Review
Book of Dead by Play’n GO is one of the most recognisable video slots in UK online casinos. Released in 2016, it borrows from classic “adventure” slot tropes, featuring explorer Rich Wilde, expanding symbols and a free spins feature that can deliver substantial payouts. This guide looks at whether Book of Dead is scam free for UK players, how the game behaves, where to play it safely, and what to expect when spinning the reels.
How Book of Dead Works
Basic mechanics
The slot uses 5 reels and 10 fixed paylines. Players select their bet per line and spin; payouts are awarded for matching symbols from left to right on adjacent reels. The Book symbol is both scatter and special expanding symbol in the free spins round, which is central to the slot’s big-win potential.
Free spins and expanding symbols
Three or more Book scatters trigger 10 free spins. During the free spins a randomly selected symbol becomes an expanding symbol: when it appears, it expands to cover the whole reel and pays for combinations even if not adjacent, which can lead to high multipliers and large wins depending on bet size and volatility.
RTP and Volatility
Official RTP (Return to Player) for Book of Dead is commonly quoted at 96.21%, but some casinos may offer slightly different RTPs depending on regional settings or special versions. The slot is high volatility, meaning wins can be infrequent but potentially large. For UK players this RTP is within the range expected for mainstream slots and is not an immediate sign of fraud.
Is Book of Dead Scam Free?
Short answer: yes, the game itself is not a scam. Play’n GO is a reputable software provider with certifications and a strong track record in regulated markets, including the UK. However, safety depends on where and how you play. The slot’s RNG (Random Number Generator) is designed to deliver fair outcomes when deployed by a properly licensed operator.
Key safety checks for UK players
- Play only at casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
- Check that the casino uses certified providers and displays RTP and game fairness information.
- Read terms for bonuses carefully — many complaints arise from misuse of bonuses rather than the slot itself.
Where to Play Safely
Choose UK-facing casinos with UKGC licensing, clear contact details, and fast, verifiable payment methods. Reputable casinos will show Play’n GO in their game lobby and often have player reviews and community feedback. Avoid unlicensed offshore sites even if they offer larger bonuses; those sites may have weak consumer protections.
Responsible Play and Money Management
Given Book of Dead’s high volatility, set limits on session length and stakes. Consider using deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion tools provided by licensed UK casinos. Never chase losses and treat spins as entertainment rather than guaranteed income.
Demo Play and Testing
Most reputable casinos and Play’n GO’s official channels offer a demo mode. Demo play is useful to learn the mechanics, test volatility and experience the free spins without risking real money. However, remember demo mode uses virtual credits and won’t reflect all emotional responses of real-wager play.
Common Complaints and Misunderstandings
Many complaints about Book of Dead come from misunderstandings: high variance leads to dry runs, and bonus terms can obscure withdrawal conditions. When disputes occur, check the casino’s complaint procedure and escalate to the UKGC if unsatisfied.
Expert feedback
Experienced Player
“I’ve played Book of Dead for years. It’s exciting and brutal — one big free spins round can change a session. I only play at UK-licensed casinos and keep bets consistent. I don’t think the game is rigged; it just takes patience and bankroll management.”
Questions and answers
frequently asked questions
- Is Book of Dead rigged? No — the game is produced by Play’n GO and subject to RNG testing; rigging is unlikely when played at a licensed UK operator.
- Can I change RTP? No, the operator sets the game’s version and RTP, but legitimate UK casinos use certified versions. Always verify the displayed RTP.
- Are big wins possible? Yes, expanding symbols in free spins can produce large wins, but they are relatively rare due to high volatility.
Comments on the topic of Games
Interface
Book of Dead has a clear, classic interface: straightforward bet adjustments, a single spin/auto-play button and an accessible paytable. The visuals are clean and the sound design supports the adventure theme without being distracting.
Demo
The demo mode mirrors the live game features, including triggering free spins, so it’s an excellent way to learn timing and variance before staking real funds.
Where Book of Dead Fits in UK Casinos
Book of Dead often appears in featured lists and jackpots sections. Its broad popularity means many UK casinos include the game, sometimes with leaderboards or free spin promotions. Look for operators that explicitly state adherence to UKGC rules and provide independent audit certificates (e.g., eCOGRA, GLI) where available.
Table
with the main parameters of the game
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Play’n GO |
| Reels / Paylines | 5 / 10 fixed |
| RTP | ~96.21% (varies by version) |
| Volatility | High |
| Special Feature | Expanding symbol in free spins |
Tips for UK Players
- Verify the casino’s UKGC licence and view its licence number on the website footer.
- Try the demo first to assess variance and decide an affordable stake.
- Use casino-provided responsible gambling tools to control spend.
- Keep records of deposits and wins; read bonus T&Cs carefully before accepting.
Final Verdict
Book of Dead itself is not a scam — it’s a legitimate, well-known high-volatility slot by a respected developer. UK players minimize risk by choosing licensed, transparent casinos, using responsible gambling tools and educating themselves about volatility and bonus rules. With those safeguards in place, Book of Dead can be enjoyed as a fair but high-risk entertainment choice.
Remember: gambling involves risk. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, seek help from organisations such as GamCare or use the tools provided by UK-licensed operators.