Book of Dead is one of the most iconic online slots ever released in the UK regulated market. Developed by Play'n GO and launched in January 2016 under its full title Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, the Book of Dead slot defined the entire "Book of" slot genre and remains one of the most-played online slots at UK casinos almost a decade after release. It is the title that launched the Rich Wilde franchise, which has since grown to include over 10 sequels and spin-offs.
The Book of Dead slot follows adventurer Rich Wilde (Play'n GO's Indiana Jones-style hero) through a richly imagined Ancient Egyptian backdrop. The slot's visual tone is atmospheric: sandstone walls, temple architecture, and mystical glyphs fill the screen, supported by a dramatic soundtrack that builds tension during the all-important Free Spins round. The 5x3 reel structure with 1 to 10 adjustable paylines keeps the gameplay streamlined and accessible, while the single expanding symbol Free Spins bonus delivers the maximum 5,000x stake payout potential that has made the Book of Dead slot a fan favourite for years.
Below we cover everything you need to know about playing the Book of Dead slot at Smooth Spins, including the Free Spins feature, the gamble round, and how Book of Dead sits within Play'n GO's wider Rich Wilde franchise.
To get started on Smooth Spins, you’ll need to set up your account and load the game through the casino section.
The gameplay begins in the slots games section of Smooth Spins, where Book of Dead loads directly into a 5x3 grid with clearly marked lines.
The Book of Dead slot mixes thematic Ancient Egyptian visuals with a traditional 5-reel slot symbol layout. The premium symbols are drawn from Egyptian mythology and the Rich Wilde adventure narrative, while the lower-paying tier uses stylised card royals rendered in golden Egyptian style.
The top-paying symbols on the Book of Dead slot are themed around Ancient Egypt and the Rich Wilde adventure:
Landing 5 Rich Wilde symbols on a payline awards the maximum 5,000x stake payout when combined with the Free Spins expanding symbol mechanic.
The standard 10, J, Q, K and A card royals fill out the lower-paying tier on the Book of Dead slot. All are rendered with an Egyptian aesthetic to match the game's overall theme.
The Book of Dead symbol itself serves a dual role as both the Wild and the Scatter:
The dual function means every Book of Dead symbol that lands during the base game adds value to the spin, either by completing winning combinations or by progressing toward the Free Spins trigger.
All payouts are multiplied by the line bet and win combinations pay from left to right on active paylines starting from reel 1.
This slot keeps its feature set compact, focusing on one main round that includes flexible symbol mechanics.
The bonus activates when three or more Book symbols land anywhere on the reels, awarding 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to become the expanding symbol. When enough of that symbol lands during a spin, it expands to cover the full reel, paying independently of paylines. This applies even if symbols are not adjacent.
The Book symbol functions as both a Wild and a Scatter. In the base game, it can substitute for any regular icon to complete a combination. It also plays a key role in triggering Free Spins, ensuring it has dual value in every round.
Book of Dead allows players to adjust not just the stake but also how many of the 10 paylines are active. This gives a layer of control over round behaviour and changes how combinations are formed.
Players who enjoy structured gameplay with thematic visuals might also consider Legacy of Dead, a similar title that offers multiple expanding symbols during its bonus round. John Hunter and the Book of Tut keeps the exploration theme while introducing more visual effects and reel animations. Another popular choice is Rise of Merlin, which carries the same symbol expansion concept into a fantasy setting. Each game keeps the rules accessible while changing the tone and style.