Discover Book of Ra

Origins and theme

You discover why Book of Ra became a fixture for Canadian players. Novomatic launched this Egyptian adventure in 2005 for land-based cabinets, then brought it online in 2008. You step into tombs with an explorer, chasing scarabs, pharaohs, and the Book itself. The setup stays classic and clear, which helped it spread through casinos across Canada before the online shift.

Book of Ra – Key Facts
Developer	Novomatic (Austrian headquarters in Gumpoldskirchen)
Release Year	2005 (land-based), 2008 online
Reels / Rows	5 / 3
Paylines	Up to 9 adjustable lines
RTP	≈ 95.03 % (online version); ≈ 92.13 % (land-based)
Volatility	High
Min / Max Bet	$0.12 – $60 per spin (casino-dependent)
Max Win	5,000× stake (five Explorer symbols)
Main Bonus	10 Free Spins with 1 Random Expanding Symbol
Special Symbol	Book – acts as Wild & Scatter

How it plays

You spin a 5x3 grid with up to 9 adjustable lines. The Book symbol doubles as Wild and Scatter. Land three or more Books to get 10 free spins. One symbol is randomly chosen to expand and cover reels during the bonus, creating those screen-filling moments. Five Explorer symbols pay 5,000× your stake, but the volatility is high, so results swing. This expanding-symbol idea sparked many later Book-style slots.

Why Canadian players love it

You value its simple rules, manual line selection, and the surge when the bonus hits. The cabinet sounds became a Canadian casino touchstone, and the cult following endures thanks to adjustable stakes and those full-screen expansions.

Meet Novomatic

You get Book of Ra from Novomatic, an Austrian gaming technology company founded in 1980 by Johann Graf. From a small start, it grew into one of Europe's largest gaming equipment manufacturers. The headquarters is in Gumpoldskirchen near Vienna. Novomatic has installed more than 230,000 gaming terminals across over 45 countries. In 2022 the group reported revenue above CAD $4.2 billion, a sign of its global scale.

Book of Ra by the official provider

Book of Ra launched in 2005 and quickly became Novomatic's flagship slot. It first appeared on brick-and-mortar cabinets running the Coolfire I platform, then moved online. Today Greentube, Novomatic's digital studio, develops and maintains all certified online versions, including Classic, Deluxe, Deluxe 6 and Temple of Gold. In Canada you can access these versions only at operators holding proper provincial licensing.

Their role in gaming

Novomatic operates in land-based casinos, AWP machines, online gaming, lottery solutions and sports betting through the Admiral brand. The company holds ISO 27001 certification, and independent labs such as GLI test its products to verify random outcomes.

• Canadian licensing: Greentube works with provincial gaming authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations
• Player protection: every Book of Ra version includes mandatory loss limits, reality checks and responsible gaming features required under Canadian gaming laws
• Maximum stake: varies by province but typically ranges from CAD $1.50 to CAD $3.00 per spin for online slots in Canada

When you play Book of Ra at a licensed Canadian casino, you use the official Novomatic RNG hosted on secure servers. It is audited annually to meet current regulatory standards.

Explore Book of Ra Deluxe

You get Novomatic's 2008 upgrade of the Egyptian adventure slot. The core book mechanic stays, but the game was rebuilt first in modern C++ and later in HTML5, so it runs smoothly in desktop, tablet, and smartphone browsers.

Key upgrades from the original

• Paylines: increased from 9 to 10 adjustable lines, giving you one more route to trigger wins.
• RTP: raised to 95.03% (land-based versions still sit at 92.13%), for slightly fairer theoretical returns.
• Graphics and audio: high-resolution symbols, smoother reel animation, and a richer soundtrack deepen the feel.
• Max win: unchanged at 5,000x stake for five Indiana Jones-style explorers, but the larger line bet ceiling (CAD $0.01–$5.00 per line) lifts the absolute payout potential.

How it plays

The high-variance math model remains, so you can expect longer dry spells punctuated by sizable hits. Free spins trigger when three or more Book symbols land, awarding 10 spins with a randomly chosen expanding symbol. Because reels expand in full HD, the full-screen explorer looks crisp, reinforcing the slot's cult status among Canadian high-rollers.

