Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is Novomatic's defining slot and the game that popularised the "Book" format in Germany. It first built its reputation in land-based gaming halls and Novoline venues before successfully moving to online casinos through Greentube, Novomatic's digital division.
For many German players, it remains the benchmark for Egyptian-themed games. Even with countless newer editions and imitators on the market, the original game is still widely played because of its simple presentation, familiar mechanics, and high volatility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Novomatic (Greentube online) |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 9 (Classic) or 10 (Deluxe) |
| Bonus feature | 10 free spins (from 3+ Book symbols) with one expanding symbol |
| Volatility | High |
Symbols and Base Game Rules
Book of Ra uses a standard five-reel, three-row layout. The symbols mix low-paying card ranks (10 to A) with higher-paying themed icons, led by the Explorer as the game's top-paying symbol.
The Book is the most important symbol in the base game. It acts as both a Wild, substituting for other symbols to complete winning lines, and a Scatter, paying out from any position on the reels without needing to follow a payline.
The Free Spins Bonus
Three or more Book symbols trigger 10 free spins, and the feature can be retriggered. Before the round begins, the game randomly selects one regular paying symbol to act as the special symbol for the whole bonus. This can be any of the standard character or card symbols, including the Explorer.
During the free spins, whenever the chosen symbol lands, it expands to cover all three positions on that reel. This expanding mechanic is what most players associate with Book of Ra.
Wins are still evaluated on the game's active paylines. However, because an expanded symbol covers entire reels, it can create several line wins at once. A strong bonus round usually depends on how often this chosen symbol appears and expands across multiple reels in a single spin.
RTP and Volatility
Book of Ra is a high-volatility slot. Its Return to Player (RTP) depends on the specific version and the casino you play at. Because a large share of the payout is tied to the free spins feature, you can expect long quiet stretches between bigger wins.
RTP figures are set by the developer, Novomatic, but can vary based on German market regulations and casino setups. For example, Book of Ra Deluxe commonly sits around 95.1%, while the Classic version varies widely. Always check the in-game info panel to confirm the exact RTP before you play.
High volatility means your bankroll will see sharp swings. Small base-game wins rarely cover a run of losing spins. To manage your balance, it makes sense to play with lower stakes. This gives you enough time to reach the main bonus feature without draining your funds too quickly.
The Most Popular Versions of the Game
Book of Ra Classic and Book of Ra Deluxe are the two versions players in Germany will see most often. While both share the same core gameplay, there are a few key differences:
- Book of Ra Classic: The original release featuring the older visual style and 9 paylines.
- Book of Ra Deluxe: An updated version with refreshed graphics, a cleaner interface, and 10 paylines.
Novomatic later expanded the series with other variants. Book of Ra Magic keeps the familiar expanding-symbol feature, while Book of Ra 6 introduces a sixth reel. These newer titles offer different ways to play without replacing the originals.
Is Book of Ra Legal in Germany?
Book of Ra is legal in Germany as long as you play at a casino listed on the official GGL whitelist. Licensed operators must follow strict German player protection rules, including age verification and the OASIS self-exclusion system.
Under local regulations, all online slots have a €1 maximum stake per round and a five-second minimum spin time. These mandatory limits apply to Book of Ra at any legally operating German site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gamble feature?
The Gamble feature lets you risk a recent win for a chance to double it. It is a separate double-or-nothing game played after a winning spin. You either double your money or lose the win entirely. Note that this feature may be disabled depending on the game version and the casino you use.
Can you play Book of Ra on mobile?
Yes. The game runs smoothly on most mobile browsers and casino apps. The layout adapts to fit smaller screens, but the reels, payouts and bonus features remain exactly the same.
Are there cheats or tricks that can change the result?
No. There are no cheats, hacks or timing tricks that can force a win. Every spin is controlled by a certified Random Number Generator (RNG), meaning each result is completely independent and random.
Does the RNG make the game fair?
Yes. Independent testing ensures the RNG produces truly random outcomes. Results are never influenced by your betting patterns, device type or past spins. Changing your stake size or spin speed will not unlock any hidden cycles or change your odds.