Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is Novomatic’s signature Egyptian slot, developed by Greentube for both land-based halls and online casinos. You get a classic 5×3 setup with high volatility, a Book symbol that acts as wild and scatter, and a free spins round with an expanding symbol that can land the big hits. First seen in 2005 in casinos and released online in 2008, it remains a staple for players in Germany who enjoy tense, straightforward gameplay.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer / Provider | Novomatic (Greentube) |
| Original Release | 2005 (land-based), 2008 online |
| RTP | 95.03 % (Deluxe online) / 92.13 % (Classic land-based) |
| Volatility | High |
| Reels / Rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines | Up to 9 (Classic) / 10 (Deluxe) |
| Min–Max Bet (typical DE lobbies) | €0.10 – €50 per spin |
| Top Win | 5,000× stake (full screen of Explorer) |
| Bonus Feature | 10 Free Spins with Expanding Symbol |
Theme
You explore a tomb filled with scarabs, stone statues and hieroglyphs. The restrained soundtrack adds tension without getting in the way, so you can jump in for quick spins or settle in for longer sessions.
Symbols
The paytable mixes 10–A royals with premium symbols: the Explorer, a Pharaoh’s mask, the winged Isis statue and a scarab. The Book of Ra is the key icon, doubling as both wild and scatter.
Basic gameplay
You spin five reels on 9 or 10 lines, depending on the version offered. In the Classic release you can adjust the number of active lines and your stake. Wins usually pay left to right, and premium symbols pay from just two in a row.
The Book substitutes for all regular symbols to complete lines and triggers 10 free spins when three or more land anywhere. Before the bonus starts, one regular symbol is chosen to become expanding. When it appears during free spins, it expands to cover its reel and pays on all lines even when not adjacent. A full screen of Explorers pays up to 5,000× your bet.
Volatility is high. You will see dry spells, but the free spins round carries the game’s biggest potential. Book of Ra remains common in German Spielhallen and licensed online lobbies, and while sequels exist, the Book wild/scatter and expanding-symbol mechanic stays the same.
Book of Ra Variations
Classic and Deluxe
If you want the original feel, Book of Ra Classic gives you a 5-reel, 3-row setup with 9 paylines. The Book symbol acts as both wild and scatter. Land three or more books to trigger 10 free games with one randomly chosen expanding symbol. Most online versions run at 92.13% RTP, noticeably lower than later sequels.
Book of Ra Deluxe keeps the same rules, sharpens the visuals, expands to 10 lines, and lifts RTP to about 95.03%. Hit frequency rises a touch, yet volatility stays high, so long dry spells can still precede headline wins.
Deluxe 6
Deluxe 6 adds a sixth reel that you can switch on for 50% extra stake. With the reel active, six-of-a-kind wins become possible, pushing single-line prizes to 750× stake for a full screen of explorers during the bonus. RTP matches Deluxe at 95.03%.
Deluxe 10
Deluxe 10 splits play across two reel sets: a 5 × 4 grid on the left and a towering 5 × 12 grid on the right, giving you 100 fixed paylines and 95.02% RTP. Stacked wilds on the smaller set copy to the same reels on the super set. During free spins, expanding symbols can cover up to 60 positions at once.
Magic and Temple of Gold
Book of Ra Magic upgrades the bonus by adding an extra expanding symbol each time you retrigger the feature. Up to nine symbols can expand at once. Book of Ra – Temple of Gold swaps the familiar male archaeologist for Vicky, a female explorer, while keeping the 10-line layout and 95% RTP.
Mystic Fortunes and Jackpot Editions
Mystic Fortunes introduces a four-level progressive jackpot: Mini, Minor, Major, Grand. A random pick-and-match bonus can trigger after any spin. Core gameplay and the 95.05% RTP mirror Deluxe.