A streamlined interface lets you set lines, coins, and autospins with one click, while turbo mode shortens reel stop time for faster sessions. Feature frequency and symbol payouts mirror the classic release, and the technical rebuild keeps the gameplay authentic without retro limits.

Understand RTP and Win Rates

What RTP means for you

Book of Ra's theoretical Return to Player varies by edition. The original land-based release sits at 92.13%. Most licensed online casinos publish 94.26% for the classic five-reel, 9-payline slot. Book of Ra Deluxe, the most popular web version, is calibrated at 95.03% RTP. These figures are calculated over millions of spins and describe long-term performance, not what you will see in a single evening.

RTP by version

Version	Paylines	Theoretical RTP
Book of Ra Classic	9	92.13% – 94.26%
Book of Ra Deluxe	10	95.03%
Book of Ra Deluxe 6	10 + 1 extra reel	95.10%

Your win potential

All Book of Ra titles feature high volatility. You can face longer dry spells and then larger hits, especially during the 10 free spins with an expanding symbol. In Book of Ra Deluxe, the top single-spin payout is 5,000× your total stake when five Explorer symbols land across all 10 lines. At the $100 CAD max bet in Canadian-licensed online casinos, that can reach $500,000 CAD.

Plan your sessions

• Bankroll management: Because of high variance, aim for a session bankroll of at least 200× your base bet.
• Bonus round frequency: On average, free spins trigger once every 150–180 spins, though this can swing widely.
• Short-term swings: The published RTP does not guarantee profit in the short run. Luck and session length remain decisive.

Check Legality and Licensing in Canada

How Canadian rules apply

Online gambling in Canada is regulated at the provincial level, with each province having its own licensing authority and regulations. To offer Book of Ra legally, a casino needs proper provincial licensing from the relevant gaming authority in each province. Novomatic's interactive arm, Greentube, delivers its Novoline portfolio — including Book of Ra — to Canadian-licensed brands operating under provincial regulations. Players should verify that their chosen casino holds valid licensing from their provincial gaming authority.

What to check before you spin

Scroll to the casino footer and confirm:

• Provincial gaming licence identification number with regulatory authority details
• Company name and Canadian address of the licence holder

Player safeguards you can expect

• Reasonable maximum stake limits per spin on all slots (varies by province)
• Monthly deposit limits with options to adjust based on responsible gaming assessments
• Time-based controls and session limits to promote healthy play habits
• Regular reality check notifications and automatic session timeouts
• Immediate self-exclusion options available 24/7

These rules are enforced by provincial regulators and are designed to support responsible play while maintaining an enjoyable gaming experience.

Why a licence matters

Using an unlicensed site puts your deposits outside Canadian consumer-protection law. Disputed payouts are unenforceable, and payment providers may block transactions. Staying with provincially-licensed platforms ensures fair RNG audits of Book of Ra, reliable payouts in Canadian dollars, and access to responsible gaming support services if you need them.

Play Free Demo

Start here

You can launch the Book of Ra demo on Novomatic's official Greentube Home of Games portal or through any Canadian licensed casino that offers the slot. The demo usually loads with 10,000 virtual coins and uses the same math as cash play with 5 reels, 3 rows, and up to 10 selectable paylines.

How it runs

• No download. It runs in HTML5 on desktop, iOS, and Android browsers.
• The free spins feature with the expanding symbol is included. Get it with 3 or more Book icons for 10 free games.
• Demo bets range from $0.10 to $50 per spin. Exact values can vary by operator but mirror real money limits.

Rules in Canada

Under Canadian gaming regulations you must pass a one time age and identity check before the demo continues beyond five minutes. Some sites may also cap demo sessions at 1,000 spins per day.

Why use the demo

• Measure hit frequency and volatility without risking your bankroll.
• Toggle paylines on or off to see how variance changes.
• Get a feel for how often the 10 free spins appear. The theoretical rate is about 1 in 150 spins.
• Decide if the RTP fits you. Book of Ra Classic is 95.03% and Deluxe is 95.10%.

