Book Of Ra
Book of Ra Official Game Overview
We introduce Book of Ra, Novomatic’s legendary Egyptian adventure slot that shaped how many of us think about classic casino play in Germany. This official online version keeps the spirit of a treasure hunt, the simple rules, and the unmistakable style that made the game so recognisable.
| Game title | Book of Ra Classic |
| Developer | Novomatic (Greentube) |
| Release year | 2005 |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, adventure |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | Up to 9 adjustable |
| Key feature | Free spins with special expanding symbol |
| Special symbol | Book of Ra as Wild and Scatter |
The official Novomatic classic
We present the original Book of Ra Classic, launched in 2005 and still a benchmark for Egyptian-themed slots. The official online edition from Greentube mirrors the arcade and casino favourite known across Germany. It preserves the same math model, the familiar symbol set, and those distinctive sound effects. That fidelity is why it remains a staple in Spielhallen and on licensed online platforms. Built around a straight treasure hunt, the experience stays focused and approachable, without losing the atmosphere that drew players in years ago.
Theme and atmosphere
We journey with an explorer through pharaohs’ riches, scarabs, and ancient tomes. Rich gold accents and sandstone reds set a tomb-like mood, while the soundtrack keeps a calm, slightly tense rhythm. The interface is clear, the animations are tidy, and the audio cues are unmistakable. Even when we are new to slots, the presentation guides each spin without clutter. That clean pacing is part of its enduring charm.
Mechanics and flow
We play on 5 reels and 3 rows with up to 9 adjustable paylines, so we can tailor our wager strategy. Bets change smoothly, spins finish quickly, and wins are confirmed with crisp feedback. The Book symbol does double duty as Wild and Scatter, completing lines and unlocking the main feature. Once the feature begins, one symbol is randomly chosen to expand, creating those sought-after big-win screens. It stays straightforward, yet the momentum and potential keep us engaged.
Why German players return
We come back for nostalgia and reliability. The official release supports the German language and runs well on desktop and mobile. Rules are easy to grasp, short sessions feel satisfying, and longer play keeps the same tone. Many of us met Book of Ra in land-based venues, and this version preserves that familiar thrill.
Game Features and Symbols
Core symbols and payouts
On the official Novomatic Book of Ra available in Germany, the symbol set drives both the pace and the payoff. Premium Egyptian icons sit alongside lower card royals, with the Explorer leading the pack. Below we outline the key roles without changing how the game pays.
| Symbol | Key characteristics |
|---|---|
| Explorer | Top-paying symbol. Awards up to 5,000x the line bet for five on a payline. Pays from just two matches. |
| Pharaoh’s Sarcophagus | Second highest value. Also pays for combinations of two or more. |
| Statue of Isis & Scarab Beetle | Mid-tier premiums with identical payouts. Both pay from two or more on a line. |
| A, K (Ace, King) | Highest of the low cards. Require three or more to form a win. |
| Q, J, 10 (Queen, Jack, 10) | Lowest values with smaller, more frequent wins. Require three or more on a line. |
The Book of Ra symbol works twice as hard. As a wild, it substitutes for all other symbols to complete lines. As a scatter, it pays when three or more land anywhere and it unlocks the free spins feature. One icon can both create wins and open the bonus, which keeps the base game moving.
Paylines and betting options
We play on a 5-reel, 3-row layout with classic line-based payouts. Lines pay left to right and only the highest win per line is counted. Depending on the official version, we can select up to 9 paylines in Book of Ra Classic or up to 10 in Book of Ra Deluxe. We set our bet per line to shape the total stake without changing the core feel.
Regular wins must start on the leftmost reel and run consecutively along an active line. Premium picture symbols — the Explorer, Sarcophagus, Statue, and Scarab — are the exception, since they also pay for two on a line, which smooths the hit rate.
Special expanding symbol
In the bonus round, one regular symbol is chosen at random to act as a special expanding symbol. When enough of that symbol land to create a win, it expands to cover entire reels. These expanded wins do not need adjacent reels and pay like scatters. Expansion happens after standard line evaluation, so both line wins and expanded wins can count on the same spin.
Gamble feature
After any line win in the base game, we can use the Gamble feature. We guess red or black on a face-down card for a double-or-nothing outcome. A correct pick doubles the prize and we may continue. A wrong pick at any time forfeits the full amount from that spin.
