Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is Novomatic/Greentube’s classic Egyptian slot and one of the best-known casino games in Germany. This page focuses on the original Classic version first released in 2005, not the later Deluxe, Deluxe 6, Magic or similar variants that are often mixed together online.
| Feature | Book of Ra Classic |
|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic / Greentube |
| First release | 2005 |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 9 selectable lines |
| Main bonus | 10 free spins with 1 random expanding symbol |
| Special symbol | Book of Ra acts as Wild and Scatter |
| RTP | Often shown as 92.13% in the common Classic online build |
| Official game website | Book of Ra |
The game began as a land-based machine and was later adapted for online play by Greentube. Its simple structure, clear bonus round and Egyptian theme are a big part of why it has stayed popular for so long.
You can still find the Classic version at licensed online casinos that offer Novomatic titles in Germany. It remains a familiar reference point for players who want a straightforward slot with a recognisable bonus feature.
How the game works
Book of Ra is a 5-reel, 3-row slot with nine selectable paylines in the classic version. Before each spin, you choose how many lines to activate and set your bet. Your total stake depends on the number of lines selected and the denomination shown in the game.
Stake controls
At German licensed operators, the total stake is capped at €1 per spin. The exact minimum bet and credit steps can vary by casino, but the game usually lets you play from one line up to all nine. Once your stake is set, the spin button starts the reels.
Spin flow and line wins
The reels stop from left to right. In the classic paytable, Explorer, Mummy, Statue and Scarab can pay from two matching symbols on an active line, while A, K, Q, J and 10 need three, four or five. Apart from the Book scatter, winning symbols must start on the leftmost reel and continue across the payline without gaps.
The game checks all active lines automatically and adds any win to your balance straight away. In the base game, everything happens in the main reel window until a bonus feature is triggered.
Free spins and the expanding symbol
Landing three, four or five Book of Ra symbols anywhere on the reels pays 2x, 20x or 200x your total bet and triggers 10 free spins.
Before the bonus starts, the game picks one regular symbol at random as the expanding symbol. During the free spins, every time that symbol appears on a reel, it expands to fill all three positions on that reel. Wins are then paid according to the paytable, including combinations formed by the expanded reels. The feature can also retrigger for 10 more free spins.
Version differences
In Germany, some casinos offer the original Classic version, while others use Deluxe or later releases. Paylines, symbol sets, RTP and bonus behaviour can vary by version, so it’s worth checking the in-game help before you play.
Symbols and payouts
In Book of Ra, the explorer is the highest-paying regular symbol. In the Classic version, the ranking then runs through the mummy, the statue, the scarab beetle, and the card symbols from ace down to ten.
Symbol ranking
- Explorer – highest regular payout
- Mummy
- Statue
- Scarab beetle
- A, K, Q, J, 10 – lowest regular symbols
In the Classic paytable, the explorer pays 10, 100, 1,000, or 5,000 times the line bet for a win of 2, 3, 4, or 5 on a payline. The Book symbol pays 2x, 20x, or 200x the total bet for 3, 4, or 5 appearing anywhere on the reels.
The Book of Ra symbol also acts as both wild and scatter. It can replace other symbols to help complete a line, and three or more Books anywhere on the reels trigger the free spins feature.
Paytables can differ between Classic, Deluxe, and later releases, and RTP may also vary by operator. The help file inside the game is the best reference for the version you’re actually playing.
Which Book of Ra version are you playing?
Several Book of Ra versions are available in German online casinos, and the exact version affects paylines, stake options, and how the free spins feature works.
Book of Ra Deluxe is the version most players will see. It uses 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines, and it’s the build Greentube usually pushes most strongly on licensed sites.
Core differences
| Version | Reels | Paylines | Key change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 5x3 | 9 | Original release with the classic paytable and feature set |
| Deluxe | 5x3 | 10 | Updated graphics and one extra payline |
| Deluxe 6 | 5x3 or 6x3 | 10 | Optional sixth reel via Extra Bet and six-of-a-kind potential |
| Magic | 5x3 | 10 | Retriggers can add extra expanding symbols during free spins |
Before you start, open the info screen or paytable. The game title and line count usually tell you which version is running. The free spins round works on the same basic idea across the series, but the layout and bonus details can change the way the game feels.
Don’t assume every casino offers Deluxe. Some sites still have Classic, while others use Deluxe 6 or Magic. It’s worth checking before you place your stake.
Play demo or real money?
You can often try Book of Ra in demo mode before switching to real money. A demo usually lets you spin with virtual credits, so you can see the reels, paylines and bonus trigger without risking money. Whether a demo is available depends on the site, and some operators may ask you to register first.
Real money play
Real money mode requires an account. Registration usually asks for your name, date of birth, address and email. After verification, you can deposit and play with real stakes. The game works the same as in demo mode, but your balance is real and German market limits apply.
Identity checks
German operators carry out age and identity checks as part of regulated play. These checks are usually needed before your first withdrawal, and sometimes earlier if the operator needs to confirm your account. The process can be quick, but it may also take a day or two depending on the site and the documents requested.
Is Book of Ra legal in Germany?
Book of Ra is legal in Germany only through operators that hold a valid licence from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Sites without this licence are outside the regulated market.
Checking the licence
Look in the casino footer or legal page and confirm that the operator appears on the current official GGL whitelist. For German players, that is the key check. If the site is not listed, it isn’t part of the regulated market.
Product rules that apply
German rules limit how the game can be offered. The maximum stake is €1 per spin, each spin must take at least five seconds, and autoplay and turbo spin are disabled. Licensed operators also use LUGAS for the cross-operator deposit limit and OASIS for the national self-exclusion system.
If the game loads with these settings and the operator is on the GGL whitelist, the play is within the legal framework. Always check the licence before depositing.
Deposits and withdrawals in Germany
Check the cashier before you deposit. Payment options, withdrawal routes, verification checks, fees, and processing times vary by casino.
| Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Instant | Often 0–2 business days after approval | Fast where available, but not supported everywhere |
| Klarna Sofort | Instant | Usually not supported | Direct online banking deposit |
| Visa / Mastercard | Instant | 2–5 business days | Widely accepted, but payout speed depends on the card issuer |
| Paysafecard | Instant | Not supported | Prepaid option for controlled deposits |
| SEPA bank transfer | 1–3 business days | 1–5 business days | Reliable fallback, especially for larger withdrawals |
Most casinos ask for identity verification on the first withdrawal, which can add time. Fees are less common at licensed operators, but it’s still worth checking the exact terms before you play.
Book of Ra pros and cons
Book of Ra is still popular in Germany because it’s easy to understand and has a simple, classic slot structure. Its main drawback is that it feels dated next to newer games and can be very volatile.
Pros
- Simple rules make it easy to start playing.
- The high-volatility style can appeal to players who like bigger but less frequent wins.
- Its name is well known, so it’s easy to find at licensed online casinos.
- The free spins feature is straightforward and remains the main attraction.
- It does not demand much attention, which suits casual play.
Cons
- It has fewer features than many modern slots.
- Loss streaks can be long because the game is volatile.
- The visuals and sound design feel old compared with newer releases.
- In Germany, the required five-second spin rule can make online play feel slow.
For Germany players who want a simple high-variance slot, Book of Ra still makes sense. It just isn’t as feature-rich or modern as many newer options.