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I can't imagine online casinos without book slots. You can't have one without the other. But how did it all begin? If you've ever wondered what came before The Book of Dead, continue reading.
The history of book slots began with Novomatic’s Book of Ra, widely regarded as the first and most influential book-themed slot. Released in 2005, Book of Ra introduced the genre-defining mechanics of combining a scatter and wild symbol in the form of a book, which also triggered a free spins bonus with expanding symbols. Its success in land-based casinos and later in the online space inspired numerous developers to create their own variations, establishing the book slot as a staple of the slot gaming world. Over time, the genre has evolved with new themes, features, and innovations while maintaining the core gameplay elements that made Book of Ra a classic.
On this page, I'll explore what makes book slots so popular, highlight the most iconic titles, and explain why these games stand out in the competitive world of online slots.
Book slots are among the most beloved genres of online slot games. Simple mechanics, gorgoeus designs and uncomplicated gameplay captivate players. These slots are super fun to play. They often revolve around a central book symbol that plays a pivotal role in triggering free spins or bonus features. Popular examples include Book of Dead, Book of Madness, and Book of Vikings. I've made a small list of some of the most recognisable book slots of all time.
The Book of Dead is THE number one book slot. It wasn't the first slot with a book theme, but it surely is one of the most played online slots of all time. Created by Play’n GO, the Book of Dead comes with a high volatility setting and an RTP of 96.21%. It has an Ancient Egyptian theme, and is a very simple game to play. the maximum potential payout of the game is 5,000 times your bet.
This is the book slot that started it all. Book of Ra was released way back in 2005 by Novomatic. It's a game that revolutionized the casino industry. Its impact was so profound that game developers have not stopped creating book slots since then. Playing the Book of Ra slot two decades after its release is certainly a trip back in time. I must admit, it has not aged well. But it has to be on this list - after all, it led the way to games like Book of Ra Deluxe, Book of Ra Cash Connection, Book of Ra Magic, and even Book of Ra Bingo to name a few. And it also inspired other developers to create some epic book slots!
Just in case you're wondering, the 99 in the title is related to the mind-blowing RTP offered by this ancient greece-themed game. Book of 99 offers a staggering 99.00% RTP. This is its strongest suit, and one of the main differences between it and its Play'n GO's counterpart – the Book of Dead slot. It is very well-designed and smooth to play. Book of 99 is a highly volatile slot, offering 10 paylines on a 5-reel grid. There is also a Free Spins Bonus with Expanding Symbols, as well as a Wild Collection feature.
The Book of Madness slot from Gamomat is fun to play. It offers simple gameplay, using the book concept common in other book slots. However, this game does not have an ancient civilisation setting. Instead it draws inspiration from horror movies. Book of Madness has a maximum potential payout of 5,000x your stake and an RTP of 96.15%. The volatility of this slot is set to medium. Book of Madness is definitely one of the studio’s better offerings.
Book of Darkness is a mystical and dark slot of fantasy and sorcery that will surely get your attention. A 5-reel slot game with 10 paylines, the Book of Darkness slot spins inside a dark dungeon. On the reels, you’ll find magical daggers, potions, and stylized card royals, as well as a dark wizard, a huntress, and the famed book. It’s a game full of mystery that will surely appeal to horror fans. Fight the dark wizard and you can win up to 1,056 times your stake in this magic-laden and dark slot game.
Amatic went for a classic design for the Book of Pharao. This book slot is played on a 3x5 grid and has 10 paylines. As the name implies, the game has an Egyptian theme. Landing 5 Pharao symbols on a payline on the same spin releases the maximum potential payout of 5,000 times the amount you bet. The RTP of the game is 97.10%, with a volatility setting that is classed as medium. What you get is a game with a very average return rating on payment and a balanced experience of wins and losses within the gameplay.
Of course there has to be a Megaways slot on my list! In Book of Tut Megaways explorer John Hunter takes you back to Ancient Egypt to hunt for long-forgotten riches. Book of Tut Megaways appeared online in 2023. It is a high-volatility spinner with an RTP of 96%. The maximum prize is set at 10,000x your bet. The game looks awesome. It has a 6x7 layout, and boasts 117,649 ways to win thanks to the Megaways mechanic that has been plugged in by Pragmatic Play. While it may not be the most imaginative game you’ll find, it is one of the better choices in the Book of category, that much is sure.
