Book Of Ra
The Legend Unveiled
| Developer | Novomatic/Greentube |
| Release Year | 2005 (Land-based), 2008 (Online) |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt |
| Reels x Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Paylines | 9 (fixed) |
| RTP | 92.13% - 95.10% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 5,000x stake |
Our origins
Book of Ra began its journey in 2005, making a name for itself on land-based casino floors across Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe. When Novomatic brought the game online in 2008 through Greentube, the original adventure was carefully preserved. For nearly two decades, Book of Ra has set the standard for themed slots, marked by its straightforward graphics and symbols like the golden Book, the explorer, scarabs, and pharaohs. We keep the authentic visuals and soundtrack alive on our official site, ensuring every release feels true to the classic experience players expect.
What keeps players coming back
Our connection with players starts with a strong theme—Ancient Egypt—and a recognizable explorer. Symbols such as scarabs and the Book itself make the story instantly familiar. The bonus feature is simple: land at least three Book symbols and unlock 10 free spins with a randomly chosen symbol that can expand. The pace of play, pauses, and signature win sound create a rhythm that’s easy to get into. With just 9 paylines, the layout is clean and uncluttered, making the game approachable on any device. This clarity and consistency help Book of Ra remain a favorite, from its origins in physical casinos to its place in online gaming worldwide.
For our German players
We offer the official Book of Ra online in Germany through trusted, licensed partners operating under the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Each version matches the original Novomatic design, delivered via Greentube with specific adaptations for German regulation. This includes a €1 maximum bet, a 5-second spin interval, and local features like German language support, SEPA payment options, reality checks, and deposit limits. When you play Book of Ra through our official channels or at partners such as Löwen Play, Merkur Spiel, or StarGames, you’re enjoying the certified Novomatic experience, complete with all required protections for German players.
Core Mechanics Explained
On our official Book of Ra website, we focus on the essentials that make every round unique. Book of Ra uses a familiar 5-reel, 3-row setup that’s easy to follow and quick to play. Paylines run from left to right, and depending on the licensed version, you’ll find either 9 fixed lines or the option to adjust from 1 up to 9. Wins come from matching symbols along active lines, with the highest returns awarded for the explorer symbol—landing five explorers on a line means up to 5,000 times your line bet. Other premium symbols add to the excitement with strong payout potential.
Reels and Paylines
Each spin displays 15 symbol spots across five reels and three rows. Winning combinations require at least three matching symbols in a row, starting from the leftmost reel and following a chosen payline. We always check the paytable before spinning, as it updates with our selected stakes. Lower-value wins come from card symbols like 10, J, Q, K, and A. Top payouts arrive with themed symbols such as the scarab, sarcophagus, and the iconic explorer.
The Book Symbol
The Book symbol is central to the action. It acts as both Wild and Scatter. As a Wild, it fills in for regular symbols to help create wins. As a Scatter, landing three or more anywhere on the reels unlocks 10 free spins and scatter payouts—three Books pay 2x our total bet, four pay 20x, and five reward us with 200x, regardless of paylines.
Free Spins and Expanding Symbol
Whenever the bonus round starts, we get 10 free spins. Before it begins, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to become the special expanding symbol. If enough of these appear during free spins (at least two for premium symbols, or three for card symbols), they expand to cover entire reels and pay as scatters—meaning they don’t need to be next to each other. Expansions are awarded after any line wins, and hitting three or more Books during free spins brings 10 extra spins.
Stakes and Gameplay Flow
We set our stakes by choosing coin value (from 0.02 to 5.00) and number of lines. Minimum bets start at 0.01 per line, while the maximum can reach 45.00 per spin on all lines. The pace keeps things engaging, with the Book symbol driving anticipation and smooth transitions between rounds. A gamble feature lets us risk our win up to five times by guessing card colors, offering an extra thrill with every success.
Official Game Variations
We look at the official Book of Ra slot variations from Novomatic and Greentube, each available on licensed German casino sites and the official Greentube platform. Every version stays true to the original book mechanic, but each brings new details to visuals, features, and pace. These adaptations keep the core spirit of the game while offering fresh ways to play.