Free Spins and Bonus Rounds
How we trigger free spins
In the official Book of Ra slot by Novomatic, the Book symbol is our gateway to the bonus. When three or more Books land anywhere on a single spin, we trigger 10 free games. The Book works as both wild and scatter, so it can complete line wins while also unlocking the feature. The triggering scatter win scales with how many Books appear—3, 4, or 5 pay 2x, 20x, or 200x our total stake, respectively—though the free spins bundle stays fixed at 10 games.
The expanding symbol
Before the bonus starts, one regular paytable symbol is chosen at random as a special expanding symbol. During the free spins, as soon as enough of that chosen symbol lands to form a win, it expands to fill its entire reel. Payouts then apply across all active lines, even when the expanded reels are not adjacent. This is where the game’s bigger hits can appear, especially when a high-value picture symbol is selected.
The number of symbols needed to trigger an expansion depends on the chosen symbol’s value. High-value picture symbols expand from two or more, while lower-value card symbols require at least three.
| Symbol Category | Minimum Symbols for Expansion |
|---|---|
| High-Value Symbols (Explorer, Pharaoh, Statue, Scarab) | 2 |
| Low-Value Symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10) | 3 |
Retriggers and flow
Free spins can retrigger if three or more Books appear during the feature, adding another 10 games to our remaining total. The originally chosen expanding symbol does not change, even on retriggers. Both the bet and number of lines stay locked to the settings used when we first triggered the round. The pace matches the base game and follows the official rules for animations and win counting.
Ways we try to maximize value
- Set a steady stake before the trigger so the 10 free games fit our bankroll and the game’s volatility.
- Look for balance: sustainable stakes help us wait for retriggers without pressure.
- Accept the trade-off: high-value expanding symbols can hit harder but tend to land less often than low-value symbols.
- Manage session length and stick to a plan; chasing retriggers can be costly.
- Use the paytable for clarity: if the Explorer is selected, two anywhere are enough to expand; a 10 needs at least three.
We aim for Books, hope for a strong expanding symbol, and let the 10 free games play out, with retriggers stretching the round when luck is on our side.
Book of Ra Versions and Variants
We highlight the official Novomatic (Greentube) releases that German players see most often. Every variant keeps the 5x3 setup and the iconic Book feature, yet the feel changes with paylines, visuals, and how the bonus unfolds. Here is how the main versions differ in ways that matter when we pick what to play.
Book of Ra Classic
Launched in 2005, Classic is the origin of the series. It uses 9 adjustable paylines, a lean look, and fast spins with no distractions. The free games include one special expanding symbol, so the feature is easy to follow and still delivers strong hits. We return to Classic for its authentic land based vibe and focused flow without extra layers. It remains our choice when we want old school pacing and a pure Book of Ra feel.
Book of Ra Deluxe
Released in 2008, Deluxe builds on the original with 10 paylines plus upgraded graphics and audio. That extra payline slightly widens coverage while the bonus logic stays familiar. Animations run smoother, and the interface scales well on modern screens. We pick Deluxe when we want the traditional math with a cleaner presentation. For many of us it is the default version and the one most people play today.
Book of Ra Magic
Magic keeps the 10 line structure of Deluxe but changes the bonus. When we trigger 10 free spins, one special expanding symbol is chosen. A re trigger with three Book symbols adds 10 more spins and unlocks a second special symbol. This can repeat until a maximum of nine symbols become special expanders. The base game stays familiar, while the bonus can climb into very high potential when re triggers land.
Book of Ra Deluxe 6
This variant takes the Deluxe framework and adds an optional sixth reel. By activating the Extra Bet, we engage that reel. The total stake doubles, but the grid can produce 6 of a kind wins. The core free games feature does not change, yet the payout ceiling is lifted for those comfortable with the higher risk profile. We use Deluxe 6 when we want the classic flow with a bigger top end.
