Book of Dead vs Book of Ra
Play’n GO’s modern classic against the Novomatic original that invented the expanding-symbol book mechanic
Book of Dead vs Book of Ra is the most consequential rivalry in the book-slot genre. Novomatic’s Book of Ra (2005) invented the expanding-symbol-in-free-spins mechanic that became one of the most copied formats in slot history. Play’n GO’s Book of Dead (2016) refined it with modern production values and a much higher RTP. The question is whether the original’s legacy outweighs the challenger’s technical superiority.
Quick Verdict
Significantly higher RTP (96.21% vs 92.13%), modern graphics, better availability online, same core mechanic but improved execution
Find casinos →The original that invented the expanding-symbol book mechanic, iconic land-based casino pedigree, Deluxe version at 95.10% RTP is a viable alternative
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Head-to-Head Scorecard
Detailed Analysis
The RTP Gap
This is the decisive factor. Book of Dead’s default RTP of 96.21% gives it a 4.08 percentage point advantage over Book of Ra’s original 92.13%. In practical terms, this means Book of Ra keeps roughly twice the house edge. Even the Deluxe version (95.10%) trails by over a full percentage point. For any player making an informed choice about where to put their money, this gap alone settles the argument for online play.
The Mechanic That Started It All
Book of Ra created the expanding-symbol mechanic that has been cloned by dozens of providers. Three scatters trigger 10 free spins; one random symbol is chosen to expand across its entire reel whenever it contributes to a win. Book of Dead replicates this exact mechanic, which is why the comparison is so direct. Both games live and die by which symbol gets selected for expansion — landing Rich Wilde or the Explorer as the expanding symbol is the path to maximum wins in both games.
Production Quality
Book of Dead benefits from 11 years of technological advancement. The HD graphics, detailed Rich Wilde character, atmospheric soundtrack, and smooth animations make it a genuinely engaging visual experience. Book of Ra’s original version looks and sounds like a product of its era — functional but dated. The Deluxe version improved graphics but still can’t match Play’n GO’s polish. For modern players who’ve never experienced land-based Novomatic cabinets, Book of Ra may feel uncomfortably retro.
Availability & Ecosystem
Book of Dead is available at virtually every online casino that carries Play’n GO titles — which is most of them. It frequently appears in free-spin welcome offers. Book of Ra’s online distribution is more limited, concentrated on Greentube/Novomatic-partnered platforms. However, Book of Ra has a larger franchise: Deluxe, 6, Magic, and Jackpot Edition versions, each with unique twists. Book of Dead’s Rich Wilde character has his own sequel series (Tome of Insanity, Wandering City) but fewer total variants.
Who Should Play Book of Ra?
Book of Ra remains worth trying for two specific audiences: players who remember it from land-based casinos and want the nostalgia factor, and players interested in slot history who want to experience the game that created a genre. The Deluxe version (95.10% RTP, 10 paylines, improved graphics) is the version to play if you choose Book of Ra — the original’s 92.13% RTP is simply too low by modern standards.
Side-by-Side Stats
| Parameter | Book of Dead | Book of Ra |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Play’n GO | Novomatic / Greentube |
| Release | January 2016 | March 2005 |
| Paylines | 10 adjustable | 9 (original), 10 (Deluxe) |
| RTP | 96.21% | 92.13% (original), 95.10% (Deluxe) |
| Character | Rich Wilde | Explorer (unnamed) |
Both slots share: Grid (5×3), Volatility (High), Max Win (5,000x), Wild/Scatter (Book (dual function)), Free Spins (10 spins, expanding symbol), Gamble Feature (Yes (card color/suit)), Bonus Buy (No)
RTP, volatility, and max win figures sourced from official provider documentation and cross-referenced with independent review sites. Hit frequency data from community trackers where available.
Which Slot Is Right for You?
Choose Book of Dead if you…
- Want higher RTP (96.21% vs 92.13%)
- Prefer modern HD graphics and atmospheric sound
- Need wide online casino availability
- Like the Rich Wilde character series
Choose Book of Ra if you…
- Want to play the original that invented the genre
- Remember it from land-based casinos and want nostalgia
- Prefer the Deluxe version at 95.10% RTP with 10 paylines
- Value the larger Novomatic franchise (6, Magic, Jackpot Edition)
Community Vote
Who would you pick?
Where to Play
Both slots are available at most online casinos that carry Play’n GO titles. Check our casino comparisons to find the best platform for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book of Dead uses the same expanding-symbol mechanic that Book of Ra invented. It’s a spiritual successor, not a direct copy — different provider, different character, significantly higher RTP.
Book of Dead at 96.21% vs Book of Ra’s 92.13% (original) or 95.10% (Deluxe).
Book of Ra by Novomatic launched in 2005. Book of Dead by Play’n GO launched in 2016.
Yes — both choose one random symbol to expand during free spins. This mechanic originated with Book of Ra.