Book Of Ra
Discover Book of Ra: The Iconic Slot Adventure
| Key Features | |
|---|---|
| Game Developer | Novomatic (Greentube for online versions) |
| Release Year | 2005 |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Adventure |
| Layout | 5 Reels, 3 Rows |
| Paylines | 9 (Adjustable) |
| RTP (Return to Player) | Approximately 92.13% |
| Volatility | High |
| Key Feature | Free Spins with a Special Expanding Symbol |
A Journey Through Time
Austrian developer Novomatic launched Book of Ra in 2005, creating what would become one of Germany's most recognized slot games. We've observed its remarkable path from land-based casino floors to online platforms. The transition happened smoothly, with Greentube handling the digital versions while keeping the original spirit intact.
Players in traditional casinos fell for this game first. Then the internet brought it to screens across Germany, reaching people who'd never set foot in a physical casino. That accessibility changed everything.
What Sets This Game Apart
The ancient Egyptian theme pulls you into tombs and treasure hunts. We see players drawn to the explorer character who resembles a certain famous archaeologist. The 5-reel, 3-row setup offers 9 paylines you can adjust based on your preferences.
Symbols matter here. The Explorer appears alongside Pharaoh's Sarcophagus, Scarab Beetles, and the crucial Book of Ra itself. That book does double duty as Wild and Scatter, which makes it central to gameplay. High volatility means wins don't come constantly, but they can be substantial when they do. The special expanding symbol during free spins creates moments players remember.
We've watched this slot maintain popularity for nearly two decades now. Modern features like autoplay and mobile play got added without diminishing what made the original work. Sound effects and visuals stayed true to form even as technology advanced around them.
How to Play: Rules and Gameplay Essentials
Basic Game Setup
We start with a classic 5-reel, 3-row grid that features up to 9 adjustable paylines in the original version. You'll need to select your bet per line before spinning and decide how many paylines to activate. Bets typically range from €0.01 to €5.00 per active line. This flexibility makes Book of Ra suitable for casual players and high rollers.
Symbol Values and Winning Combinations
Book of Ra uses Egyptian-themed symbols with different payout values. The Explorer offers the highest payouts, while the Pharaoh, Statue, and Scarab Beetle deliver mid-range wins. You need matching symbols on an active payline from left to right to form a winning combination. High-value themed symbols require only two matches, but lower-value card symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10) need at least three.
| Symbol | 5x | 4x | 3x | 2x |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 5,000x | 1,000x | 100x | 10x |
| Pharaoh | 2,000x | 400x | 40x | 5x |
| Statue / Scarab | 750x | 100x | 30x | 5x |
| A / K | 150x | 40x | 5x | - |
| Q / J / 10 | 100x | 25x | 5x | - |
The Book Symbol
The golden Book of Ra acts as both a Wild and a Scatter symbol. As a Wild, it substitutes for any other symbol to complete winning lines. When three or more books appear anywhere on the reels, they trigger the bonus feature regardless of their position on the paylines and provide a payout based on your total stake.
Free Spins Bonus Round
Landing three or more book symbols awards 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol. Before the bonus starts, one symbol is randomly selected from the book's pages. During free spins, if this symbol appears, it expands to cover the entire reel and creates more winning opportunities. This expanding symbol pays out like a scatter, meaning it doesn't need to be on adjacent reels to form a win.
Gamble Feature
After any win during the base game, you can enter the Gamble feature. Here, you attempt to double your winnings by correctly guessing the colour (red or black) of a face-down card. A correct guess doubles your prize, and you can gamble again up to five consecutive times. An incorrect guess forfeits the entire win from that spin.
Exploring Book of Ra Variations
Over the years, we've seen Book of Ra grow into a collection of different versions, all created by Novomatic through their Greentube platform. Each one adds something new to the experience while keeping that Egyptian adventure theme intact. Some variations focus on better visuals, others introduce new mechanics or jackpot features. We'll walk through the most popular titles in the series and what makes each one worth trying.
Book of Ra Deluxe
This is probably the most recognized upgrade from the original. We notice sharper graphics and smoother animations right away. The paylines increase from 9 to 10, giving you one more way to win. The free spins bonus works the same way—you still get one special expanding symbol during the feature. If you want the classic Book of Ra feel but with a cleaner look, this version hits the mark.