Book of Ra Deluxe
This enhanced edition gives us sharper graphics and a cleaner reel setup. Book of Ra Deluxe increases the action to 10 paylines instead of the original 9, yet the famous book symbol remains both wild and scatter. The free spins round still selects one expanding symbol, creating familiar bursts of excitement. Players can adjust paylines from 1 to 10, and Deluxe holds a 95.10% RTP for a balanced experience.
Book of Ra Magic
Magic introduces a twist in the bonus round. During free spins, we can unlock extra special symbols through retriggers, with up to 9 possible expanding symbols at once. This means bigger win potential but also longer dry spells, ideal for those who like high volatility. The game keeps 10 fixed paylines and an RTP of 95.02%.
Book of Ra Temple of Gold
Temple of Gold refreshes the look and characters but keeps the expanding symbol bonus at its core. With 10 paylines, it adds golden symbols that can transform into matching symbols, opening the door to larger payouts. The paytable and rhythm are tuned for steadier play in the base game, while bonus rounds pack more intensity. Its clear design and sound make it a strong choice for mobile play.
Other Official Versions
For those seeking something different, Deluxe 6 adds a sixth reel and an Extra Bet option, letting RTP reach 95.03%. Deluxe 10 features dual reel sets and up to 100 paylines, with symbol transfers between sets. Mystic Fortunes ties in a four-level jackpot system, offering Mini to Grand prizes. All of these options stick to Greentube’s certified standards for fair and reliable play.
RTP & High Volatility
Understanding RTP
When we talk about Return to Player, or RTP, we're referring to the average percentage of stakes that Book of Ra returns to players over a long period. Every official Book of Ra game by Novomatic displays its RTP in the info panel. Book of Ra Classic comes with an RTP of 92.13%, while Book of Ra Deluxe raises it to 95.10%. These figures are based on millions of simulated spins, giving us a guideline for what to expect over time. It’s important to keep in mind that these numbers reflect long-term averages. In a single session, our results can be higher or lower, as is standard with slot games.
High Volatility Profile
Book of Ra is known for its high volatility, carrying a variance rating of 5 out of 5. For us as players, this means base-game wins tend to be less frequent and smaller. Much of the excitement and potential for big wins lies in the free spins feature, especially when the expanding symbol is active. On average, we see a hit frequency of about 28%, which means a win appears roughly every 3 to 4 spins. There may be stretches without much action, but when the bonus round lands, results can change fast. The game’s top win can reach up to 5,000 times our stake during feature rounds.
What This Means for Play in Germany
We find that Book of Ra’s style is best enjoyed when we manage our balance to withstand the ups and downs. Picking a stake that lets us play longer increases our chances of reaching the bonus features. It’s common to finish a session below our starting balance, even with a fair RTP, because high volatility brings bigger swings. For those of us who like games with frequent small wins, a lower-volatility slot might be more comfortable. But if we prefer dramatic moments and don’t mind waiting for the big features, Book of Ra stands out.
| Version | RTP | Volatility | Hit Frequency | Max Win | Free Spins Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Classic | 92.13% | Very High (5/5) | ~28% | 5,000x stake | 1 in 150 spins |
| Book of Ra Deluxe | 95.10% | Very High (5/5) | ~28% | 5,000x stake | 1 in 150 spins |
Play Book of Ra in Germany
We connect players in Germany with official sites where Book of Ra by Novomatic and Greentube is available under strict regulation. Our priority is to ensure every session takes place in a secure and fully licensed environment, reflecting the original game as intended by its creators.
Where to Play Officially
We recommend trusted German platforms such as NOVOLINE.de and StarGames.de. Both operate with valid German licenses for virtual slots and feature certified Book of Ra versions from Novomatic’s partner, Greentube. You’ll also find authentic Novomatic slot content on sites like Löwen Play Online and Merkur Spiel, which hold GGL-issued licenses. On these platforms, the game’s math, features, and visuals match the original—never a copy or imitation.
How We Select Licensed Sites
We check every casino against the GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) whitelist and confirm details like license numbers displayed in the site footer. We look for Greentube or Novomatic listed as providers and test for secure website connections and strong payment protections. Operators must show direct partnerships with Greentube GmbH and clear licensing. If a casino lacks these credentials or relies on offshore regulation, we leave it out.
