Free Slots
Real Money Slots
New Slots
| Number of Reels | 5 Reels |
| Paylines | 20 Paylines |
| Graphics and Animation | 3D Graphics |
| Sound | Creepy, haunting soundtrack with horror-style effects |
Published on: 26 Sep 2025
Last updated: 10 Nov 2025Nolimit City flipped the script on traditional "Book of" slots with the release of Book of Shadows on August 20, 2020. While competitors churned out another Egyptian adventure, this Book of Shadows slot review reveals a horror-occult themed experience that actually innovates. The 5-reel configuration offers adjustable rows, letting you choose from 10 to 20 paylines.
What makes this Book of Shadows Nolimit City release special? The Shadow Rows feature lets you expand the game grid for progressively better RTP, while the Lucky Locks mechanism gives you control over individual reels. Extreme volatility at 10/10 rating pairs with 30,338x maximum win potential—over six times what Book of Dead offers at 5,000x. The Gothic atmosphere centers on the Shadow Girl protagonist, a character who would spawn an entire Nolimit City horror universe.
| Provider | Hacksaw Gaming |
| Release Date | September 2020 |
| Slot Type | Video Slot |
| Genre / Theme | Dark magic, occult, horror, gothic |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 96.01% |
| Volatility | High |
| Minimum Bet | ~CAD $0.10 |
| Maximum Bet | ~CAD $100 |
| Maximum Bet | Up to 30,338× stake |
| Number of Reels | 5 Reels |
| Paylines | 20 Paylines |
| Graphics and Animation | 3D Graphics |
| Sound | Creepy, haunting soundtrack with horror-style effects |
| Jackpot | No fixed jackpot |
| Progressive Jackpot | No |
| Lines Bet | Adjusted automatically depending on paylines |
| Bet Limits | ~CAD $0.10 – CAD $100 |
| Multi-currency Support | Yes, CAD included in Canadian casinos |
| Fun Play Mode | Available |
| Game Speed | Standard, with quick spin options |
| Additional Features | Free Spins , Bonus Buy Feature |
| Game Mechanics | Adjustable grid (5×3 up to 5×5); expanding symbols in Free Spins; mystery choice for symbol; optional gamble to unlock more rows |
| Types of Symbols (Wild, Scatter, etc.) | Scatter (Book), Expanding Symbols in Free Spins, regular themed symbols (skulls, witches, cats, candles, cards) |
| Number of symbols | Around 12 including special ones |
| Auto Spin | Yes |
| Maximum Multiplier | Potential up to 30,338× |
| Bonus Frequency | Medium to high volatility; bonus features not frequent but high potential |
| Hit Frequency | Moderate, with large variance due to volatility |
| Gamble Feature | Yes — gamble to increase rows and paylines |
| Bonus Game Variations | Free Spins with chosen expanding symbol; variable grid setup (3–5 rows) |
| Compatibility | PC|Mobile Devices, Tablets, Web Browsers |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
| Demo | Yes |
| Market Availability | Available in many Canadian casinos offering Hacksaw Gaming titles |
| Regional Adaptations | No specific Canadian edition; only currency and stake adjustments per operator |
The Book of Shadows slot online operates on a progressive RTP system that rewards players for activating more rows:
Bonus buy options increase the RTP to 96.20%, 96.29%, and 96.43% depending on the tier. Some casinos offer an alternative 94.09% DX1 configuration—always check the paytable before spinning.
Volatility and Engagement Metrics
The Book of Shadows RTP pairs with extreme 10/10 volatility for feast-or-famine gameplay:
This volatility demands discipline, but balanced hit frequency maintains engagement despite variance. The Book of Shadows slot machine operates on HTML5 technology, ensuring consistent performance across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. RTP and features remain consistent across all platforms, ensuring seamless play regardless of device.
The Witch (Goth Girl) and Book of Shadows wild/scatter share top billing at 500× for five-of-a-kind. Premium symbols need just two matches to pay, while card royals require at least three. The Book serves double duty—substituting as a wild and triggering free spins when 3+ land anywhere. All wins pay left to right across active paylines.
| Symbol | Payout (5 OAK) | Symbol Type | Min Required | 2 OAK | 3 OAK | 4 OAK |
| Book of Shadows | 500× bet | Wild/Scatter | 2 symbols | - | - | - |
| Witch/Goth Girl | 500× bet | Premium | 2 symbols | 1× | 2× | 10× |
| Purple Cat | 150× bet | Premium | 2 symbols | 0.5× | 1.6× | 9× |
| Ram Skull | 100× bet | Premium | 2 symbols | 0.4× | 1.4× | 8× |
| Moth/Butterfly | 75× bet | Premium | 2 symbols | 0.3× | 1.2× | 7.5× |
| Eyeball in Jar | 50× bet | Premium | 2 symbols | 0.2× | 1× | 7× |
| Ace (A) | 25× bet | Low Pay | 3 symbols | - | 0.8× | 6× |
| King (K) | 20× bet | Low Pay | 3 symbols | - | 0.8× | 6× |
| Queen (Q) | 15× bet | Low Pay | 3 symbols | - | 0.5× | 5× |
| Jack (J) | 12.5× bet | Low Pay | 3 symbols | - | 0.5× | 5× |
| Ten (10) | 10× bet | Low Pay | 3 symbols | - | 0.5× | 5× |
Shadow Rows defines what makes this Book of Shadows review worth reading. Two ghosted rows float above the standard 3-row layout. Click the upward arrow and they spring to life, changing your entire risk profile. Each configuration alters paylines, bet cost, and RTP simultaneously.