Book of Ra Magic
Magic takes the bonus round and makes it more interesting. You start with 10 free spins and one expanding symbol, just like usual. But if you retrigger the feature, you get another 10 spins and a second expanding symbol joins the first. This keeps going until you have up to nine special symbols active at the same time. When that happens, the screen can fill up fast with matching symbols.
Book of Ra Deluxe 6
Here's where things get more intense. This version lets you activate a sixth reel by turning on the Extra Bet feature. Your stake goes up, but so does the potential payout. Landing six matching symbols instead of five means much bigger wins. Players who don't mind higher volatility and want to chase larger rewards tend to prefer this one.
Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes
Mystic Fortunes adds a jackpot system with four levels. During any spin, coin symbols can land on the reels and trigger a bonus game. You pick from 12 coins to reveal symbols matching Grand, Major, Minor, or Mini jackpots. Get three matching symbols and you win that jackpot tier.
Each version suits a different mood or strategy. Some players stick with Deluxe for its straightforward approach, while others go for the sixth reel or hunt jackpots. The table below shows how they compare.
| Variation | Key Feature | Paylines | Volatility Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Deluxe | Enhanced graphics and sound | 10 | High |
| Book of Ra Magic | Up to 9 special expanding symbols in Free Spins | 10 | High |
| Book of Ra Deluxe 6 | Optional 6th reel for 6-of-a-kind wins | 10 | Very High |
| Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes | 4-level progressive Jackpot feature | 10 | High |
Understanding RTP and Volatility
Return to Player Rate
We've analyzed the RTP rates across different Book of Ra versions to help you understand what to expect. Book of Ra Classic comes with an RTP of 92.13%, which is lower than most modern slots. The Deluxe version offers better value at 95.10%. This percentage tells you how much of all wagered money gets returned to players over time, though it's calculated across millions of spins. Your individual session might look completely different.
The Deluxe version sits just below the 96% mark that's become standard for online slots. It's not the highest you'll find, but it's reasonable for a game of this type.
High Volatility Gaming
Book of Ra has high volatility. That means wins don't happen constantly, but when they do, they can be substantial. You'll experience stretches where nothing lands, then suddenly hit something meaningful. The free spins round demonstrates this best, with the expanding symbol capable of delivering wins up to 5,000x your bet.
This isn't a game for players who want steady, predictable returns. You need patience and a bankroll that can handle dry spells without forcing you to quit early.
Key Statistical Comparison
| Metric | Book of Ra Classic | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | 92.13% | 95.10% |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Hit Frequency | Approx. 27% | Approx. 29% |
| Max Win | 5,000x Bet | 5,000x Bet |
Strategic Approach
We recommend adjusting your expectations based on these numbers. Short sessions rarely give you enough spins to see Book of Ra's potential unfold. Size your bets so you can weather the inevitable losing streaks without depleting your funds. This game rewards players comfortable with risk, not those chasing frequent small wins.
Where to Play Book of Ra Online
Licensed German Casino Sites
We always point players toward casinos licensed by Germany's official regulator, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These platforms appear on the official White List and follow strict regulatory standards. Your gaming sessions fall under German consumer protection laws when you play at these sites. Licensed operators display their credentials clearly on their websites, so verification doesn't take much effort.
What Makes a Casino Trustworthy
We evaluate several factors when looking at casinos offering Book of Ra. The genuine game comes from Greentube, which is part of NOVOMATIC Interactive. You need to confirm the casino hosts authentic titles instead of unauthorized versions. Here's what we check:
- Official Licensing: German players need a valid GGL license. There's no way around this requirement.
- Secure Payment Methods: The casino should accept trusted options common in Germany like PayPal, Sofort, Giropay and major credit cards.
- Responsive Customer Support: Good casinos provide accessible help through live chat and email to handle questions quickly.
- Transparent Terms and Conditions: Bonus rules, gameplay requirements and withdrawal policies must be straightforward and easy to locate.
Mobile and Desktop Options
We've found that reputable casinos now deliver Book of Ra on multiple devices without sacrificing quality. HTML5 technology makes this possible. You get the same core gameplay whether you're spinning reels on your phone during your commute or playing longer sessions at your desktop. Some platforms offer exclusive mobile bonuses like free spins when you download their app.
We recommend checking withdrawal limits and processing times before you choose a casino. E-wallet withdrawals typically complete within 24 hours. Bank transfers usually take three to five business days. These details affect your overall experience more than you might think. Reading recent player reviews helps too since they reveal information about reliability that promotional materials won't show you.
