Book Of Ra
Discover Book of Ra: The Legendary Slot Adventure
At a glance
| Game Title | Book of Ra Classic |
| Developer | Novomatic (Greentube) |
| Release Date | 7 March 2005 |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Adventure |
| Layout | 5 Reels, 3 Rows |
| Paylines | 9 (Adjustable) |
| Key Feature | Free Spins with a Special Expanding Symbol |
| Volatility | High |
| RTP | 92.13% |
Origins
You’re looking at a slot that began its life in land-based casinos and never lost its popularity. Created by the Austrian studio Novomatic, Book of Ra first captured players’ imaginations on 7 March 2005. Its online version, brought by Greentube, opened the doors of the temple to players all over the world and ensured the legend lived on.
Theme and mood
You join a daring adventurer on a journey through ancient temples and dusty tombs. The Egyptian backdrop isn’t just for show. The golden Book of Ra, pharaohs, and sacred scarabs immerse you in an archaeological quest. That blend of mystery and discovery is why players in the UK have remained devoted for nearly two decades.
Signature feature
The Book of Ra symbol acts as both Wild and Scatter. Land three or more and you’ll trigger 10 free spins. Before they begin, one symbol is randomly chosen as a Special Expanding Symbol. During the free spins, it can expand to cover an entire reel and pays out on all active lines, no matter where it lands—making for a simple setup with plenty of suspense.
Book of Ra Deluxe: What Sets It Apart
Book of Ra Deluxe is the polished successor to the original slot, launched in 2008, and it brings a fresh twist to the Egyptian adventure you’re familiar with. Expect sharper graphics, smoother animations, and improved sound effects that enhance the atmosphere. Symbols are more detailed, and the overall look is sleek. It’s designed for modern devices while retaining its classic essence, so you’ll enjoy a cleaner interface with a style that still feels up to date.
Feature
Book of Ra Classic
Book of Ra Deluxe
Paylines
9
10 (adjustable)
Graphics
Original 2D graphics
Modernised, high-resolution visuals
RTP
Approx. 92.13%
Approx. 95.10%
Gameplay upgrades
Deluxe isn’t just an upgrade in looks – it offers an improved playing experience too. Paylines increase from 9 to 10, giving you an extra chance to win with every spin. The interface is snappy and works smoothly across all devices. The iconic bonus remains: 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol. When this symbol appears, it can cover an entire reel, leading to significant payouts.
Why you might prefer it
Deluxe keeps everything that made the original popular while enhancing the technology where it matters. A slightly higher RTP and an extra payline offer better theoretical returns, while the updated visuals make each session more immersive. You get a familiar experience that doesn’t feel dated, which is why Deluxe is often found more often than the classic version at UK online casinos. It offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern standards for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
How to Play: Symbols, Rules, and Game Mechanics
Book of Ra features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with up to 9 adjustable paylines in the classic version. Set your stake per line, select the number of active lines, and then spin. Wins pay from the leftmost reel. You win with two or more high-value symbols, or three or more lower-value symbols on an active payline.
Symbols and payouts
The slot embraces an Egyptian theme. Picture symbols pay more than the playing card royals. Value order:
- Explorer The highest paying symbol. Five on a payline award a significant win.
- Pharaoh’s Sarcophagus Second highest.
- Statue of Isis & Scarab Beetle Equal medium value.
- A K Q J 10 Lower value.
The Book symbol
The Book of Ra serves as both Wild and Scatter. As a Wild, it substitutes for other symbols to complete wins. As a Scatter, three or more books anywhere award 10 free spins. The book also pays for 3, 4, or 5 appearing anywhere on the reels.
Free spins and expanding symbol
Before free spins begin, the book randomly selects one regular symbol to become special. When enough of this symbol lands during free spins, it expands to fill its reel. Expanded wins pay across all active lines, even if the symbols are not adjacent.
Gamble feature
After any win, you can use the Gamble feature. A face-down card appears; choose red or black. Guess correctly and your winnings are doubled – you can gamble again if you wish. An incorrect guess means you lose the amount won on that spin.