Quick comparison
| Version | Layout | Paylines | Signature Twist | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 5x3 | 9 | One expanding symbol in free games | Purer, retro play |
| Deluxe | 5x3 | 10 | Polished visuals and an extra payline | The modern standard experience |
| Magic | 5x3 | 10 | Re-triggers add more expanding symbols | High-potential bonus rounds |
| Deluxe 6 | 5x3 (6x3 with Extra Bet) | 10 | Optional 6th reel for 6-of-a-kind wins | High-rollers seeking bigger payouts |
RTP and Volatility Information
How RTP works
We treat Return to Player as a long‑term average, calculated over a huge number of spins. It shows how much of the total stakes the game is designed to pay back over time. It is not a promise for a single visit. The figure comes from Novomatic and the approved setup for each market. In Germany the current RTP for the official Book of Ra versions appears in the paytable or info menu. We open that screen before we play so we know the exact setting used for our session.
Typical values by version
Book of Ra comes in several editions, and the RTP can shift a bit by variant and by the configuration selected by the operator. Online versions are commonly listed in the 92% to 96% range, while some land‑based setups can sit lower. Across the series the volatility is high, which shapes the way wins arrive.
| Version | RTP (Theoretical) | Volatility | Hit Frequency (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Classic | 92.13% | High | 27.5% |
| Book of Ra Deluxe | 95.10% | High | 28.5% |
| Book of Ra Magic | 95.03% | High to Very High | 27% |
| Book of Ra Deluxe 6 | 95.03% | High | 26% (with 6 reels active) |
Because operators can use approved RTP options, the number shown on the official game page is the one that applies to us. We always verify it in‑game.
What volatility means in practice
High volatility in Book of Ra creates uneven short‑term results. We can hit long stretches with small or no returns and then see a sharp jump when the bonus lands. Base game wins keep the balance moving, but most of the upside sits in the free spins with the special expanding symbols. Bonus entries are not frequent, so brief sessions can feel swingy. Longer play gives the feature more chances to show up and smooth out variance.
Payout rhythm and potential
The base game hit rate is moderate, with many wins close to break‑even to sustain play. When free spins trigger, the chosen expanding symbol can cover several reels and drive the biggest payouts. High‑value symbols matter most here. The Explorer is the standout: five Explorers on an active payline pay 500 times the total stake. Retriggers can extend the round and add more wins, but low‑paying bonuses also happen. We set a budget that can handle downswings and pick session lengths that give the feature time to appear.
Where to Play Book of Ra Legally
We recommend playing Book of Ra only at online casinos licensed in Germany that offer the official Novomatic release via Greentube. This way the game runs with its intended RTP, our data stays protected, and we can rely on trained support and mandatory responsible gambling tools.
Licensing in Germany
Legal online slots are regulated by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Licensed operators appear on the public whitelist and must follow the rules of the State Treaty on Gambling. These include a €1 maximum stake per spin, a minimum 5 second spin duration, and a monthly cross provider deposit limit. If a casino is missing from the GGL whitelist, it is not operating legally in Germany.
Official Access and Brands
To get the authentic game, we look for Greentube’s official distribution. In Germany, platforms with Novomatic roots, such as StarGames, often feature this portfolio. The term “Novoline” usually marks the official library, so sites advertising “Novoline games” signal certified content. Availability can change, so we always check the license status and current game catalogue.
How We Verify the Real Game
- The loading screen or info panel names Novomatic or Greentube as the provider.
- Rules and game info are in German with clear terms.
- The footer shows a valid GGL license number and links to the whitelist.
- We avoid cloned “Book of...” titles from unverified studios.
Why Licensing Matters
Licensed German casinos must offer strong protections. Here is what we look for when comparing sites:
| Feature | GGL Licensed Casino | Unlicensed Casino |
|---|---|---|
| License Authority | Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) | Curaçao, MGA, or no license |
| Player Protection | Mandatory deposit and loss limits, reality checks, panic button | Voluntary tools or none |
| Self Exclusion | Connected to the nationwide OASIS system | No OASIS, site specific only |
| Game Fairness | Tested and certified for fair RTP | May use unverified or pirated software |
| Legal Recourse | Protection under German law | Disputes hard or impossible to resolve |
Before You Start
- Register with accurate details to pass KYC smoothly.
- Set personal deposit and session limits that match your budget.
- Know the universal €1,000 monthly deposit limit across all licensed sites.
- Do not use VPNs, which can cause account closure and voided wins.
We track the GGL whitelist and update our picks so you can find the official Book of Ra in a legal and protected setting in Germany.