The 3-row default suits conservative play—10 paylines at base cost with 96.01% RTP. The 4-row middle ground adds 5 more paylines for 50% extra cost and 96.07% RTP. Go all the way with 5 rows, and you're looking at 20 paylines, a doubled bet size, and an optimal 96.19% RTP. Smart players adjust dynamically: grind base game on three rows, activate 5 rows when you spot two scatters (hunting that free spins trigger), then scale back post-bonus to protect your stack.
| Row Configuration | Paylines | RTP | Bet Cost Multiplier | Best For |
| 3 Rows (Default) | 10 | 96.01% | 1× (base bet) | Conservative players, bankroll preservation |
| 4 Rows | 15 | 96.07% | 1.5× (+50%) | Balanced approach, moderate-risk players |
| 5 Rows | 20 | 96.19% | 2× (+100%) | Aggressive players, RTP optimization |
Lucky Locks lets you freeze up to 4 reels after any spin, then pay to spin the remainder. Cost varies based on visible symbols—high-value icons mean higher prices. The primary strategy involves Book of Shadows online scatter-hunting: lock 2 Books, spin the other 3 reels, and chase that crucial third scatter to trigger free spins.
The game prevents locking impossible configurations (zero win potential), protecting you from wasting cash. The adjusted bet displays before you confirm, so you're always making informed decisions. Most effective when the lock cost stays under 5-10× the base bet, with multiple scatters showing.
Landing 3, 4, or 5 Book scatters triggers the Book of Shadows bonus round. Free spin quantities vary based on active Shadow Rows:
Before the round starts, one symbol becomes the Golden Symbol with expansion powers. When sufficient Golden Symbols land (premiums need 2+, low-pays need 3+), they expand across entire reels. Expanded symbols don't require adjacency—scattered positions create wins across the grid.
Key Feature Mechanics:
This structure maintains engagement while building toward potentially massive payouts through the expansion mechanics and unlimited retriggering capability.
Two gamble mechanisms amplify the risk-reward equation. The 50/50 Gamble offers a classic double-or-nothing card-color prediction. Guess correctly and double your win; guess wrong and lose everything. The Gamble Wheel of Bonus (available for wins below 60× bet) lets you risk your entire win for a shot at triggering free spins. The wheel segment size matches your win amount—bigger wins create larger target zones, improving your odds.
Nolimit's Bonus Buy feature offers direct access to free spins at three price points. Book of Shadows bonus buy may be subject to restrictions in Ontario and other Canadian jurisdictions, depending on operator policies.
| Feature | Cost | RTP | Description | Availability |
| 3 Rows Bonus Buy | 60× bet | 96.20% | 10 free spins, 5×3 grid, 10 paylines | Varies by jurisdiction |
| 4 Rows Bonus Buy | 90× bet | 96.29% | 10 free spins, 5×4 grid, 15 paylines | Varies by jurisdiction |
| 5 Rows Bonus Buy | 120× bet | 96.43% | 10 free spins, 5×5 grid, 20 paylines | Varies by jurisdiction |
| 50/50 Gamble | Current win | N/A | Double or nothing card color prediction | Universally available |
| Wheel of Bonus | Current win (max 60×) | N/A | Gamble win for free spins trigger | May be restricted |
You can test the Book of Shadows demo right here on slottoboom.ca without registration. Demo versions are also available on Nolimit City's official website (nolimitcity.com) and at licensed partner casinos. Book of Shadows free play includes every feature—identical RTP, volatility, and bonus mechanics minus real stakes.
Demo mode proves essential for understanding extreme volatility behavior and the 1-in-154 bonus trigger frequency before risking actual money. Canadian players should use these Book of Shadows demo sessions to master Shadow Rows timing, Lucky Locks effectiveness, and free spins variance patterns.
Run a minimum of 500-spin sessions to observe real bonus intervals and outcome variance. Test all three row configurations (3, 4, and 5) and understand the cost-benefit equation. Experiment with Lucky Locks when 2 scatters appear to gauge whether the scatter-hunting investment pays off. Try both gamble features to grasp risk levels. Practice activating and deactivating Shadow Rows mid-session to develop your dynamic adjustment strategy. Document your longest dry spell between free spins triggers—this establishes realistic bankroll expectations. This Book of Shadows slot demo preparation prevents costly mistakes during real-money play and helps determine optimal bet sizing for your risk tolerance.
