Book Of Ra
Unveiling Book of Ra
Book of Ra, created by Novomatic and brought online by Greentube, holds a special place in Germany’s gaming scene. Since 2005, when it first appeared on Spielotheken cabinets, and later in its 2008 online release, we have seen this Egyptian-themed slot become a favorite for many players. Its adventurous setting and easy-to-understand gameplay keep it relevant both in arcades and on digital platforms.
| Main Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer / Publisher | Novomatic / Greentube |
| Reels / Rows | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 9 fixed |
| RTP (Classic version) | Approx. 92.13% |
| Volatility | High |
| Key Bonus | 10 free spins with a randomly selected expanding symbol |
| Wild & Scatter | Book symbol substitutes and triggers bonus with 3 or more |
| Max Win | Up to 5,000× stake per spin |
| Stake Range* | €0.09 – €45 (may vary by casino) |
Theme and atmosphere
When we play Book of Ra, we step into ancient tombs decorated with scarabs, golden masks, and the bold Explorer. The sepia colors, flickering torches, and rhythmic drumming set an adventurous tone. The Book icon, central to the game, animates with turning pages and adds suspense every time it lands on the reels.
Why it resonates in Germany
For many of us, Book of Ra began in local arcades on Admiral and Merkur machines. The online version kept the familiar 9-line layout and German text, making the transition natural. Its simple controls, nostalgic audio, and accessible bet limits continue to connect generations—whether we’re returning fans or trying it for the first time.
What to expect
Book of Ra offers fast-paced rounds. Wins count from left to right, and the Book acts as both Wild and Scatter. Landing three or more Books launches 10 free spins, with a random symbol that can expand to fill reels and create big win potential. Thanks to HTML5, we enjoy smooth spins on any device, whether at home or on the move.
Your Journey into the Pyramids
Getting started
We start our adventure by choosing the number of paylines. In the original Book of Ra, there are up to 9 options, while Book of Ra Deluxe adds a tenth. Next, we select our line stake, usually between €0.01 and €5.00 at most casinos serving Germany. The game always shows our total bet and remaining balance, so we keep track as we play. By pressing Spin, we trigger one round, or we can select Auto for continuous spins. If we enter a bonus feature or the Gamble round, the reels stop on their own.
How wins are formed
Book of Ra uses a 5-reel, 3-row layout. Wins happen when three or more identical symbols line up from left to right on an active payline. Some symbols lead to higher payouts:
- Explorer – 5,000× our line bet for five in a row
- Sarcophagus – 2,000× our line bet for five
- Statue of Ra – 750× our line bet for five
- Scarab – 750× our line bet for five
- Book symbol – acts as both Wild and Scatter, replacing any symbol and paying 2×, 20×, or 200× our total bet when 3, 4, or 5 land anywhere
The signature bonus
When we land three or more Book symbols, we receive 10 free games. Before these spins, a random regular symbol becomes our special expander. During the bonus, if enough of this symbol lands, it grows to fill its reels and pays out even if the symbols are not lined up together. Getting three or more Books again adds 10 more free spins, keeping the same expanding symbol in play. On the Deluxe version, if the Explorer expands on all reels, wins of up to 50,000× our stake are possible in a single bonus spin.
Optional risk feature
After any win, the Gamble button can appear. Here, we try to guess the colour of a hidden card. A correct guess doubles our prize, but a wrong guess means losing that round’s winnings. We can choose to gamble up to five times in a row, giving us the option to build bigger rewards or just risk part of our balance.
Exploring the Ra Legacy
Book of Ra has left a strong mark on the slot world since it first appeared in casino halls back in 2005. Over time, the game has evolved, but two features never changed: the Book symbol that works as both wild and scatter, and the bonus round of 10 free spins with at least one randomly selected expanding symbol. Novomatic has managed to keep the spirit of the original alive in every new release, which is one reason why Book of Ra remains so popular with players in Germany.
Classic and Deluxe Editions
The first version offers a familiar 5×3 grid, 9 paylines, and a 95.10% RTP. During free spins, only one symbol expands to cover reels, setting the stage for big wins. Book of Ra Deluxe, released in 2008, refreshed the look and play. This version comes with improved graphics, a small boost to RTP at 95.03%, and a 10th payline. These tweaks make for smoother online play, but the high volatility—favored by experienced players—stays the same.
Expanded Reels and New Layouts
- Book of Ra Deluxe 6 (2015) introduces an optional sixth reel, which you can unlock with the “Extra Bet” feature. This change increases the maximum possible win to 12,500x your stake, and all 10 paylines now run across six reels, adding to the excitement.