Quick comparison
| Version | Reels / Rows | Paylines | RTP % | Main twist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 5 × 3 | 9 | ≈92.13 | Original mechanics |
| Deluxe | 5 × 3 | 10 | ≈95.03 | Improved visuals |
| Deluxe 6 | 6 × 3 | 10 (+6-of-a-kind) | ≈95.03 | Optional 6th reel |
| Deluxe 10 | 5 × 4 & 5 × 12 | 100 | ≈95.02 | Twin reel sets |
| Magic | 5 × 3 | 10 | ≈95.03 | Multiple expanding symbols |
| Mystic Fortunes | 5 × 3 | 10 | ≈95.05 | Four progressive jackpots |
How to Play Book of Ra
Set your bet
Load Book of Ra at a German-licensed online casino and open the staking panel. Use the “+” and “−” buttons to change your stake. The classic 9-line version lets you set both coin value (€0.01–€1.00 in most casinos) and number of active lines (1–9). In Book of Ra Deluxe and later titles, 10 paylines are usually fixed, so you choose a single total bet. Check the shown Total Bet fits your bankroll before you spin.
Know the paylines
Wins pay left to right on active lines only. Fewer lines reduce cost per spin but also lower hit frequency. Open the Paytable (often the “i” button) to view:
- Line patterns (1–10)
- Exact symbol values, e.g., Explorer 5× = 5,000× line bet in the original
- RTP figure – 92.13 %–96.00 % depending on the version for Germany
Use this to gauge volatility and potential payouts.
Spin and read the reels
Press Spin to start. Winning lines highlight and credits are added instantly. If Autoplay is available in your jurisdiction, set stop limits, e.g., stop after €50 loss or any single win over €100. German regulation enforces a 5-second minimum between spins, so Turbo mode is disabled for local players.
Trigger bonus features
The golden Book is both wild and scatter. Landing 3, 4, or 5 anywhere triggers 10 free games with a random special expanding symbol. During free games, the chosen symbol expands to fill its reel when enough copies land to create a win and pays on all 10 lines even from non-adjacent positions. Hit 3+ Books again to retrigger 10 more spins with the same special symbol; retriggers are unlimited.
Manage risk with Gamble
After any base-game win, the Gamble red/black card guess may appear. A correct pick doubles your win; a wrong pick forfeits it. Use it only if you accept a 50 % chance of loss.
Quick start
- Open the Paytable and review symbol values, paylines, and RTP.
- Choose your Total Bet and, where available, the number of lines.
- Press Spin or set Autoplay with mandatory stop limits.
- Watch for 3+ Books to unlock 10 free games with expanding symbols.
- After a win, choose Collect or Gamble based on your risk tolerance.
Winning Combinations and Payouts
How wins are created
In Book of Ra, you get a win when matching symbols land consecutively on an active payline starting from the leftmost reel. Only the highest single prize per line is paid, but wins on different lines are added together. Scatter wins are calculated on their own and then added to any line payouts.
Symbols and payouts
Symbols are split into two groups. Premiums — the Explorer, Pharaoh, Golden Idol, and Scarab — can pay from two of a kind. Low-value symbols — A, K, Q, J, 10 — need at least three. The Explorer carries the top line prize. The card ranks deliver smaller, steadier returns.
| Symbol | 5 of a kind | 4 of a kind | 3 of a kind | 2 of a kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 5,000× line bet | 1,000× | 100× | 10× |
| Pharaoh | 2,000× | 400× | 40× | 5× |
| Golden Idol | 750× | 100× | 30× | — |
| Scarab | 750× | 100× | 30× | — |
| A or K | 150× | 40× | 5× | — |
| Q, J or 10 | 100× | 25× | 5× | — |
The Book symbol
The Book acts as wild and scatter. As a wild it substitutes for all regular symbols. As a scatter it pays anywhere and opens the free spins.
- 3 Books = 2× total bet + 10 free spins
- 4 Books = 20× total bet + 10 free spins
- 5 Books = 200× total bet + 10 free spins
Bets and payout calculation
Line wins are multiplied by your stake per line. Scatter wins multiply the total bet. You can usually choose €0.01 to €5 per line across up to 10 lines, for a minimum spin of €0.10 and a typical maximum of €50. Exact limits depend on the regulated German casino.
