Amatic released Book of Aztec Select in December 2020 as a reworked version of the 2015 original. The mechanics are nearly identical — same Book wild/scatter, same free spins concept — but three differences matter enough to change who each version is right for.
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Quick Comparison: Original vs Select
The most important differences at a glance: Select has a higher default RTP (97.63% vs 95.09%), a lower minimum bet ($0.10 vs $1.00), better graphics, and one key mechanic change — you pick your expanding symbol instead of getting one randomly. The original has adjustable paylines (1-10); Select fixes them at 10. Both have the gamble feature. Both cap at 5,000× max win.
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The Expanding Symbol: Random vs Player Choice
This is the biggest gameplay difference. In the original, the expanding symbol is selected at random before free spins — you might get the Lady (5,000×) or you might get the 10 (100×). In Select, you choose from 9 face-down Books, one of which contains your symbol. It's still random — you're not seeing the symbols — but some players prefer the feeling of agency. Statistically the distribution should be the same. If you care about ritual or feel, Select wins here.
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RTP and Bet Range: Clear Win for Select
Select's 97.63% vs the original's 95.09% default is a meaningful difference: $25.40 per $1,000 wagered. On a $200 session that's around $5, which is roughly one spin at the original's minimum bet. More importantly, Select's $0.10 minimum makes it accessible for casual or conservative players who don't want to stake $1 per spin. If you're doing volume sessions, Select's RTP advantage compounds. For short sessions, either is fine.
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Which Version Should You Play?
Play Select if: you're on a tighter budget (min $0.10 vs $1.00), you want the better RTP, or the idea of picking your expanding symbol appeals to you. Play the original if: you're nostalgic for the classic interface, your casino only carries the original, or you specifically want adjustable paylines. If both are available at your casino and the RTP versions are the same, Select is the better slot in every objective measure. The original is a 2015 game that aged reasonably — Select is what Amatic learned from it.
⬛ TABLE
| Feature | Book of Aztec | Book of Aztec Select |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | 95.09% | 97.63% |
| Min Bet | 1.00 | 0.10 |
| Volatility | Medium | High |
| Max Win | 5,000× | 5,000× |
| Lines | 1–10 adjustable | 10 fixed |
| Expanding | Random | Player picks |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the expanding symbol have to be on consecutive reels to pay?
No — that's the whole point of the mechanic. The expanding symbol pays on all active lines regardless of whether the reels are adjacent. Lady on reels 1, 3 and 5 counts as a full 5-of-a-kind win on all 10 lines. This is why the bonus has such high ceiling potential.
Why does my casino show a different RTP than 95.09%?
Book of Aztec has a variable RTP range from 90.57% to 97.63%. Amatic allows operators to configure which version runs. If your casino shows something different — lower or higher — that's their configuration choice. Some casinos publish their Amatic RTP settings in their help sections.
Can free spins retrigger, and is there a cap?
Yes, and no cap. Every time 3 or more Books land during the bonus round, you get another 10 spins added. One documented session on YouTube accumulated 70 spins in a single bonus through repeated retriggering. In practice most bonuses run 10-30 spins.
Is Book of Aztec the same as Book of Ra?
Mechanically very similar — same expanding symbol concept, same 10-payline structure, same Book wild/scatter dual role. Book of Ra is made by Novomatic; Book of Aztec is Amatic's version. The main differences are the theme (Aztec vs Egyptian) and the protagonist (female explorer vs male adventurer). Most players familiar with one can jump straight into the other.
What's the difference between Book of Aztec and Book of Aztec Select?
Select (2020) lets you choose your expanding symbol from 9 face-down books instead of getting one randomly. It also has higher RTP (97.63%), lower minimum bet ($0.10 vs $1.00), and better graphics. The original has adjustable paylines (1-10); Select fixes them at 10.