Book Of Ra Game
Discover Book of Ra
Origins and theme
You discover why Book of Ra became a fixture for German 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 Spielhallen across Germany 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 | €0.09 – €45 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 German players love it
You value its simple rules, manual line selection, and the surge when the bonus hits. The cabinet Ding-Ding sounds became a German Spielhallen 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 €2.9 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 Germany you can access these versions only at operators holding a GlüStV 2021 permit.
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.
- German licensing: Greentube received a nationwide licence from the German regulator GGL in January 2023
- Player protection: every Book of Ra version includes mandatory loss limits, reality checks and a panic button required under German law
- Maximum stake: €1 per spin for online slots in Germany under §22a GlüStV 2021
When you play Book of Ra at a licensed German casino, you use the official Novomatic RNG hosted on EU 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 (€0.01–€5 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 German 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 max bet in German-licensed online casinos, that can reach €500,000.
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 Germany
How German rules apply
Since 1 July 2021 the revised Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021, GlüStV 21) governs all online slot play in Germany. To offer Book of Ra legally, a casino needs a German slot licence issued by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Novomatic’s interactive arm, Greentube, delivers its Novoline portfolio — including Book of Ra — to German-licensed brands such as StarGames DE and AdmiralBet. Both appear on the official Whitelist at gluecksspiel-behoerde.de.
What to check before you spin
Scroll to the casino footer and confirm:
- GGL licence identification number with a whitelist link
- Company name and German address of the licence holder
Player safeguards you can expect
- €1.00 maximum stake per spin on all slots
- €1,000 monthly cross-operator deposit cap (can rise to €10,000 after KYC review)
- 5-second mandatory spin interval; autoplay disabled
- Reality check pop-up every 60 minutes and automatic log-out after 3 hours
- Panic button enabling self-exclusion for 24 hours instantly
These rules cannot be overridden by the operator and are meant to support responsible play, not remove the fun.
Why a licence matters
Using an unlicensed site puts your deposits outside German consumer-protection law. Disputed payouts are unenforceable, and payment providers may block transactions. Staying with GGL-licensed platforms secures fair RNG audits of Book of Ra, reliable payouts, and access to the nationwide OASIS self-exclusion register if you need it.
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 German 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 Germany
Under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling GlüStV 2021 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 German‑licensed casino under GlüStV 2021. Most regulated sites let you deposit instantly without fees via Trustly, Sofort, Giropay, paysafecard, VISA, or Mastercard. PayPal is still tied to sports betting, so it is rarely offered for online slots. Minimum deposits usually start at €10, though some operators accept €5. If you opt into a bonus, it is credited automatically once your payment lands.
Quick deposit checklist
- Open the Cashier and pick your payment method
- Enter an amount of at least €10 and approve it in your banking app or e‑wallet
- 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: €0.01 up to €0.10 on German sites, capped by law
That means a maximum total stake of €1 per spin in Germany. The low cap helps with careful budgeting while still giving you a shot at the 5,000× top win when the explorer fills the screen during free spins.
Bankroll control
German rules require built‑in protection tools:
- Daily deposit limit with a default of €1,000, which you can lower
- Reality checks every 60 minutes
- OASIS self‑exclusion 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
German licensed casinos
You can play Book of Ra legally only at operators holding a German virtual slot licence from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021. The licence number and the black-and-white GGL seal must appear in the footer and link to the official register for verification. Because of these rules, the German version runs with a €1 max stake per spin, a 5-second spin interval, and no autoplay.
GGL-licensed platforms already offering Book of Ra or scheduled to add it:
- StarGames.de – operated by Novomatic’s Greentube, first to regain legal status in 2022
- Novoline.de – full Novoline catalogue, including Book of Ra Deluxe
- JackpotPiraten.de – Greentube partner focusing on classic slots
- BingBong.de – Book of Ra variations with a €1 cap
Pick a secure site
A trustworthy casino shows SSL certificate details and works with TÜV-certified payment providers. Common German banking options are:
- Trustly and Giropay – instant bank transfers
- SEPA direct debit
- PayPal – reinstated for GGL-licensed sites only
Check player reviews for confirmed withdrawal times; StarGames averages 24–48 h for verified users. All licensed sites must provide responsible-gambling tools: mandatory loss limits with a €1,000 monthly default, self-exclusion via OASIS, and a reality check every 60 minutes. Unlicensed offshore casinos that promote higher stakes violate German law and may block Book of Ra for local 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 and goes up to €5.00 per line. Total stake per spin is €0.09 to €45.00, 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 Germany
The original Novomatic software includes Autoplay for continuous spins. Due to the German State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), licensed operators serving Germany disable Autoplay. Check the casino settings to confirm availability.
- 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 lift 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 German 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 €0.10 to €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.