Expanding symbols in free spins
At the start of the free spins, one regular symbol is randomly selected as a Special Expanding Symbol. When it appears, it expands to cover its reel and pays even when the symbols are not adjacent, as long as the minimum count lands. Expansions resolve after standard line wins, so a single spin can deliver line wins, scatter wins, and special pays together.
Key figures: Book of Ra Deluxe has an RTP of 95.03%, and the maximum single spin outcome equals 5,000× your bet per line across all paylines.
Book of Ra Strategies
Plan your bankroll
Before you spin, set a session fund that equals no more than 1–2 % of your monthly entertainment budget. Split it into blocks of 100 spins and decide upfront how many blocks you’ll play. Because Book of Ra Deluxe has an RTP of roughly 95.10 % and a high volatility index, long gaps between bigger wins are statistically normal. Use the Einzahlungslimit (daily/week deposit cap) and the 60-minute reality checks required by the German State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) to lock in your limits.
Tune your stake to volatility
- If you play a version with variable lines (older 9-line editions), activate all lines to preserve the 1 in 154 spin average bonus-round frequency. Lower the coin value instead of cutting lines.
- On fixed-line titles such as the 10-line Deluxe, keep each spin at 0.5–1 % of your session fund. That typically gives you roughly 100–200 spins, enough to sample variance without overexposure.
- Avoid progressive bet increases like the Martingale. Spins are independent, so a bonus is just as likely—or unlikely—after a losing streak.
Set clear session rules
- Stop-loss: End the session if you lose 40–50 % of your initial allocation.
- Win goal: Cash out or reduce stakes after doubling your session fund or hitting a single win worth 100× bet, which aligns with a typical full-screen explorer payout.
Autoplay in German-licensed casinos is capped at one spin every five seconds and must stop after 100 spins. Manual play lets you adjust stakes in real time just as easily.
Learn the flow
Use demo mode or €0.10 spins to watch how the expanding symbol is chosen at the start of Free Games and how retriggers tend to appear about once every 110 bonus rounds. Keep a simple log of spins played, bonuses triggered, and your largest payout. Review it only to fine-tune bankroll sizing; it won’t predict future outcomes.
Myths and risks
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Machine is “due” after a dry spell | Random Number Generator (RNG) makes each spin independent. |
| Time of day affects payouts | Certified RNGs run 24/7 with the same odds. |
| Betting systems raise RTP | RTP stays fixed at ca. 95 %; staking plans only shift variance. |
Use strategies only to budget and pace your play. There’s no method to overturn the house edge, so treat Book of Ra as entertainment, not income.
Book of Ra Legality in Germany
Is it legal to play Book of Ra online
Yes. Since the Fourth Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) took effect on 1 July 2021, licensed operators may legally offer Book of Ra to players in Germany. Licences for virtual slots are issued by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, GGL), which assumed responsibility in January 2023. An MGA, Curaçao or other foreign licence on its own is not enough. The casino must be listed on the official GGL whitelist at gluecksspiel-behoerde.de.
How to verify a licensed site
- GGL seal in the footer that links directly to the operator’s whitelist entry
- Mandatory age and identity check, such as SCHUFA or IDnow, before your first spin
- OASIS self-exclusion option during registration and in the cashier
- German-language support, an Impressum and T&Cs on a localised page
- Monthly cross-operator deposit cap of €1,000 by default, with an option to lift it to €10,000 after enhanced KYC
Rules that shape the online version
Section 22a GlüStV 2021 sets uniform technical parameters for every virtual slot, including Book of Ra:
- Maximum stake of €1 per spin
- Minimum spin time of 5 seconds with no turbo or stop buttons
- No autoplay and no progressive jackpots
- Reality checks every 60 minutes and a compulsory 5 minute break after 3 hours of play
- All wins and losses shown in euros in real time
The core math model stays the same, including the 95.10% RTP for the classic 10 payline version, but the slower spin tempo changes session dynamics.