Know the limits

All demo wins are fictitious. To turn play credits into withdrawable cash you must switch to real money mode and complete the casino's KYC checks.

Switch to Real Money Play

Make your first deposit

When you move on from demo mode, add funds at a licensed Canadian casino. Most regulated sites let you deposit instantly without fees via Interac e-Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, paysafecard, or other trusted payment methods. PayPal availability varies by operator. Minimum deposits usually start at CAD $10, though some operators accept CAD $5. If you opt into a bonus, it is credited automatically once your payment lands.

Quick deposit checklist

1. Open the Cashier and pick your payment method
2. Enter an amount of at least CAD $10 and approve it in your banking app or e‑wallet
3. Your balance updates instantly and any chosen bonus is added

Set your stake

Before each spin you adjust two things:

• Lines: Book of Ra Deluxe online uses 10 fixed paylines. Earlier versions let you choose 1–9
• Bet per line: CAD $0.01 up to CAD $5.00 on most Canadian sites, depending on the operator

That means a maximum total stake of up to CAD $50 per spin at many Canadian casinos. This range allows for flexible budgeting while still giving you a shot at the 5,000× top win when the explorer fills the screen during free spins.

Bankroll control

Canadian operators offer built‑in protection tools:

• Daily deposit limits that you can set and adjust
• Reality checks and session reminders
• Self‑exclusion options for temporary or permanent blocks

Set a session budget and stop when you hit it. Do not chase losses. Each spin is independent, and Book of Ra Deluxe has a 94.26% RTP that does not change with stake size.

Find Where to Play Book of Ra

Canadian licensed casinos

You can play Book of Ra legally only at operators holding proper gaming licences from provincial regulatory authorities across Canada. Licensed operators must display their licence information and regulatory details, which should link to official registers for verification. Canadian platforms typically offer responsible gaming features including deposit limits, session time controls, and self-exclusion options.

Licensed platforms in Canada offering Book of Ra or scheduled to add it:

• OLG.ca – Ontario's official gaming site, regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
• PlayAlberta.ca – Alberta's provincial gaming platform with classic slot selections
• BCLC.com – British Columbia Lottery Corporation's online casino
• Loto-Québec.com – Quebec's official gaming platform with Book of Ra variations

Pick a secure site

A trustworthy casino shows SSL certificate details and works with certified Canadian payment providers. Common Canadian banking options are:

• Interac e-Transfer – instant bank transfers
• Pre-authorized debit
• PayPal – available for licensed Canadian sites

Check player reviews for confirmed withdrawal times; most provincial sites average 24–48 hours for verified users. All licensed sites must provide responsible-gambling tools: mandatory spending limits with reasonable monthly defaults, self-exclusion programs, and regular reality checks. Unlicensed offshore casinos that operate without proper Canadian licensing violate provincial gaming laws and may block Book of Ra for Canadian IP addresses.

Master Game Rules

Paylines and betting

In the official Novomatic version, you play on a 5×3 grid with 9 adjustable paylines. You can activate 1 to 9 lines; using all 9 gives the best hit frequency. In most online editions the coin value starts at $0.01 CAD and goes up to $5.00 CAD per line. Total stake per spin is $0.09 CAD to $45.00 CAD, but figures may vary slightly between operators. Your total wager equals coin value × lines in play.

How wins are paid

Set your stake, choose lines, then press Spin. Line wins pay from the leftmost reel to the right on active lines. Scatter wins are the only exception. After each spin, any credits you win are added to your balance automatically.

Gamble feature

After a win, press Gamble to try a double-or-nothing side game. Guess the colour of a face-down card, red or black. A correct pick doubles your win; a wrong guess forfeits it. You may repeat up to the table limit or stop and collect.

Autoplay in Canada

The original Novomatic software includes Autoplay for continuous spins. Due to provincial gaming regulations in Canada, some licensed operators may disable Autoplay features. Check the casino settings to confirm availability in your province.