The Book of Shadows game accepts standard denominations across Canadian online casinos with native CAD pricing. Here's how to play:
Basic Setup:
In-Game Features:
All features display costs upfront for informed decisions. The Book of Shadows slot game interface adapts seamlessly between desktop and mobile formats.
Extreme 10/10 volatility requires disciplined bankroll management:
Minimum Bankroll Requirements:
Essential Discipline Rules:
Testing through the Book of Shadows free slot demo mode helps establish these limits before risking real money. The average 154-spin bonus trigger frequency demands proper capital allocation to avoid premature session endings.
Book of Shadows slots launched Nolimit City's Shadow Girl narrative universe, featuring the Gothic protagonist across three horror-themed releases. Blood & Shadow (2020) serves as the immediate sequel, while Blood & Shadow 2 (October 2024) represents the latest evolution. Each slots Book of Shadows entry offers distinct volatility profiles and mechanical innovations while maintaining extreme variance and occult aesthetics.
| Feature | Book of Shadows (2020) | Blood & Shadow (2020) | Blood & Shadow 2 (2024) |
| RTP (Default) | 96.01%-96.19% | 96.02% | 96.09% |
| Max Win | 30,338× stake | 31,013× stake | 16,161× stake |
| Volatility | Extreme (10/10) | Extreme (10/10) | Extreme (10/10) |
| Grid Configuration | 5×3-5 (adjustable) | 5×4 (fixed) | 5×5 (expanding) |
| Paylines/Ways | 10-20 paylines | 1,024 ways | 1,024-3,125 ways |
| Core Mechanic | Shadow Rows, Lucky Locks | Ritual Bar, xSplit | Candle Spins, Cascades |
| Free Spins Features | Golden Symbol expansion | Expanding symbols, xSplit | 3-tier selection, Sticky Wilds |
| Bonus Buy Cost | 60×/90×/120× bet | Yes (variable) | Yes (variable) |
| Complexity | Low-Medium | Medium-High | High |
| Best For | Book slot fans, newcomers | Progression system seekers | Advanced players, max features |
Choose the Book of Shadows gambling game if you prefer classic book slot mechanics with modern innovations, want a simpler feature set with an easier learning curve, and enjoy customizable gameplay via Shadow Rows. The Book of Shadows max win at 30,338× plus adjustable RTP (up to 96.19%) provides competitive specs within an accessible framework.
Select Blood & Shadow for slightly higher max win (31,013×) and progression-based gameplay via Ritual Bar mechanics. Blood & Shadow introduces complexity but maintains a similar 96.02% RTP. Opt for Blood & Shadow 2 for maximum feature variety with three-tier free spins selection, cascading wins, and sticky wilds, though max win decreases to 16,161× due to rebalanced volatility.
Book of Shadows is the ideal entry point for Canadian players new to Nolimit City's extreme volatility. Progress to the Blood & Shadow series after mastering core mechanics.
The HTML5 architecture ensures seamless Book of Shadows slot free play across desktop, mobile (iOS 11+ and Android 5.0+), and tablet devices, with identical RTP, volatility, and features across all platforms. The touch-optimized interface adapts to Shadow Rows activation (tap the upward arrow), Lucky Locks (tap the lock icon below the reels), and bet adjustment (swipe/tap the +/- buttons). Supports both portrait and landscape orientations automatically.
Modern smartphones achieve 30-60 FPS performance with sub-2-second load times on 4G connections. A typical mobile session consumes 50-100MB of data per hour. Over 60% of Canadian online gambling traffic originates from mobile devices — full optimization ensures Ontario players can access the complete feature set, whether playing on desktop at home or on mobile during the commute. No separate app required; instant play through mobile browser.
Nolimit City maintains comprehensive international licensing across multiple regulated jurisdictions:
Regulatory Approvals:
Ontario approval came in March 2022, with market entry effective April 4, 2022. Nolimit City operates as a Gaming Regulated Supplier – Manufacturer, providing game content to Ontario's regulated operators. Playing Safely in Ontario. Ontario players (19+ age requirement) must access the slot Book of Shadows exclusively through AGCO-registered operators:
This guarantees player protections, fair RNG certification, and dispute resolution access.
The Book of Shadows casino game meets GLI-19 Canadian standards:
For Other Provinces. Players accessing offshore operators should verify proper licensing (Malta, Kahnawake, Curaçao) and confirm SSL encryption before depositing Book of Shadows real money stakes. Always check operator credentials before wagering.
Land 3/4/5 Book of Shadows scatter symbols anywhere on reels to trigger 10 free spins (quantity varies: 14 spins for 3 rows, 12 for 4 rows, 10 for 5 rows). One symbol becomes a Golden Symbol and expands across the entire reels when forming wins. You receive one reshuffle opportunity if you are unsatisfied with the initial Golden Symbol selection. Unlimited retriggers possible—3+ scatters during bonus award, additional 10 spins.
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4.9
4.9
5
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
5
5
5
5
4.9
5
4.9
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Play responsibly. Only over 18 years old.
