Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is a classic Egyptian-themed slot by Novomatic. The game follows an explorer hunting for treasure and the legendary Book of Ra inside an ancient tomb.
Released in 2005, it remains one of the most recognised slots in Europe. Italian players still find it regularly in both land-based arcades and regulated online casinos.
The game helped define the adventure slot genre. Its expanding symbol bonus format was so influential that it inspired dozens of similar games, most notably Book of Dead.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Novomatic |
| Release date | 2005 |
| Format | 5 × 3 reels |
| Paylines | 9 (adjustable) |
| RTP | 92.13% – 96.00% (varies by casino) |
| Volatility | High |
| Max win | 5,000× stake |
| Bonus feature | 10 free spins with expanding symbol |
How Book of Ra works
Book of Ra is a classic five-reel, three-row slot with up to 9 adjustable paylines. Before spinning, you set your total stake by choosing how many lines to play and your coin value. The game pays out when matching symbols land from left to right across an active payline.
The spin flow
Once you click Spin, the game is fast and direct. Wins are calculated and added to your balance immediately. There are no complex side bets to interrupt the pace, and most rounds are over in seconds.
You can adjust your stake between rounds or use the Autoplay feature to keep the reels moving automatically. The interface stays clean throughout, clearly displaying your balance, total stake, and any wins at the bottom of the screen.
Symbols and payouts
The Book of Ra paytable ranges from low-value card symbols to premium Egyptian icons. You need at least three matching symbols on a payline from left to right to win, though some high-value symbols pay out with just two.
Low symbols
The 10, J, Q, K, and A provide the smallest payouts. These symbols appear frequently and make up the bulk of your regular wins.
High symbols
The explorer, pharaoh mask, scarab beetle, Horus statue, and sarcophagus offer the best returns. The explorer is the most valuable symbol, paying up to 5,000 coins for five on a line at the maximum bet. The pharaoh mask comes second, paying up to 2,000 coins.
The game features a classic 5-reel, 3-row layout with 9 adjustable paylines. Exact payouts scale automatically based on your chosen stake.
Free spins and bonus features
The Book of Ra symbol acts as both the wild and the scatter. It substitutes for all other symbols to help complete winning lines. Landing three or more Books anywhere on the reels triggers the main bonus and awards 10 free spins.
The expanding symbol
Before the free spins start, the game randomly chooses one regular symbol to be the special expanding symbol. When this symbol lands during the bonus round, it expands to cover the entire reel. These expanded symbols pay out even if they are not on adjacent reels.
You can also re-trigger the bonus. Landing three or more Books during the free spins adds another 10 spins to your total. The free spins play out using the same stake and paylines as your triggering spin.
The gamble feature
After any winning spin, players in Italy have the option to use the gamble feature. You can collect your winnings or guess the colour of a hidden card (red or black). A correct guess doubles your win, but a wrong guess loses the payout for that spin.
RTP, volatility and max win
The RTP for Book of Ra usually ranges from 92.13% to just over 95%, depending on the casino. Because ADM-licensed sites in Italy can run different configurations, always check the game's information panel before you play.
Volatility
Book of Ra is a high-volatility game. Payouts happen less often, but they tend to be larger when they do. You will likely experience dry spells in the base game, as the biggest wins rely on the expanding symbol mechanic during the free spins round.
Maximum win
The theoretical maximum win is 5,000 times your stake. To hit this, you generally need the top-paying Explorer symbol to expand across all five reels during the bonus feature.
Keep in mind that individual Italian casinos may apply their own bet caps or win limits, which are outlined in the game rules at your chosen site.
Book of Ra versions
The main versions Italian players encounter are Book of Ra Classic and Book of Ra Deluxe. Both share a 5-reel, 3-row layout and an Egyptian theme, but they differ in a few key details.
Classic vs Deluxe
The original 2005 Book of Ra Classic uses 9 paylines and a narrower betting range. The 2008 Deluxe version expands this to 10 paylines, updates the graphics, and offers wider staking limits.
