Casino Slots with Book of Mechanics

Casino slots that feature ‘Book of’ mechanics are some of the most iconic of all time. These slots utilize a special expanding symbol mechanic that covers entire reels to provide a massive boost to winning potential. First introduced back in 2005 with Novomatic’s Book of Ra and later popularized worldwide by Play’n GO’s Book of Dead, these games offer simple gameplay but with the chance to land huge win multipliers.

Gameplay for “Book of” Slots

The gameplay on most ‘Book of’ slots is quite similar, but many slots have added new elements and features over the years. However, at their core, book slots usually have the following in common:

Reels and Paylines: Most slots using the Book mechanic would have 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines.
Book Symbols: The wild symbol, which is usually the Book, is also a scatter that is required to trigger the free spins bonus game. As a wild, it would substitute for regular icons when winning symbols were possible.
Free Spins: To trigger that bonus, you usually needed three or more of the Book symbol to land anywhere in view on the reels. Typically, you receive 10 spins, although this has changed in more modern book slots.
Expanding Symbols: Before free spins start, one random symbol is chosen to act as the special expanding symbol. When it lands, it stretches to cover its entire reel. It also pays across all active paylines, even if the symbols don’t sit adjacent on the reels.

It is that blend of simplistic base game play combined with an explosive free spins bonus with expanding symbols, that ensured ‘Book of’ mechanics would become a staple in new releases til this day.

Best ‘Book of’ Slots

It will come down to personal preference as to which are the best Book of’ slots, but we know which are the most popular. Book of Dead, to this day, is still one of the most played slots online. However, there are many other great titles you’ll find in the mBitcasino lobby, such as our recommendations below:

Book of mBit

Provider: BGaming
RTP: 96.99%
Paylines: 10

We might be biased, but our exclusive title, Book of mBit is a great slot that features all the core elements of the popular genre. However, it has a bunch of other features to differentiate it from others. For one, there’s a 6th reel that’s locked apart from the middle position. If the symbol in that position is involved in a winning combo, it expands to fill the reel. Adding to that, there is a buy bonus option and a gamble feature.

Book of Ra

Provider: Novomatic
RTP: 92.13%
Paylines: 10

Book of Ra was the first slot to incorporate the ‘book of’ mechanics, even if some still believe Book of Dead was the originator. Playing this title, you won’t have any additional features, only those core features that continue to prove popular today. As you’d expect, it is highly volatile and has a 5,000x the stake maximum win.

Book of Panda Megaways

Provider: BGaming
RTP: 96.95%
Paylines: Up to 117,649 Ways to Win

The second BGaming slot on our list, Book of Panda Megaways, combines the ‘Book of’ mechanics with the Megaways reel modifier mechanic. The reel format and mechanics are obviously different, but BGaming has also given the Wild/Scatter book symbol a multiplier in the free spins bonus. When it helps to create winning combinations, it can boost payouts by up to ten times.

Play 'Book of' Slots Mechanic at mBitcasino

Book of slots remain one of the most enduring mechanics in online casinos, due to mixing basic gameplay with a highly volatile free spins bonus that features a random expanding symbol.

If you register at mBitcasino, you can play originals like Book of Ra and Book of Dead, as well as many other titles that have embraced the mechanic. Plus, you can choose whether to play for free using a demo or for real cryptocurrencies.

FAQ

What is the 'Book of' mechanic in slots?

It’s a feature where a random symbol is chosen during free spins to expand and cover entire reels. It pays across all paylines, even if not adjacent to another matching symbol.

Which was the first 'Book of' slot?

Released in 2005, Novomatic’s Book of Ra was the first slot to use the mechanics.

Why are 'Book of' slots so popular?

They combine simple gameplay with high volatility. The expanding symbols can lead to massive wins across all paylines, especially if it's a high-value symbol that was chosen.