What German Law Requires
Playing Book of Ra on licensed German sites means you’ll complete identity checks by PostIdent or Video-Ident. There’s a monthly deposit cap of €1,000, a maximum stake of €1 per spin, and a 5-second pause between spins. Autoplay is not available. Every hour, you’ll see a session reminder, and OASIS self-exclusion tools are integrated to support safe play. These rules protect your account and keep the gameplay fair and consistent with German standards.
- Operator listed on the GGL whitelist with license clearly shown
- Book of Ra only from Greentube or Novomatic
- .de domain with responsible gambling tools and local support
- OASIS and €1 bet limits enforced
We avoid recommending unlicensed or offshore sites. Only official German operators make our list, so you can play Book of Ra with confidence every time.
Discover Similar Slots
We know many players in Germany enjoy the adventure and high volatility of Book of Ra, yet sometimes want something a little different. For those moments, we look to slots that capture a similar energy—whether through Egyptian themes, expanding symbols, or bonus-driven gameplay. Here are several games that feel familiar but bring their own twist to the experience.
Classic Alternatives from Leading Studios
- Lord of the Ocean by Novomatic takes us underwater with mythic legends, offering 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol and an RTP of 95.10%.
- Eye of Horus by Merkur gives us 12 initial free spins, symbol upgrades during bonuses, expanding Horus wilds, and an RTP of 96.31%.
- Ramses Book by Gamomat stays close to the book mechanic, featuring 10 free spins, one expanding symbol, and an RTP of 96.15%.
- Legacy of Ra Megaways by Blueprint slots in up to 15,625 ways to win, mystery book-style free spins, and an RTP of 96.01%.
- Eye of the Amulet by iSoftBet adds roaming wilds, a bonus wheel for up to 50 free spins, and an RTP of 96.50% to the Egyptian setting.
These titles bring the same mix of straightforward base play and high-impact features we find in Book of Ra. The settings and mechanics might vary, but the excitement remains strong, making these slots easy to enjoy from the very first spin.
Slots with Book Mechanics
- Book of Dead by Play'n GO mirrors the expanding symbol free spins, with 10 free games and an RTP of 96.21%.
- Legacy of Dead by Play'n GO pushes the formula further, allowing up to 10 expanding symbols during free spins, and an RTP of 96.58%.
- John Hunter and the Book of Tut by Pragmatic Play delivers 10 free spins with an expanding symbol and an RTP of 96.50%.
- Book of Gold: Double Chance by Playson features 10 free spins, an expanding symbol, a 6th reel option, and an RTP of 95.44%.
- Book of Aztec by Amatic moves the action to the jungle with 10 free spins, an expanding symbol, and an RTP of 96.52%.
We find these games offer the same book mechanic that keeps Book of Ra engaging, while letting us explore new settings and bonus twists.
Authenticity & Fair Play
Why Official Matters
We always recommend playing Book of Ra only through the official Novomatic website or approved casino partners in Germany. Official versions use certified random number generators tested by independent organizations like eCOGRA and iTech Labs. This ensures every spin is fair, and the paytables and features match exactly what the developer intended. With official releases, the Return to Player (RTP) stays between 92.13% and 95.10% based on the game variation, so you know what to expect. Unofficial copies can change payout logic or display misleading information, which puts your bankroll at unnecessary risk.
How We Confirm Authenticity
When we evaluate Book of Ra, we look for clear Novomatic or Greentube branding, visible version numbers in the game’s help menu, and links to certificates from independent testing labs. The official game pages always show change logs, jurisdiction details including the Malta Gaming Authority license (MGA/B2C/167/2008), and up-to-date licensing information. The Novomatic copyright notice appears at launch. Missing any of these? We don't recommend the site.
Transparency in Every Detail
The official website gives access to rules, feature explanations, privacy notices in line with GDPR, and responsible gaming tools for German players. These include deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion features. Technical details such as SSL certificates and SHA-256 encryption are easy to verify. You can compare versions of Book of Ra directly to confirm you’re playing the one promoted. Licensed operators hosting the official game always provide session histories, reality checks, and deposit tracking.
Staying Safe
We steer clear of unlicensed copies and suspicious clients. Warning signs include missing help sections, unexplained bonus frequency, fast spins without controls, or inconsistent branding. Official Book of Ra games for German players display GGL certification. By sticking to authorized releases, you protect your experience with fair play, proven RNG outcomes, and clear support channels if issues arise.