Book Slots

John Bonello

Updated by John Bonello

Content Editor

Lee James Gwilliam

Fact Checked by Lee James Gwilliam

Senior Vice-President

Last Updated 10th Dec 2024, 09:19 AM

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 Players Love To Play

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 by Play’n GO

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.

Book of Ra by Novomatic

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!

Book of 99 by Relax Gaming

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.

Book of Madness from Gamomat

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 by Betsoft

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.

The Book of Pharao by Amatic

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.

Book of Tut Megaways by Pragmatic Play

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.

Why Are Book Slots So Popular?

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.

There Any Progressive Jackpot Book Slots?

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.

Book of Atem WowPot Online - A Progressive Book Slot by Microgaming

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.

Online Casinos Where to Play Book Slots

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!  

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What Makes Book Slots Special?

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:

  1. Expanding Symbols: A signature mechanic where a selected symbol expands to cover entire reels during free spins, boosting winning potential.
  2. Scatter-Wild Combination: The book symbol acts as both scatter and wild, streamlining the gameplay while maintaining excitement.
  3. Thematic Depth: From ancient civilizations to mythical realms, book slots provide rich, immersive storytelling.
  4. High Payout Potential: These games often offer high maximum payouts, attracting thrill-seekers.
  5. Innovative Variations: Developers continue to push boundaries, incorporating new features such as jackpot mechanics (Book of Atem WowPot) and adjustable reels (Book of Shadows).

Are Book Slots All Set In Ancient Egypt?

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:

Slots About Ancient Egypt

Book of Dead Game Logo
Software Provider Play'n GO Logo
RTP 96.21%
Volatility High
Maximum win €500,000.00
Cleopatra Game Logo
Software Provider IGT Logo
RTP 95.02%
Volatility Medium
Maximum win €25,000,000.00
Legacy of Dead Game Logo
Software Provider Play'n GO Logo
RTP 96.58%
Volatility High
Maximum win €500,000.00
Links of Ra II Game Logo
Software Provider Games Global Logo
RTP 96.05%
Volatility High
Maximum win €250,000.00
Eye of Horus Game Logo
Software Provider Merkur Logo
RTP 96.31%
Volatility Medium
Maximum win €50,000.00
Golden Glyph 3 Game Logo
Software Provider Quickspin Logo
RTP 96.11%
Volatility High
Maximum win €1,000,000.00
Banquet of Dead Game Logo
Software Provider Play'n GO Logo
RTP 96.20%
Volatility High
Maximum win €700,000.00
John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen Game Logo
Software Provider Pragmatic Play Logo
RTP 96.50%
Volatility Medium
Maximum win €1,312,500.00
Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop Game Logo
Software Provider Relax Gaming Logo
RTP 94.80%
Volatility High
Maximum win €1,004,500.00
Hand of Anubis Game Logo
Software Provider Hacksaw Gaming Logo
RTP 96.24%
Volatility High
Maximum win €1,000,000.00
Compare Slots

Other Themed Slots To Try

If you ever get tired of reading, try something different. Here are some other interesting slot themes to try:

Greek Mythology Slots

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.

Viking Slots

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.

Asian Slots

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.

Irish Luck Slots

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.

Fairytale Slots

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.

Magic Slots

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.

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John Bonello
John Bonello
Content Editor Content Editor

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.

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