RTP, Volatility, and Win Rates Explained
Return to Player
Book of Ra Classic features a Return to Player of 92.13%. This is the long-term percentage of total wagers that is paid back over many spins, not a guarantee for any individual session. Book of Ra Deluxe increases the RTP to 95.10%. Both figures are below those seen in many modern online slots, reflecting the origins of these classic Novomatic titles designed for brick-and-mortar casinos. The RTP helps you compare different versions, but it doesn’t alter the unpredictable nature of the game from one spin to the next.
| Metric | Book of Ra Classic | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | 92.13% | 95.10% |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Maximum Win | 5,000x Bet | 5,000x Bet |
Volatility in Practice
Both versions are high volatility. You’ll see fewer wins compared to low volatility slots, but when the game pays out, it can deliver substantial prizes. Dry spells are common, as much of the potential is found in the bonus feature. The top prize reaches 5,000 times your stake, highlighting the high risk, high reward nature.
Your Winning Chances
The free spins bonus is triggered on average once every 170 to 200 spins, depending on the version. Base game wins occur more frequently, but they tend to be smaller. The real potential comes during the 10 free spins, when the special expanding symbol is active. Be prepared for swings, use a bankroll strategy that can handle losing streaks, and allow variance to play out over time.
Novomatic: The Developer Behind the Game
You play Book of Ra from Novomatic, an Austrian gaming technology conglomerate with decades of experience in the casino industry. Established in 1980 by billionaire Johann Graf, Novomatic has grown into one of Europe’s most recognised gaming giants. The company developed a strong presence in land-based casinos and later brought its popular titles online via its Greentube subsidiary. This move helped Book of Ra reach players across Germany and far beyond.
Novomatic at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Johann Graf |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Gumpoldskirchen, Austria |
| Global Reach | Operations in over 50 countries |
| Online Division | Greentube |
| Key Products | Slot machines, electronic table games, casino management systems |
Reputation and reach
You’ll come across Novomatic games in casinos throughout Germany and across Europe. The company is renowned for slot games that combine entertainment value with fair, rigorously tested gameplay. Book of Ra became its flagship title, inspiring sequels and spin-offs over the years and achieving legendary status among slot enthusiasts.
Quality and innovation
Novomatic emphasises robust gameplay over flashy gimmicks. Its slots feature straightforward rules and high volatility, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned players. Book of Ra embodies this philosophy with a simple, engaging design that has stood the test of time since its release in 2005. The studio continues to update and refine its games while maintaining the core elements that made them successful in the first place.
Free Demo Play: Try Book of Ra Without Risk
Most online casinos licensed in the UK allow you to try Book of Ra in demo mode, so you can play before risking any money. The free version includes all the features of the real money game, including the special expanding symbols and the 10 free spins bonus round. Due to UK regulations under the Gambling Commission, many sites require you to register and verify your account before you can access any free-to-play games.
How demo mode works
When you launch the demo, you receive virtual credits that you can usually replenish by reloading the game. The demo plays exactly like the paid version, giving you a real sense of reel speed, the rhythm of wins, and how often features are triggered.
Why use demo mode
Free play lets you experience the game’s high volatility without any risk. You can try out ideas, learn the mechanics, and build confidence before gambling with real pounds.
- Learn the bonus feature: Trigger free spins, see the randomly selected expanding symbol, and how it pays on non-adjacent reels.
- Understand the paytable: Get to know symbol values from 10, J, Q, K, A up to the Scarab, Sarcophagus, and the Explorer.
- Test betting strategies: Try minimum to maximum bets and track the effect on your virtual balance to find a level that suits you.
- Experience volatility: Observe long winning streaks and dry spells to understand the game’s high variance over time.
Demo mode will not pay out real money, but it won’t cost you anything either. When you feel ready, you can switch to playing for real money.
