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 see classic casino gaming in Canada. This official online version keeps the spirit of a treasure hunt, the straightforward rules, and the unmistakable style that made the game so iconic.
| 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 Canada. It preserves the same math model, the familiar symbol set, and those distinctive sound effects. That authenticity is why it remains a staple in gaming halls and on licensed online platforms. Built around a straightforward 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’ treasures, scarabs, and ancient books. 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 for newcomers to slots, the presentation guides each spin without clutter. That clean pacing is part of its lasting appeal.
Mechanics and flow
We play on 5 reels and 3 rows with up to 9 adjustable paylines, letting us tailor our betting strategy. Bets adjust smoothly, spins finish quickly, and wins are confirmed with crisp feedback. The Book symbol acts as both Wild and Scatter, completing lines and unlocking the main feature. Once the feature starts, one symbol is randomly chosen to expand, creating those sought-after big-win moments. It stays straightforward, yet the momentum and potential keep us engaged.
Why Canadian players return
We come back for nostalgia and reliability. The official release supports the English language and works well on desktop and mobile. Rules are easy to grasp, short sessions are satisfying, and longer play keeps the same tone. Many of us first discovered 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 Canada, the symbol set determines both the pace and the payout. Premium Egyptian icons appear alongside lower card royals, with the Explorer leading the way. 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 does double duty. 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 triggers the free spins feature. One icon can both generate wins and unlock the bonus, keeping the base game lively.
Paylines and betting options
We play on a 5-reel, 3-row grid 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 determine the total stake in CAD, all without changing the game’s 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, as they also pay for two on a line, which improves the hit rate.
Special expanding symbol
In the bonus round, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to act as a special expanding symbol. When enough of that symbol land to trigger a win, it expands to cover entire reels. These expanded wins do not need to be on adjacent reels and pay like scatters. Expansion occurs after standard line evaluation, so you can score both line wins and expanded wins 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 result. A correct pick doubles the prize and we can keep going. 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 bonuses. When three or more Books land anywhere on a single spin, we trigger 10 free games. The Book acts 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 your total bet, respectively—though the free spins bundle always remains 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 aren’t next to each other. This is where the game’s bigger wins can happen, especially when a high-value picture symbol is picked.
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 be retriggered if three or more Books show up during the feature, adding another 10 games to your remaining total. The originally chosen expanding symbol doesn’t change, even on retriggers. Both the bet and number of lines stay locked to the settings used when you 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 bet before the trigger so the 10 free games fit your bankroll and the game’s volatility.
- Look for balance: sustainable bets help you wait for retriggers without pressure.
- Accept the trade-off: high-value expanding symbols can pay bigger 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 extending the round when luck is on our side.
Book of Ra Versions and Variants
We highlight the official Novomatic (Greentube) releases that Canadian players encounter most often. Each variant sticks with the 5x3 setup and the iconic Book feature, but the experience shifts with paylines, visuals, and how the bonus works. Here’s how the main versions differ in ways that matter when we choose what to play.
Book of Ra Classic
Launched in 2005, Classic is where the series began. It features 9 adjustable paylines, a simple look, and rapid spins with no distractions. The free games include one special expanding symbol, making the feature straightforward and still packing solid wins. We return to Classic for its authentic land-based casino vibe and focused gameplay without extra frills. It’s still our go-to when we want old-school pacing and the pure Book of Ra experience.
Book of Ra Deluxe
Released in 2008, Deluxe builds on the original with 10 paylines plus improved graphics and sound. That extra payline gives a bit more coverage while the bonus remains familiar. Animations are smoother, and the interface looks great on today’s screens. We choose Deluxe when we want classic gameplay with a cleaner, more modern presentation. For many Canadians, it’s the default version and the one most people play today.