- Book of Ra Deluxe 10 (2019) offers a new setup with two synchronized reel sets: a 5×4 grid on the left and a massive 5×12 grid on the right, together providing 100 fixed lines. Wilds on the left side copy over to the same spots on the right, and expanding symbols during free spins cover both reels for even bigger wins.
Sequels with New Features
Novomatic has also brought new twists to the series:
- Book of Ra Magic lets players add more expanding symbols during the bonus, up to a total of nine, with each retrigger of the feature.
- Book of Ra – Two Symbols always selects two expanding symbols for every bonus round, which can lead to larger wins but also brings higher variance.
- Book of Ra Mystic Fortunes adds a chance to trigger a progressive jackpot with four levels—Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand—through random Gold Coin picks during play.
- Book of Ra – Temple of Gold features the Adventuress symbol and a slightly changed paytable, but keeps the 10 paylines and the core free spins feature.
No matter the version, the excitement of filling the screen with expanding symbols keeps us coming back to Book of Ra and its many sequels.
Understanding Your Odds
What RTP Means for Us
Return to Player, or RTP, tells us how much a slot is expected to pay back over many spins. With Book of Ra, the actual percentage can change based on the version and what the casino selects. Novomatic usually offers three certified RTP settings: 92.13%, 94.26%, and 95.03%. The decision on which one to use is up to each casino. When we see the original 9-line Classic, it tends to appear with the lowest RTP, while most online Deluxe versions use the higher 95.03% setting. We always check the pay-table or game info for the specific RTP shown to German players before we start playing.
Volatility and Playing Experience
Book of Ra slots are known for their high volatility. Wins can come in bursts, and most of the big payouts are locked behind the free-spin feature with expanding symbols. This means we might have stretches without much happening, followed by sudden, exciting wins.
- Classic & Deluxe: The base game pays regularly, but it’s the 10 free spins with one expanding symbol where we see real potential.
- Magic: During the bonus, up to nine different expanding symbols can land, bringing bigger prizes but also longer dry spells.
- Deluxe 6: A sixth reel is available for an extra cost, letting us chase top prizes up to eight times bigger, along with higher swings.
| Title | Volatility | Typical RTP in Germany | Session Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Classic | Medium-high | 92.13% – 94.26% | Smaller wins come more often, bonuses are leaner |
| Book of Ra Deluxe | High | 94.26% – 95.03% | Good balance, up to 5,000× stake possible |
| Book of Ra Deluxe 6 | Very high | 95.03% | Optional sixth reel, up to 10,000× stake win |
| Book of Ra Magic | High to very high | 95.03% | Multiple expanding symbols, bigger swings |
We usually match our bankroll to the volatility level—shorter, safer sessions on Classic, or a bigger budget when we aim for Deluxe 6 and Magic. When the legendary free-spin round arrives, that’s where most of the excitement and big wins happen.
Finding Your Pharaoh's Fortune
Playing Book of Ra Legally in Germany
We can enjoy Book of Ra for real money in Germany only at online casinos licensed under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) and regulated by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). These casinos must connect to the OASIS self-exclusion register and the LUGAS limit system, verify our identity before any deposit, and follow strict game rules. Each spin must last at least five seconds, auto-play is not allowed, and the maximum stake per spin is €1. Our deposits are usually capped at €1,000 per month by default.
Trusted Casino Choices
Among licensed platforms, we find Book of Ra sourced directly from Greentube/Novomatic. The most common versions include Book of Ra Classic, Deluxe, Deluxe 6, Magic, and Mystic Fortunes. Below is a quick overview of reliable options:
| Casino | Licence No. | Book of Ra Versions | Welcome Bonus* | Popular Payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StarGames.de | GGL-HSH-00004 | Classic, Deluxe, Deluxe 10 | 100 % up to €100 + 30 FS | Sofort, PayPal, Giropay |
| NOVOLINE.de | GGL-HSH-00005 | Classic, Deluxe 6, Mystic Fortunes | 100 % up to €100 + 50 FS | Trustly, Visa, Mastercard |
*Bonus offers may change. German bonus terms always apply: we must be 18 or older, verify our account, keep to the €1 spin limit, and observe the five-second rule during wagering.
How We Check for Safety
- We confirm each casino is on the official GGL whitelist.
- We look for up-to-date OASIS and LUGAS integration.
- We review RTP certifications to ensure Greentube games are genuine.
- We test deposits and withdrawals after completing identity checks.