Real Money Play: How to Win Big
Playing Book of Ra with real money transforms your session from casual spins into a quest for riches. To get started, create an account at a licensed online casino and make a deposit. Choose secure options such as debit cards, e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, or a bank transfer. Most platforms accept deposits from just a few pounds, so you can set a budget that works for you. Select a payment method you trust and set a stake you’re comfortable with before spinning the reels.
Prize potential
The biggest wins come from the free spins bonus. A special expanding symbol can cover entire reels. When high-value symbols expand across several reels, payouts increase rapidly. The Explorer is the highest paying symbol and awards 5,000x your line bet for a full payline.
| Symbol | Max payout for five |
|---|---|
| Explorer | 5,000x your line bet |
| Pharaoh | 2,000x your line bet |
| Statue | 750x your line bet |
| Scarab Beetle | 750x your line bet |
Smart play
Begin with smaller bets while you get to know the game’s pace. Adjust your stake to match your session budget, rather than trying to chase losses. The free spins bonus is where the largest wins are found, so patience is key. For smaller wins in the base game, you can try the optional Gamble feature. It offers a 50/50 chance to double your prize. Remember, Book of Ra is a high volatility slot. Wins may not come often, but they can be substantial when they do.
Book of Ra Variations and Spin-Offs
You’re not limited to just one adventure. The original Book of Ra has inspired a whole family of slot games, each catering to different preferences. Novomatic has preserved the iconic Egyptian theme and introduced fresh mechanics, so you can choose the pace and features that suit you best.
| Game Version | Reels | Paylines | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Classic | 5 | 9 | Classic free spins with one special expanding symbol. |
| Book of Ra Deluxe | 5 | 10 | Improved graphics, an extra payline, and slightly higher volatility. |
| Book of Ra Deluxe 6 | 5 or 6 | 10 | Optional 6th reel (“Extra Bet”) for larger winning combinations. |
| Book of Ra Magic | 5 | 10 | Re-triggered free spins add a new expanding symbol each time, up to 9 in total. |
| Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes | 5 | 10 | Four-level progressive jackpot bonus: Mini, Minor, Major, Grand. |
Classic
Enjoy five reels and nine paylines with simple, straightforward gameplay. If you’re new to the series, this is a clear and easy introduction.
Deluxe
Ten paylines and enhanced visuals keep the original feel while adding a touch of refinement. The slightly increased volatility brings a bit more excitement.
Deluxe 6
Activate the optional sixth reel with the “Extra Bet”. Your stake increases, but six-of-a-kind wins become possible, offering bigger payouts.
Magic
Each re-trigger during free spins adds another special expanding symbol, stacking up to nine at once for dramatic wins.
Mystic Fortunes
This version is all about jackpots. Collect coin symbols to unlock a bonus round with four progressive jackpot levels.
Every version keeps the explorer theme alive, while tweaking the maths, bonus triggers, or visuals. Opt for classic simplicity or go after modern features.
Where to Play Book of Ra Online in the UK
If you want to play Book of Ra safely in the UK, choose casinos licensed by the national regulator. Since the Gambling Act 2005 is in effect, only operators approved by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) can legally offer online slots nationwide. This licensing framework protects your funds and personal data under British law, so it’s important where you register.
UKGC-licensed casinos with Book of Ra
Novomatic titles are available at regulated sites once more. After a brief absence, Greentube, Novomatic’s interactive division, has returned to the UK market, and you can now find the classic Book of Ra and sequels like Book of Ra Deluxe at approved operators. Examples include:
- StarGames.co.uk
- bwin.co.uk
- Betway
- Casumo
- Mr Green
These brands feature Novomatic games within their licensed slot selections, so you can play within the current UK rules.
What to check before playing
Before you sign up, confirm the casino appears on the official UKGC register. This is the most reliable way to verify legal status in the UK. Also look for secure payment methods popular here, such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, or Paysafecard.
Many licensed sites provide welcome bonuses you can use on Book of Ra. Always read the terms and conditions and remember the nationwide £2 maximum stake per spin rule. If you’d like to practise first, look for a demo mode. This lets you get to know the interface and gameplay before depositing real money.
