Book of Dead by Play’n GO remains one of the most recognisable online slots in UK casinos. This review walks through the experience of playing it, where to try it with PayPal, how the game performs on desktop and mobile, and what players should expect from volatility, RTP and bonus features.
Quick game overview
Book of Dead is a 5×3 video slot with 10 fixed paylines. It transports players to an ancient-Egypt theme led by explorer Rich Wilde. The core attraction is the free spins feature where a single expanding symbol can potentially deliver very large wins. It’s a high volatility title with an RTP typically around 96.21% (varies by operator).
Why UK players keep choosing Book of Dead

Iconic theme and recognisable hero
The visuals and soundtrack are cinematic enough to be engaging without being intrusive. The interface is straightforward and offers quick access to bet levels and autoplay. For UK players used to fast-paced gaming and clear stakes, the layout feels familiar and reliable.
High volatility appeal
Many UK players enjoy the risk/reward balance: low-frequency but potentially large payouts. This slot is frequently featured in jackpots and high-stakes streams, making it a staple for thrill-seekers.
Main mechanics and special features
- Reels: 5, Rows: 3, Paylines: 10 (fixed)
- RTP: ~96.21% (check casino page for exact value)
- Volatility: High
- Special symbol: Book (Scatter + Expanding symbol in free spins)
- Free Spins: 10 free spins triggered by 3 or more Books; one symbol expands during free spins
How the free spins work
When you trigger the free spins, a bonus symbol is randomly chosen. If that symbol can fill a reel, it expands to cover the full reel and pays for combinations as if it were multiple symbols. Because of this mechanic, hitting multiple expanding reels can produce very high payouts — which is the main draw.
Play experience: interface, sound and performance
Where to play Book of Dead with PayPal in the UK
Many licensed UK casinos still support PayPal deposits and withdrawals. When searching for a Book of Dead PayPal casino, prioritise UKGC-licensed operators with clear game libraries and favourable withdrawal terms. Examples of typical criteria:
- UKGC licence and verified security credentials.
- PayPal listed among accepted deposit/withdrawal methods.
- Clear payout times and low withdrawal fees.
- Responsive customer support and transparent T&Cs for bonuses.
Comments on the topic of Games
Interface
Book of Dead’s interface is clean: the bet slider, coin size, and autoplay settings are instantly accessible. The paytable and rules open in a single modal which is helpful for quick reference. For UK players who value quick spins and easy stake changes, this is a well-designed UI.
Demo
Most reputable UK casinos and game aggregators offer a free demo mode. The demo mirrors mechanics and paytable but uses virtual credits. It’s recommended to try the demo to get a feel for volatility before staking real PayPal deposits.
Banking and PayPal specifics
Using PayPal is attractive for many UK players due to the speed of deposits and withdrawals, buyer protection policies, and easy linkage to UK bank accounts or cards. Note that some casinos may restrict PayPal bonus eligibility — always check the bonus terms. Withdrawal times for PayPal are typically faster than standard bank transfers, often within 24 hours after the casino processes the request.
Strategy and bankroll advice
With high volatility and potential for large wins, a disciplined bankroll approach works best. Consider:
- Setting a session loss limit and a win target.
- Starting with demo play or small stakes to understand frequency of triggering free spins.
- Avoid chasing losses: Book of Dead can go through dry spells.
Common questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Book of Dead fair? A: Yes — Play’n GO is a reputable developer; look for UKGC licensing and audited RTP reports on the casino site.
Expert feedback
Experienced Player
“I’ve been playing Book of Dead for years. It’s the go-to slot when I’m chasing a big hit. You need patience and a properly sized bankroll. The free spins are where the magic happens — I’ve seen several huge wins when multiple reels expanded. For PayPal users, the fast banking is a plus: you can quickly move winnings back into your account without long waiting windows.”
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple, effective free spins mechanic with high payout potential.
- Strong theme and widely available across UK casinos.
- Good mobile performance and quick gameplay.
Cons
- High volatility means lengthy losing streaks are possible.
- Not much variety in base-game features — largely depends on free spins for excitement.
- RTP can vary by operator; always confirm the listed percentage.
Responsible gaming
If you play Book of Dead with PayPal or other methods, use deposit limits, cool-off options and self-exclusion if needed. The short cycle of spins can encourage rapid play; set limits before you start and stick to them. UK players have access to GamCare and other support services if gambling becomes problematic.
Final verdict
Book of Dead remains a must-try title for UK online casino players who like high-volatility slots with the potential for big payouts. It is simple to learn, quick to play and widely available at UKGC-licensed casinos offering PayPal. Use demo play to learn the feel, manage your bankroll carefully, and prioritise operators with transparent RTP, fair T&Cs and reliable PayPal processing.
Where to start
1) Check licensed UK casinos that list PayPal on their banking page. 2) Try the demo to understand free-spin frequency. 3) If you deposit, set clear limits and prefer casinos with prompt PayPal withdrawals and fair terms.