What to Know Before Signing Up
We always look for the GGL seal in the site’s footer, complete verification straight away, and set a personal monthly limit (up to €1,000). Reality checks help us keep track of our playing time. If Book of Ra is ever unavailable due to technical audits, we update our recommendations with games like Eye of Horus or Ramses Book that follow the same German standards.
Practice or Pursue Riches?
Why We Start with Demo Play
We use the demo version of Book of Ra to get a feel for every feature without risking our balance. This free mode matches the real-money game, including the 95.03% RTP and high volatility of the Deluxe edition. Spin patterns and win potential stay true to the full version, so what we see in demo reflects real outcomes. We try out all 10 paylines, adjust our bets from €0.10 up to €50 per spin, and watch how the Book symbol acts both as a Wild and a Scatter.
Landing three Book symbols anywhere triggers 10 free spins, and during these, one symbol is randomly chosen to expand. Demo play lets us observe how this feature works, how often it appears, and how big the wins can get with a full screen of expanding symbols. Because German law (GlüStV 2021) requires age and ID checks, some sites unlock demo play only after registration. Still, there’s no financial risk in the trial version. Results in demo won’t predict real payouts, but this mode helps us practice bet sizing and see how volatile the game can be.
Switching to Real Money Play
When we’re ready to play for real stakes, we stick to the strategies we developed in demo. To keep our budget safe, we follow a few essential steps:
- Decide on a session budget we’re willing to lose and set a clear win target, such as aiming for a payout 50 times our stake.
- Start at the same bet level we used in demo, only increasing after reaching a profit goal.
- Use casino tools like session reminders, loss limits, and auto log-outs to keep control.
- Check bonus rules. Many German casino offers count Book of Ra towards wagering, but often set a €5 max bet.
- End our session after 10–15 minutes of play or sooner if we reach our loss limit.
Short, focused sessions help us avoid overspending and let us enjoy the bonus round we practiced. With Book of Ra’s high volatility, dry spells are part of the experience, so we keep our expectations realistic and always play with limits in mind.
Beyond the Book's Pages
We know the excitement of Book of Ra draws many of us in, but sometimes we look for something that feels familiar yet adds a new dimension. The world of Egyptian-themed slots and expanding-symbol bonuses offers strong alternatives, each with its own take on the adventure. These games keep the atmosphere and mechanics we enjoy, while introducing twists that set them apart.
| Title | Provider | RTP % | Volatility | Max Win | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eye of Horus | Blueprint Gaming | 96.31 | Medium-High | 10,000x | Symbol upgrade free spins |
| Ramses Book | Gamomat | 96.15 | High | 5,000x | Book scatters & expanding symbol |
| Legacy of Egypt | Play’n GO | 96.50 | High | 5,000x | Wheel-of-Gods free spins & multipliers |
| Book of Dead | Play’n GO | 96.21 | High | 5,000x | Expanding symbol bonus |
| John Hunter & the Book of Tut | Pragmatic Play | 96.50 | High | 7,500x | Turbo spins & book bonus |
| Book of Darkness | Betsoft | 96.48 | Medium | 6,400x | Hero-vs-Villain battle free spins |
Egyptian Classics
- Eye of Horus by Blueprint Gaming stands out in Germany for its symbol upgrades during free spins, making hits more frequent as the round progresses.
- Ramses Book by Gamomat follows the book mechanic closely, giving us 10 free spins and a special expanding symbol, all with clear visuals and steady pacing.
- Legacy of Egypt by Play’n GO impresses with rich graphics and a Wheel of the Gods, where free spin counts and multipliers reach new heights.
Book-Style Alternatives
- Book of Dead by Play’n GO sets the standard for similar games, featuring 10 free spins with one expanding symbol on every bonus round.
- Legacy of Dead by Play’n GO adds an extra layer, letting each retrigger add another expanding symbol, eventually covering all pay icons.
- Book of Gold: Classic by Playson is streamlined for quick play, offering a five-line format, a 95.94% RTP, and payouts up to 5,000 times our stake.
Fresh Takes
- John Hunter and the Book of Tut by Pragmatic Play delivers fast spins, modern visuals, and the well-known 10-spin book bonus we like.
- Cat Wilde and the Doom of Dead by Play’n GO brings full-reel wilds to both the base game and free spins, alongside the expanding symbol mechanic.
- Book of Darkness by Betsoft introduces a fantasy battle, where choosing a side triggers 10 to 20 battle spins and wild reels in Shadowform mode.
We find these games capture the spirit of Book of Ra while offering new journeys through Egypt and beyond.