Is Book of Ra Legal in the UK?
Yes, you can legally play Book of Ra online in the UK as long as you use an operator licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. The UK has a well-established regulatory framework for online slots, ensuring a safe environment for players. Operators holding a valid UK licence are closely monitored and required to follow strict player protection measures. Always check a site’s licensing details before you start spinning.
Rules at Licensed UK Casinos
At UK-regulated casinos, you will encounter robust player protection rules designed to encourage responsible gambling:
- Monthly deposit limit: Many casinos allow you to set your own monthly deposit limits, and affordability checks may be carried out to ensure responsible spending.
- Betting cap: Maximum stakes per spin can vary, but you’ll often find a sensible upper limit aimed at curbing excessive play.
- Spin speed restrictions: Each spin must last at least 2.5 seconds, to help reduce rapid play.
- No autoplay: Automatic spins are prohibited; every spin must be started manually.
- Reality checks: You will receive reminders after set intervals of play, encouraging regular breaks and responsible gaming.
These measures apply across all UK Gambling Commission-licensed platforms.
Playing at Unlicensed Sites
Some offshore casinos without a UK licence still offer Book of Ra to British players. While you are unlikely to face legal consequences for using them, they operate outside UK law and do not provide the mandatory protections listed above. This can make it harder to resolve any disputes. For the safest and most secure experience, choose casinos that clearly display a valid UK Gambling Commission licence on their website.
Mobile Gaming: Play Book of Ra on the Go
You can play Book of Ra and popular versions like Book of Ra Deluxe anywhere in the UK on your smartphone or tablet. Most online casinos offering the game are optimised for mobile and often don’t require a download. Open your mobile browser, sign in to your casino account, and continue your Egyptian adventure wherever you are.
Browser play and compatibility
The mobile version uses HTML5, so it runs smoothly across devices and operating systems in instant play. Visuals and audio are just like the desktop edition, and the layout automatically fits your screen. You keep the core experience with no extra hassle.
- Full compatibility: Works on iOS iPhone and iPad, as well as Android mobiles and tablets
- No download: Play directly in Chrome, Safari, or Firefox using your usual login details
- Data friendly: Designed to keep data usage low, though a stable Wi‑Fi connection is recommended
Touch controls and interface
The touchscreen layout keeps all controls straightforward. Tap the large spin button, adjust your stake with plus and minus, and open the paytable with a single tap. Switch to landscape mode for a broader view. All features are available on mobile, including the trademark expanding symbol bonus round and the Gamble option. Your progress and settings remain synced with your account across all devices.
Tips for Maximising Your Book of Ra Experience
You’ll get more out of Book of Ra when you play with a plan. It’s a game of chance, but knowing how the features work and pacing your budget helps you enjoy longer sessions and gives your balance a fair chance.
Smart bankroll management
Set a session budget and stick to it. Split your bankroll into smaller portions so you can take more spins without risking everything at once. Size each bet in proportion to your total bankroll. Don’t chase losses with bigger wagers. If a session isn’t going your way, pause and come back later.
Understand the bonus round
The biggest wins usually come from free spins. Land three or more Book symbols anywhere to trigger the feature. You’ll receive 10 free spins. Before they start, one symbol is randomly chosen as a special expanding symbol. When it appears during free spins, it can expand to cover the entire reel and pays on all active lines regardless of position. High-value symbols pay from two or more reels. Low-value symbols require three or more.
Use the Gamble feature carefully
After any win you can choose Gamble. It’s a 50/50 guess on the colour of a face-down card, red or black. A correct pick doubles your win. A wrong pick loses it. Consider using Gamble on smaller wins to build your balance, and skip it after a significant payout to protect your winnings.
Play with a clear mind
Stay relaxed and avoid impulsive bets. Book of Ra has high volatility, so wins can be infrequent but substantial. Take short breaks during longer sessions to stay focused and make steadier decisions.