Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is a five-reel Egyptian-themed slot from Novomatic that launched in 2005 and still ranks among the most played games in German casinos today. The golden Book of Ra symbol acts as both wild and scatter, and the game introduced the expanding wild feature that later defined an entire genre of slots.
The graphics and sound design look dated by modern standards, but that hasn't stopped it from staying on casino floors and in online lobbies for nearly two decades. German players keep coming back because it delivers clear, high-stakes moments without complicated rules.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic (Greentube online) |
| Release | 2005 |
| Reels / Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Paylines | 9 (adjustable) |
| RTP | 92.13% (up to 94.01% in DE) |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 5,000x stake |
How to play the Book of Ra slot
Book of Ra uses a five-reel, three-row grid with up to 9 paylines. You choose how many lines to activate before each spin, and your total stake is the line bet multiplied by the number of active paylines.
Winning combinations pay left to right on active lines. Only the highest win per line counts. The Book of Ra symbol acts as both wild and scatter. Other symbols include an Egyptian explorer, a pharaoh, scarabs, and standard playing card icons.
Gamble Feature
After any win, you can optionally gamble your winnings by guessing the colour or suit of a hidden card. A correct guess multiplies the win; a wrong guess loses it. You can gamble repeatedly up to the operator's set limit, or cash out at any point.
How the free spins and expanding symbols work
The free spins round triggers when three or more scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. You receive ten free spins, and one regular symbol is randomly chosen to become the expanding symbol for the entire bonus.
During the free spins, that symbol expands to fill the full reel whenever it appears — no payline needed. High-value symbols like the pharaoh or explorer produce the largest wins when they expand across multiple reels. The expanding symbol stays the same throughout, including any retriggered spins if additional scatters land during the bonus.
Payouts, volatility, and RTP
Book of Ra runs on a high-volatility model. Wins come infrequently, but they can be significant when the expanding symbol lands during free spins. Most spins return nothing or very little, so dry spells are common. A general rule of thumb is to have 100 to 200 times your stake available to get through the quieter stretches comfortably.
RTP and maximum win
The classic version carries a theoretical RTP of 92.13%. In German regulated casinos, this is often set higher at 94.01% due to GGL licensing requirements. Always check the exact figure in the game info before you play, as it can vary by operator.
The maximum win is capped at 5,000 times your stake per spin, across all versions available to German players.
What this means in practice
The base game pays modestly on regular line wins. The real returns come from the free spins bonus, which is where the expanding symbol does most of its work. Because of the variance, short sessions can feel punishing even when the long-term RTP is close to 94%. Many players lower their stake size when the balance is under pressure, or set a firm loss limit per session to avoid chasing losses through a cold streak.
Playing Book of Ra for real money in Germany
You can play Book of Ra for real money only at online casinos licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These operators carry the Greentube version of the game, which is required under current German regulations. All GGL-licensed platforms are regularly tested for fairness and data protection, and support verified German payment methods including bank transfer, PayPal, and paysafecard.
Popular GGL-licensed operators
- Tipico Casino – Full Greentube library, PayPal support, and fast German bank transfers.
- bwin – Wide Novomatic selection with strong responsible gaming tools.
- LEO Casino – Mobile-first platform with identical demo and real money versions.
Demo mode
Every regulated casino offering Book of Ra also provides a free demo version. You can play without registering or depositing, which makes it a straightforward way to get a feel for the game before spending real money. The reel behaviour and settings are identical in both modes.
Other popular Novomatic slots
Novomatic offers several slots that German players often choose alongside the original Book of Ra. These titles share the same straightforward style but differ in theme and pace.
Book of Ra Deluxe
This 2008 update is the most direct follow-up. It keeps the Egyptian setting and expanding symbol feature but adds improved graphics, 10 paylines, and slightly faster reel spins.
Lucky Lady's Charm
A lighter game built around a luck theme — ladybirds, four-leaf clovers, stacked wilds, and a retriggerable free spins round. It pays out more frequently than the classic Book of Ra and has a noticeably different feel.
Sizzling Hot
A pure fruit machine with five reels, simple win lines, and no bonus rounds. Good for short sessions when you want something fast and uncomplicated.
All three are widely available at GGL-licensed casinos that carry the classic version.
Frequently asked questions
Does Book of Ra work on mobile?
Yes. The game runs well on smartphones and tablets through most GGL-licensed casino sites, either in the browser or via a dedicated app.
What are the bet limits?
The minimum stake is usually €0.10 per spin. Under GGL rules, the maximum is €1 per spin.
Is it available at German casinos?
Yes. Book of Ra and Book of Ra Deluxe are available at most regulated casinos using Greentube or Novomatic software. Check for a GGL licence before playing for real money.
Can you play for free?
Yes. Licensed operators in Germany offer a demo mode that lets you try the game without registering or depositing.
Does it have Autoplay?
Yes. You can set between 5 and 100 automatic spins, with optional limits on losses and single wins.