Expanding symbols in slots

An expanding symbol is an ordinary symbol promoted for the length of a feature.

Key takeaways

  • One symbol is chosen before the free spins.
  • It expands to cover reels when enough land.
  • It pays on all lines, adjacent or not.
  • Very high volatility.

Short answer: In Book of Dead, one symbol is selected at random for the free spins. When enough land, each expands over its reel and pays on every line.

Slots that use it

How it works

  1. Three Books award ten free spins.
  2. The Book opens and picks one symbol.
  3. On each free spin, ordinary wins pay first.
  4. If enough of the chosen symbol are present, they expand and pay again on all active lines.

Why the symbol matters

Symbol chosenHow often it landsWhat it pays
A card rankMore oftenSmall amounts
A mid symbolSometimesModerate amounts
Rich Wilde, the top symbolRarelyUp to 5,000x with five reels

A description of how the feature behaves, not published odds.

What it means for play

The same ten free spins can return almost nothing or a very large multiple. That spread, more than anything in the base game, is what makes "book" slots high volatility.

The book family

Many slots copy the design. Book of Dead is the best known in Britain.

Where to play these slots

Ad 18+ only. We may earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure

Coral Casino logo

Coral Casino 4.3 out of 5

Bet £10 on slots, get 100 free spins

No wageringFree spins

Claim at Coral (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
48 hours to accept, then 7 days
Worked value
100 spins at £0.10 (£10 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. New players only. Offer runs 01/10/2026 to 01/02/2027. Deposit (certain types excluded) and bet £10+ on slot games to get 100 free spins (selected games, £0.10 each, 48 hrs to accept, valid 7 days). No wagering on free spin winnings. Deposits by Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Coral review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Ladbrokes Casino logo

Ladbrokes Casino 4.2 out of 5

Play £10 on slots, get up to 500 free spins

No wageringFree spins

Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
Claim daily for 10 days; each batch valid 7 days
Worked value
Up to 500 spins at £0.10 (up to £50 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. New customers only, from 14/11/25 until further notice. Certain deposit methods excluded. Deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day during the first 10 days after first deposit and registration (max 500, £0.10 each, selected games, claim before 23:59 each day, valid 7 days). No wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Ladbrokes review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

PlayOJO logo

PlayOJO 4.2 out of 5

80 free spins, no wagering

No wageringFree spins

Claim at PlayOJO (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
See offer terms
Worked value
80 spins at £0.10 (£8 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. First deposit only. Minimum deposit £10. 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, £0.10 each. No wagering requirements; winnings paid in cash. Cannot be used with any other offer. Only available to players who arrive through the designated offer link. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the PlayOJO review Licence: Skill On Net Limited, UKGC account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Casumo logo

Casumo 4.2 out of 5

50% bonus up to £100

10x wageringMatched deposit

Claim at Casumo (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
10x bonus
Minimum
£20
Time limit
7 days to complete wagering
Worked value
Deposit £200, get £100 bonus

Significant terms: 18+. New customers only. Opt-in required. 50% deposit bonus up to £100 on first deposit. Minimum deposit £20. 10x wagering on the bonus amount. Maximum bet or spin £5. Bonus valid for 7 days. Game, play and payment method restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Casumo review Licence: Recro Limited, UKGC account 61549. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

10bet Casino logo

10bet Casino 3.8 out of 5

100% bonus up to £25

10x wageringMatched deposit

Claim at 10bet (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
10x bonus
Minimum
£10 (check at sign-up)
Time limit
3 days to complete wagering
Worked value
Deposit £25, play with £50

Significant terms: 18+. New UK customers only. Select the casino welcome bonus at sign-up and make your first deposit within 7 days. 100% bonus up to £25. Wager the bonus 10x on slots within 3 days. Maximum bonus winnings £1,000. Bonus is not redeemable. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the 10bet review Licence: Blue Star Planet Limited, UKGC account 43173. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

More mechanics: Multipliers in slots, Pick bonus in slots and Cash collect in slots.

Related: volatility explained, reading a paytable and the slot finder.

Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; a casino may run a lower RTP. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.

Frequently asked questions

What is an expanding symbol?

A symbol that grows to cover reels during a feature.

Which slot uses it?

Book of Dead.

Does it need adjacent reels?

No.

Is it high volatility?

Yes.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.

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