Book of Dead vs Gates of Olympus
Both high volatility with a 5,000x ceiling, reached in entirely different ways.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Book of Dead: 96.21% RTP, high.
- Gates of Olympus: 96.50% RTP, high.
- Max win: 5,000x against 5,000x.
- Figures are defaults.
In shortBoth high volatility with a 5,000x ceiling, reached in entirely different ways.
Side by side
| Line | Book of Dead | Gates of Olympus |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO | Pragmatic Play |
| Default RTP | 96.21% | 96.50% |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Maximum win | 5,000x | 5,000x |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows | 6 reels, 5 rows |
| Ways to win | 10 paylines | Pays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols) |
| Main feature | Expanding symbol | Multiplier orbs |
| Released | 2016 | 2021 |
How they differ in play
Both top out at 5,000 times the stake. Book of Dead reaches it one way only: the explorer symbol expanding across all five reels in free spins. Gates of Olympus reaches it by accumulation: ordinary wins multiplied by a running total of orbs. One is a single lightning strike, the other a snowball.
Cost of 200 spins at 20p
| Slot | Staked | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Book of Dead | £40 | £1.52 |
| Gates of Olympus | £40 | £1.4 |
At default RTP; a long-run average.
Top prize at £5
Book of Dead: £25,000. Gates of Olympus: £25,000. Arithmetic from published maximums.
Verdict
Book of Dead
Ten lines, one expanding symbol and very high swings.
Gates of Olympus
A pays-anywhere grid where multiplier orbs can land on any spin.
Full pages: Book of Dead and Gates of Olympus. Any other pair: comparison tool.
Elsewhere on the site: Starburst slot machine, Slot machine odds, Ways-to-win slot machines and The hi-lo gamble.
Keep reading: The one-armed bandit, The Liberty Bell, Hold buttons and Gates of Olympus vs Sweet Bonanza.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; the version at your casino can differ. UK land-based stake and prize limits and online rule dates were checked against Gambling Commission and licensing authority sources on 6 October 2026. History follows commonly cited accounts. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
Is Book of Dead or Gates of Olympus better?
Both high volatility with a 5,000x ceiling, reached in entirely different ways.
Which has the higher RTP?
Gates of Olympus, by default.
Which has the bigger max win?
Book of Dead.
Which is more volatile?
They are rated alike.