The free spins round works the same way in both games: landing three or more Book symbols triggers the feature, and one random symbol is chosen to expand across the reels. However, the Deluxe version adds a 2× multiplier to free spin wins and offers a noticeably higher Return to Player (RTP) rate.
| Feature | Book of Ra Classic | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2005 | 2008 |
| Paylines | 9 | 10 |
| RTP | ~92.13% | ~95.10% |
| Free spin multiplier | None | 2× |
| Max win | 5,000× stake | 5,000× stake |
Other notable variants
Many Italian casinos also stock newer variations that build on the core rules:
- Book of Ra Magic: Allows up to 9 expanding symbols during free spins instead of just one.
- Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes: Adds four progressive jackpots alongside the standard bonus.
- Book of Ra Deluxe 6: Introduces a sixth reel to increase the win potential.
Most operators clearly label which edition they are running, allowing you to check the payline count and RTP before you start playing.
Can you try Book of Ra in demo mode?
Yes, you can play Book of Ra in demo mode before betting real money. The demo plays exactly like the live version, with the same paytable, volatility, free spins, and expanding symbols. This lets you learn the game flow without any financial risk.
Access rules in Italy
Some ADM-licensed casinos offer instant demos with no registration required. Others ask you to create an account or verify your age before you can play for free.
Your play-money balance resets whenever you refresh the page. Testing the demo is the most practical way to decide if the game suits your playing style before making a deposit.
Can you play Book of Ra legally in Italy?
Yes, you can legally play Book of Ra in Italy, provided you use a casino licensed by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). These regulated platforms are the only legal places to play for real money.
You must be at least 18 years old. All ADM-licensed operators require strict age verification when you open an account, and playing on unlicensed international sites carries legal risks.
Deposits and withdrawals in Italy
Italian online casinos process transactions in euros. Most ADM-licensed sites accept standard payment methods, including debit and credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards.
Common payment methods
Popular options include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Paysafecard. Many operators also support Apple Pay and Google Pay. E-wallets generally offer the fastest withdrawals, while bank transfers are reliable for larger amounts but take longer to clear.
What to check with each operator
Limits, fees, and processing times vary by casino. Always check the operator's banking page before adding funds, as some methods can be used for deposits but not withdrawals. Sticking to regulated ADM-licensed platforms ensures your transactions remain secure and straightforward.
How the KYC process works
Verifying your identity (KYC) is mandatory at Italian online casinos before you can withdraw winnings. ADM-licensed operators usually ask for documents between account opening and your first cash-out.
When verification is usually requested
While casinos do a basic check when you register, they will ask for full verification when you request your first withdrawal or hit a specific deposit limit.
Documents typically required
- Valid photo ID (passport, Italian ID card, or driving licence)
- Codice fiscale
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from the last three months)
- Proof of payment method (screenshot or scan of the card, e-wallet, or bank account used to deposit)
Many casinos now accept SPID or CIE as a faster way to verify your identity. Check with your operator to see if using these digital IDs replaces the need to upload standard documents.
Approval usually takes 24 to 72 hours. Your withdrawals remain locked until the process is complete, but submitting clear, high-quality copies helps avoid delays.
Other popular slot games for Book of Ra fans
If you like Book of Ra, several other titles use the same expanding symbol mechanic during free spins. These "Book of" slots share the core bonus structure but offer slightly different themes and payout setups.
- Book of Dead (Play'n GO) — 96.21% RTP, high volatility. The closest competitor to Book of Ra, featuring an identical bonus mechanic and Egyptian theme.
- Legacy of Dead (Play'n GO) — 96.58% RTP, high volatility. A follow-up to Book of Dead that offers an alternative way to trigger free spins.
- Book of Gods (Big Time Gaming) — High volatility. Allows for multiple expanding symbols during free spins, similar to Book of Ra Magic.
You can find these games on most ADM-regulated Italian casinos. Check your chosen casino's lobby to see which ones are available.