• Reel layout: 5 reels, 3 rows
• Wild/Scatter: The Book symbol substitutes for all symbols and triggers Free Spins (details in Bonus Features section)
• Minimum symbol match: 3 identical symbols (2 for Explorer) on an active payline

Uncover Symbols and Payouts

In Book of Ra by Novomatic (2005), you spin a 5×3 reel set with 9 selectable paylines. Line wins are calculated per active line and multiplied by your stake per line. Scatter wins use your total bet, not the line stake. All values below refer to the line stake unless stated as total bet.

High-value symbols

The Adventurer leads the paytable. Five on a line pay 5 000× your line stake, while four pay 1 000×. The Pharaoh's Sarcophagus comes next with 2 000× for a five-of-a-kind. Both of these also award smaller prizes when only two land.

The Book symbol wild and scatter

The Book works as both wild and scatter. It substitutes for other symbols, and as a scatter it pays anywhere. Land 3 or more Books to trigger 10 free spins with one randomly chosen expanding symbol. Scatter payouts are 2×, 20×, and 200× your total bet for 3, 4, and 5 Books.

Mid and low symbols

The Winged Isis statue and the Scarab Beetle each award up to 750× your line stake for five. Royal symbols A–10 complete the set, paying between 100× and 150× for five. These smaller hits show up more often and can steady your balance between bigger wins.

Symbol (5-of-a-kind)	Payout
Adventurer	5 000× line bet
Pharaoh Sarcophagus	2 000× line bet
Winged Isis	750× line bet
Scarab Beetle	750× line bet
A / K	150× line bet
Q / J / 10	100× line bet
Book Scatter	200× total bet

Activate Bonus Features

Trigger free spins

Land three, four, or five Book of Ra symbols anywhere on the reels to unlock the bonus round. The Book acts as both wild and scatter, so it substitutes for all other symbols and pays regardless of active paylines. A single trigger gives you 10 free spins at the same stake that activated the feature. Scatter payouts are granted first at the start of the round: 3 Books pay 2×, 4 Books pay 20×, and 5 Books pay 200× your total bet.

Expanding symbols

Before your first free spin, the game randomly selects one regular symbol to become a special expanding symbol. During the bonus, if enough of this symbol lands to form a standard win line, all instances expand to fill their reels. For reference, the Explorer needs two to count, while royals need three. After expansion, wins are calculated as if the combination covered consecutive reels from left to right, even when gaps exist between reels. This setup can boost payout potential without changing your bet.

Retrigger more spins

You can retrigger the feature indefinitely. Hit three or more Book symbols during free spins to add another 10 spins, and your original expanding symbol stays active. You can theoretically build up to 100 free games in one sequence, keeping the same rules during each retrigger.

Quick reference

• Trigger: 3+ Book symbols anywhere
• Initial free spins: 10
• Special symbol: Random, expands when eligible
• Scatter or wild pay: Up to 200× total bet for 5 Books
• Retriggers: Unlimited, +10 spins each time

Enjoy Mobile Gaming

You can play Book of Ra on your smartphone or tablet without losing the desktop feel. Novomatic, via Greentube, rebuilt the slot in HTML5 so it runs smoothly on iOS and Android. The mobile code matches the desktop release, so the 95.03% RTP, variance, and 10-payline structure stay the same.

Device compatibility

• iPhone & iPad (iOS 12+)
• Android phones & tablets (Android 6.0+)
• Windows Phone via Chromium-based browsers
• Huawei devices with Huawei Browser

You usually launch Book of Ra instantly in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox with no download. Licensed Canadian casinos may also offer a native app in the Apple App Store or Google Play that uses identical game files.

Smaller screens

The five-reel layout switches automatically between portrait and landscape. Large on-screen buttons let you set coin size from CAD $0.10 to CAD $50 per spin and start Autoplay with one tap. High-resolution Egyptian symbols stay crisp, and the expanding Book feature triggers exactly as it does on desktop.

Performance and data

• Average data use: about 2–3 MB per 100 spins
• Recommended connection: 3G or higher; use Wi‑Fi for uninterrupted Free Spin rounds
• Battery saver mode available in several casino apps

On the move or at home, you keep full bonus functionality, including 10 free spins plus an expanding symbol, with the same winning potential as on PC.