I think that the popularity of book slots comes from a winning combination of features. First off, they are all simple games to play. There are no complex mechanics. This makes the gameplay straightforward and smooth. Yes, you still have the free spins bonus rounds in many of the book slots you find online. And a great number of them have an expanding symbol that comes into play to increase your chances of winning. But there's nothing more than that.
Most book slots often come with medium to high volatility. This means that those playing for real money can still win some hefty prizes every now and then.
The storylines of most of these book slots usually include elements of mystery and adventure. You could go exploring ancient Egypt or battling Norse gods.
Yes! Book of Atem WowPot by Microgaming is a standout example. It combines the engaging mechanics of a book slot with the potential of winning a progressive jackpot. The WowPot jackpot network offers massive prizes, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.
The Book of Atem WowPot comes with an interesting Free Spins Round and four progressive jackpot prizes. The Free Spins are triggered with 3 Wilds/Scatters. You get 10 free spins with one randomly chosen expanding symbol. The Book of Atem WowPot slot’s main highlight is the jackpot feature. The jackpots are awarded randomly, but are tied to the wild scatters you collect during any spin. These will give you a spin on the Jackpot Wheel, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll hit the WowPot jackpot and become a millionaire.
There is no online casino that does not offer a book slot. It's impossible. These are among the most played online slots. Many of the casinos featured on the list below will also offer free spins on book slots as a welcome bonus. Have a look. I hope you find a good book to read play!
Book slots have become a staple of online casinos. They offer an enticing mix of adventure, innovation, and rewarding gameplay. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of Book of Dead, the dark allure of Book of Shadows, or the jackpot potential of Book of Atem WowPot, there’s a book slot to suit every player’s taste. Explore these thrilling titles and experience the magic of the genre for yourself!
Here are the unique features that set book slots apart from other slot games:
While Ancient Egypt seems to be the prevalent setting for many book slots, not all are set under the shadow of the pyramids. For example, Book of 99, which I introduced above, is set in Ancient Greece, while Book of Captain Silver is a pirate-themed slot. In Book of Aztec, game developer Amatic takes you all the way to South America. Book of Tattoo is a fun online slot machine game by Fugaso - this one spins inside a tattoo parlour. So, while it's true that the most famous book slots, like Book of Dead, Book of Ra Deluxe and Book of Atem are based in Egypt, there are book slots with a different backdrop. Just in case you want to delve a little deeper into the Ancient Egypt theme, have a look at this mystical list of slots:
If you ever get tired of reading, try something different. Here are some other interesting slot themes to try:
Zeus and friends surely know how to spin epic stories that will keep you entertained for a long long time! Slots with a Greek Mythology theme are among the finest you will find online. Gates of Olympus or the Age of the Gods series are just the tip of Mount Olypmus.
Join the fierce Vikings on their quest for glory and riches. Viking-themed slots often feature epic battles, mythical creatures, and the chance to plunder treasure chests for big wins.
Vibrant visuals and engaging storylines open up a completely different world - that of Asian-themed slot games. Have a look at Quickspin's Sakura Fortune, and you will understand what I mean.
Seek the luck of the Irish with slots featuring leprechauns, four-leaf clovers, and pots of gold. These charming games bring a touch of Irish folklore to your gaming sessions. Try Lucky Leprechaun or Rainbow Riches.
Rediscover classic fairytales through slots that bring beloved characters to life. Whether it's Jack and the Beanstalk or Little Red Riding Hood, these slots offer a magical escape.
Immerse yourself in the mystical world of magic with slots that feature wizards, spells, and enchanting visuals. Let the magic unfold on the reels of the Magic Cauldron: Enchanted Brew or the Arctic Enchantress.
With a passion for words, John is always thinking about what to write next. He has over 12 years of experience working with online content and as an Editor at Casinos.com, John makes sure that readers get the latest and most accurate information about the online gambling industry.
Read Full BioYou will find slots with a book theme at all the online casinos on my list of recommended sites. Book slots are perhaps the most popular games you'll find online thanks to titles like Book of Dead or Book of Ra Deluxe.
The best book slots boast refined designs, smooth gameplay and simple mechanics. When these three elements are combined, you get slots which provide a great deal of entertainment. Most book slots have bonus rounds with free spins that are triggered frequently.
The Book of Dead by Play’n GO is the most famous book slot of all time. Other popular titles include Book of 99 (this book slot has an RTP of 99%), Book of Ra Deluxe, Book of Books and Book of Atem WowPot.
Yes. Book slots featured on my site can be played in demo mode for free. This can help you get a feel of the game. To join the fun, go to my slot review page, log in and play the free version right there on the page.
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