Book of Ra Magic
Magic keeps the 10-line layout from Deluxe but changes the bonus feature. When you trigger 10 free spins, one special expanding symbol is chosen. A retrigger with three Book symbols adds 10 more spins and unlocks a second special symbol. This can keep going until up to nine symbols become special expanders. The base game stays the same, but the bonus can reach very high potential if you keep retriggering.
Book of Ra Deluxe 6
This version takes the Deluxe setup and adds an optional sixth reel. By activating the Extra Bet, you bring in that reel. Your total bet doubles, but the grid can land 6-of-a-kind wins. The main free spins feature doesn’t change, but the payout ceiling goes up for those comfortable with higher risk. We use Deluxe 6 when we want the classic gameplay with a bigger top prize.
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 look at Return to Player as a long-term average, calculated over a massive number of spins. It shows how much of the total wagers the game is meant to pay back over time. It’s not a guarantee for any single visit. The figure comes from Novomatic and the approved setup for each market. In Canada, the current RTP for the official Book of Ra versions appears in the paytable or info menu. We always check that screen before playing so we know the exact setting used for our session.
Typical values by version
Book of Ra is available in several editions, and the RTP can vary a bit by variant and by the configuration selected by the operator. Online versions are usually listed in the 92% to 96% range, while some land-based setups can be lower. Across the series, the volatility is high, which affects how wins come through.
| 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 choose from approved RTP options, the number shown on the official game page is the one that applies to us. We always confirm it in-game.
What volatility means in practice
High volatility in Book of Ra leads to uneven short-term results. You can hit long stretches with small or no wins, then see a big jump when the bonus lands. Base game wins help keep your balance going, but most of the upside is in the free spins with the special expanding symbols. Bonus rounds aren’t frequent, so short sessions can feel pretty swingy. Playing longer gives the feature more chances to appear and helps smooth out the variance.
Payout rhythm and potential
The base game hit rate is moderate, with many wins close to break-even to keep you in the game. When free spins trigger, the chosen expanding symbol can fill several reels and bring the biggest payouts. High-value symbols are key here. The Explorer is the top symbol: five Explorers on an active payline pay 500 times your total wager. Retriggers can extend the round and add more wins, but lower-paying bonuses also happen. We set a budget in Canadian dollars that can handle downswings and choose session lengths that give the feature time to show up.
Where to Play Book of Ra Legally
We recommend playing Book of Ra only at online casinos licensed in Canada 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 Canada
Legal online slots in Canada are regulated by provincial gaming authorities. Licensed operators appear on official registries and must follow local gambling laws. These include maximum stake limits per spin (for example, $1 CAD per spin in some provinces), minimum spin durations, and monthly deposit limits across providers. If a casino is not listed by your provincial regulator, it is not operating legally in Canada.
Official Access and Brands
To get the authentic game, we look for Greentube’s official distribution. In Canada, platforms with Novomatic partnerships, such as PlayNow or other provincially licensed sites, 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 English or French with clear terms.
- The footer shows a valid license number and links to the provincial regulator’s registry.
- We avoid cloned “Book of...” titles from unverified studios.
Why Licensing Matters
Licensed Canadian casinos must offer strong protections. Here is what we look for when comparing sites:
| Feature | Canadian Licensed Casino | Unlicensed Casino |
|---|---|---|
| License Authority | Provincial gaming authority (e.g., AGCO, BCLC, Loto-Québec) | Curaçao, MGA, or no license |
| Player Protection | Mandatory deposit and loss limits, reality checks, self-exclusion options | Voluntary tools or none |
| Self Exclusion | Connected to provincial self-exclusion systems | No provincial system, site specific only |
| Game Fairness | Tested and certified for fair RTP | May use unverified or pirated software |
| Legal Recourse | Protection under Canadian 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 CAD monthly deposit limit across all licensed sites.
- Do not use VPNs, which can cause account closure and voided wins.
We track the official registries of Canadian gaming authorities and update our picks so you can find the official Book of Ra in a legal and protected setting in Canada.