himself, who offers the largest base-game win. The Book deserves special attention. It doesn’t just replace symbols; it also acts as the scatter that triggers the bonus game. When three or more appear, expect free spins to begin.Table 2: Symbol Payouts (for maximum line bet)
Symbol | 5 of a kind | 4 of a kind | 3 of a kind |
Rich Wilde (Explorer) | 5,000x | 1,000x | 100x |
Pharaoh | 2,000x | 400x | 40x |
Anubis | 750x | 100x | 30x |
Book (wild/scatter) | 200x | 20x | 2x |
A, K | 150x | 40x | 5x |
10, J, Q | 100x | 25x | 5x |
Free Spins and Bonus Features
The real excitement comes from the free spins. Land three or more Books and you’re awarded ten spins right away. Before the round starts, the game randomly picks a symbol to become the special expanding one. Here’s how it works: if enough of these chosen symbols land during free spins, they expand across entire reels. That can fill the screen with high-value icons, which is how the biggest wins happen. It sounds simple, and it is, but the impact on volatility is huge.And don’t forget – free spins can be retriggered. Every time three Books appear during the bonus, another ten spins are added. In theory, there’s no limit, though in practice it’s rare to see the feature stretch too long. Still, that potential is part of the attraction.
RTP, Volatility and Strategy Tips
The RTP is listed at 96.21%. On paper, that looks average. But combine it with the game’s high volatility and you get a rollercoaster effect: long dry spells followed by the occasional big win. Many Aussie players know this dynamic already – it’s the kind of game where patience matters. A few simple tips can make the ride smoother. First, it’s worth activating all ten paylines, even if you’re betting low. That way you don’t miss winning combos. Second, consider bankroll management. Betting small can keep you spinning long enough to hit the free spins round. Of course, none of this guarantees a win, but it stretches playtime.Table 3: Key Statistics
Metric | Detail |
RTP | 96.21% |
Volatility | High |
Max Win | 5,000x bet |
Best Feature | Free Spins |
Mobile Version of Book of Dead
Book of Dead works smoothly on mobile. Whether on iPhone, iPad, or Android, the layout adjusts to small screens. The controls are touch-friendly, which makes betting and spinning straightforward even with one hand.Graphics stay crisp, and animations aren’t cut back. The only real difference is portability – you can launch the pokie during a commute or while relaxing at home. For Australians who mostly play on phones these days, that convenience matters.
Australian Online Casinos Book of Dead
Local regulations mean that operators based in Australia can’t usually offer online pokies. However, international casinos with licences in places like Curaçao or Malta do accept Australian players. They typically offer Book of Dead, support AUD, and provide safe deposit methods.Table 4: Casinos Offering Book of Dead in Australia
Casino Name | License | Welcome Bonus (example) |
PlayAmo Casino | Curaçao | 100% up to AUD 500 |
King Billy Casino | Curaçao | 200% up to AUD 750 |
Ricky Casino | Curaçao | 100% up to AUD 1,000 |
Pokie Spins | Curaçao | 250% up to AUD 1,500 |
Interesting Facts
Rich Wilde, the star of Book of Dead, is part of a broader “series” of sorts. He shows up in other titles like Pearls of India and Shield of Athena. Fans of adventurous slots recognise him as Play’n GO’s answer to Indiana Jones.Also, many players don’t realise how influential Book of Dead was. Its expanding-symbol mechanic inspired a wave of similar Egyptian-themed games from other providers. In short, it wasn’t just another pokie; it set a trend.
FAQ
Can Book of Dead be played in demo mode?
Yes, many casinos allow Australians to try it for free. The demo behaves exactly like the real version, though of course you can’t withdraw winnings. It’s a useful way to understand the mechanics before spending money.
What is the biggest payout possible in this slot?
The maximum win is 5,000x your total bet. Typically, this requires Rich Wilde filling the screen during the free spins feature. It’s rare, but that’s the theoretical ceiling.
Is there a gamble option after wins?
There is. After each win you can choose to gamble, guessing the colour or suit of a hidden card. It’s risky – you can double or quadruple your payout, but one wrong guess and the winnings are gone.
Can the free spins keep retriggering forever?
In theory, yes. Every time three Books land during free spins, you get ten more. There’s no hard cap coded into the game, though practically it’s uncommon for the feature to last too long.
What payment methods do Aussie players usually use?
International casinos that offer Book of Dead tend to accept cards, e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and sometimes even crypto. Most also allow deposits and withdrawals in AUD, which saves on conversion fees.