The “Book” slot genre is one of the most iconic in online casino history, with Book of Ra and Book of Dead leading the charge. Both offer adventurous Egyptian themes, high volatility, and a legendary free spins feature — but which one is better? Let’s break it down.

Game Origins

• Book of Ra: Developed by Novomatic, this slot is a pioneer, originally launched for land-based casinos before hitting the online scene.

• Book of Dead: Created by Play’n GO, it was heavily inspired by Book of Ra and aimed to bring a more polished experience to the online audience.

Graphics & Sound

• Book of Ra features a retro design and sound that appeals to players who enjoy a classic casino feel.

• Book of Dead upgrades the visuals significantly, with sharper graphics, smoother animations, and a more immersive soundtrack.

Winner: Book of Dead, for its modern presentation.

Gameplay & Features

Both games feature:

• A 5×3 reel setup

• 10 paylines

• A special expanding symbol in the Free Spins bonus round

• High volatility

However, Book of Dead allows you to manually select your paylines and adjust volatility more subtly, while Book of Ra sticks to a more fixed setup.

Winner: Book of Dead, for customization.

RTP & Payouts

• Book of Ra RTP: ~92–95%

• Book of Dead RTP: ~96.21%

Both slots can deliver large wins, especially in the Free Spins round, but Book of Dead offers slightly better long-term value.

Winner: Book of Dead

Popularity & Availability

• Book of Dead is more widely available at online casinos globally and is optimized for mobile play.

• Book of Ra is still hugely popular in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, but may not be accessible everywhere.

Winner: Book of Dead, for global reach.

Final Verdict

While both games are legends in the slot world, Book of Dead edges out Book of Ra thanks to its higher RTP, modern design, and broader availability. That said, if you enjoy a more classic, authentic slot experience, Book of Ra may still hold a special place in your heart.