Book of Ra vs Book of Dead
Book of Dead, released by Play’n GO in 2016, follows the formula Book of Ra made famous: an explorer, a book that is wild and scatter, and free spins with one expanding symbol. Book of Dead is listed with a higher maximum RTP (96.21 % vs 95.10 %); Book of Ra has a higher listed maximum win.
Side by side
Same structure, different numbers: both have five reels, three rows and ten lines, a book that is wild and scatter and ten free games with an expanding symbol. Book of Dead lists a higher RTP; Book of Ra lists a higher maximum win and comes from the provider that created the format.
| Book of Ra deluxe | Book of Dead | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic / Greentube | Play’n GO |
| Online release | 2008 (Classic 2005) | January 2016 |
| Layout | 5×3, 10 lines | 5×3, 10 lines |
| Wild / scatter | Book of Ra | Book of Dead |
| Free spins | 10, one expanding symbol | 10, one expanding symbol |
| Listed RTP* | 95.10 % | 96.21 % |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Max win* | 10,035× | 5,000× |
| Gamble | Card colour | Card colour or suit |
How they feel different
Book of Ra is plainer and older-looking; its sounds and symbols are the ones many players remember from gaming halls. Book of Dead has a modern presentation with its character Rich Wilde. In play, both are slow in the base game and decided by the expanding symbol in free spins.
The gamble differs slightly: Book of Dead commonly lets you guess the colour (double) or the suit (quadruple), while Book of Ra uses colour. Neither changes the long-run return.
Which should you choose?
- Prefer Book of Ra if you want the original, the higher listed maximum win, or the Novomatic versions such as Magic and deluxe 6.
- Prefer Book of Dead if the slightly higher listed RTP matters to you, or if your casino does not carry Novomatic games.
- Either way, check the RTP in the game’s info screen at your casino — the setting can differ from the listed maximum.
Where to play Book of Ra
Partner offers depend on the country you play from. Pick yours to see licensed options, local rules and help lines.
Problems and what to do
Novomatic licenses its games market by market. Book of Dead is a fair alternative with similar mechanics.
Both providers offer several RTP settings. Compare the info screens.
Questions
Is Book of Dead a copy of Book of Ra?
It uses the same basic mechanics — book wild-scatter and free spins with an expanding symbol — with its own graphics, character and maths, from a different provider.
Which has the better RTP?
Book of Dead is commonly listed at 96.21 %, Book of Ra deluxe at 95.10 %. Both can run at lower settings at some casinos.
Which pays bigger?
Aggregators list 5,000× for Book of Dead and 10,035× for Book of Ra deluxe.
Can I play both for free?
Yes, Book of Ra deluxe in the official Greentube demo; Book of Dead has a free demo from its provider at many casinos and review sites.
Read next
Sources and changes
- next.io — Book of Dead (Play’n GO): RTP 96.21 %, max win 5,000×, 10 lines
- OLBG — Book of Dead slot review
- SlotCatalog — Book of Ra deluxe
- Greentube — official Book of Ra deluxe demo
Change log: 23 October 2026 — page published