Bonuses and Features to Watch For
We've examined the core features that make Book of Ra stand out, and there's plenty to appreciate. The game doesn't overwhelm you with complex mechanics, but what it offers can lead to meaningful wins.
The Book Symbol
The Book of Ra itself serves a dual purpose. It works as a Wild, stepping in for other symbols to complete winning lines. It also functions as a Scatter, paying out no matter where it lands on the reels.
When you land three, four, or five Book symbols anywhere in view, you receive instant payouts. Three books get you 2x your stake, four books give you 20x, and five books award 200x. These same combinations also trigger the free spins round, which is where things get interesting.
Free Spins Round
Getting three or more Book symbols unlocks 10 free games. Before the spins start, the game selects one standard symbol at random to become a Special Expanding Symbol.
During free spins, this chosen symbol behaves differently. If enough of them appear to form a win, they expand to fill entire reels. What matters here is that these expanded symbols pay as Scatters. They don't need to sit on adjacent reels. If your special symbol lands on reels one, three, and five, you still get paid for three of a kind across all active lines.
You can retrigger the feature. Landing three or more Book symbols during free spins adds another 10 games to your total.
Gamble Option
After any base game win, you can choose to gamble your payout. The game shows a face-down card, and you guess the color. Guess correctly and your win doubles. You can gamble up to five times in a row, but one wrong guess loses everything you've wagered in that sequence.
Popular Alternatives to Book of Ra
We know that sometimes you want to explore beyond Book of Ra while keeping that same sense of adventure. The slot world has plenty to offer if you're drawn to ancient mysteries and expanding symbols. Over the years, several developers have created their own takes on the formula that made Book of Ra so beloved. We've looked at the most popular options that capture similar excitement.
| Game Title | Provider | Key Feature | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead | Play'n GO | Free Spins with one special expanding symbol. | High |
| Legacy of Dead | Play'n GO | Free Spins where retriggers unlock additional special expanding symbols (up to 9). | High |
| John Hunter and the Book of Tut | Pragmatic Play | Free Spins with a randomly chosen special expanding symbol. | High |
Egyptian Themed Games
Play'n GO's Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead stands out as the most direct comparison. It follows an explorer through ancient tombs and uses nearly identical mechanics with expanding symbols during free spins. Legacy of Dead takes things further by adding expanding symbols each time you retrigger the bonus round, which can stack up to nine different symbols with this feature.
Adventure Slots Worth Trying
Pragmatic Play created John Hunter and the Book of Tut for players who enjoy the adventurer theme but want something fresh. It keeps the core mechanic intact while introducing different visuals. NetEnt's Gonzo's Quest offers a completely different approach with its Avalanche system where symbols fall into place rather than spin, and multipliers climb up to 15x during the Free Falls feature.
High Risk Options
Dead or Alive II from NetEnt and Razor Shark by Push Gaming both deliver intense volatility. Dead or Alive II gives you three separate free spin modes with sticky wilds and multipliers that build as you play. Razor Shark uses Mystery Stacks and a Razor Reveal mechanic that can unlock substantial wins when the reels align.
Frequently Asked Questions About Book of Ra
Playing on Mobile Devices
We get asked constantly whether Book of Ra works on smartphones. The answer is yes. Most versions run perfectly on mobile because they're built with HTML5 technology. This means you can play directly in your browser on iOS and Android without downloading anything. We've tried the game on various devices and it adjusts nicely to smaller screens. The touch controls work well for changing bets and spinning reels when you're away from your computer.
Maximum Wins and Payouts
Players want to know about the top payouts. In the base game, landing five Explorer symbols on an active payline gives you 5,000x your line bet. That's the highest single-line win available. The Book of Ra symbol does double duty as both Wild and Scatter. Five of these symbols pay 200x your total stake. The real money comes during free spins though. When a special expanding symbol covers multiple reels, you can hit significant wins across all active paylines at once.
Winning Strategies
There's no foolproof strategy because outcomes depend on a Random Number Generator. However, we recommend managing your bankroll carefully and studying the paytable before playing. Big wins typically happen during the bonus feature. You trigger it by landing three or more Book of Ra scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. This gives you 10 free spins with a randomly selected expanding symbol. Landing three more scatters during the bonus round adds another 10 free spins.
Software and Technical Needs
You don't need special software or downloads for most online versions. The game runs in your browser thanks to HTML5. You just need a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari and a stable internet connection. Some casinos offer dedicated apps, but browser play delivers the same quality.