Land based vs online
In German Spielhallen, Book of Ra cabinets are supplied by Löwen Entertainment under state permits and the Gaming Ordinance (SpielV). On land, you can stake up to €60 per game and lose up to €400 per hour, far above the €1 online limit. Always follow the rules that apply to the venue you choose.
Unlicensed offers
Playing on sites without a GGL licence breaches §4 GlüStV 2021. The regulator can block domains and payment routes, and courts have ordered unlicensed operators to refund player losses. Check the whitelist entry every time you register or deposit.
Payment Methods for German Players
When you play Book of Ra at licensed German online casinos, payments follow the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (2021). Operators must connect to the national LUGAS system, enforce a cumulative €1,000 monthly deposit cap per player, and complete full KYC checks (ID card or passport plus IBAN) before your first withdrawal or once deposits reach €150. Supported methods use Strong Customer Authentication under PSD2.
Instant bank transfers
Sofort (Klarna), Giropay, and Trustly let you fund your account in real time via online banking or mobile TAN from almost any German bank. Deposits land instantly. Verified withdrawals are paid by SEPA credit transfer and usually take 1–3 banking days. Casinos rarely add fees, though your bank may charge €0.10–€0.15 for a SEPA payout.
E-wallets
PayPal is available only at casinos licensed in Schleswig-Holstein or by the GGL. Skrill and Neteller remain widely accepted and offer near‑instant deposits plus cash‑outs in under 24 hours once your casino account is verified. They may add 2.5% deposit fees and 1% withdrawal fees, plus currency conversion when playing in EUR. All wallets respect the national deposit cap.
Cards and mobile wallets
Visa Debit, Visa Direct, and Mastercard Debit transactions run with 3‑D Secure (Visa Secure or Mastercard Identity Check). Some German issuers still block gambling credit card payments, so using a debit card or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to that card is often the safest route. Card withdrawals, where offered, take about 2–5 banking days; otherwise payouts revert to SEPA.
Prepaid and classic transfers
Paysafecard allows deposits only, up to €50 per PIN or €1,000 with a myPaysafecard account, and keeps your bank details private. Winnings are paid via SEPA after KYC. A conventional SEPA Überweisung suits high‑value withdrawals over €5,000, but processing can take 3–5 banking days.
Fees, limits and timing
The minimum deposit is typically €5–€20, depending on the method and casino. A single deposit usually caps at €1,000 to align with the monthly statutory limit. After successful KYC, casinos process withdrawals in 0–48 hours. You pay no gambling tax; operators pay 5.3% of stakes.
| Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Typical Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofort, Giropay, Trustly | Instant | 1–3 days (SEPA) | €10 – €1,000 |
| PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Instant | <24 h | €5 – €1,000 |
| Visa / Mastercard, Apple Pay | Instant | 2–5 days | €10 – €1,000 |
| Paysafecard | Instant | — (SEPA only) | €5 – €1,000* |
*via myPaysafecard account
Bonus Features Explained
Book of Ra centers its bonus play around the Book symbol. Here is how you trigger free spins, how the expanding symbol works, and what changes across key versions popular with players in Germany.
Book symbol roles
The Book of Ra symbol serves two jobs. As a wild, it substitutes for any regular icon to complete line wins. As a scatter, it unlocks the feature. Hitting three, four, or five Books anywhere in one spin awards 10 Free Games plus an instant payout of 2×, 20×, or 200× your total bet.
Triggering free spins
Each trigger grants a fixed set of 10 free spins. The feature plays with the same stake and the same active paylines as the base game. That means 9 lines in the classic and Deluxe versions. During free spins, landing three or more Books again adds 10 extra spins. There is no stated cap, so the round can extend for a long time if retriggers keep landing.
Special expanding symbol
Before the first free spin, one of the nine regular symbols is randomly chosen as a special expanding symbol. When enough of that symbol appears to form a win—two for the Explorer, three for all others—it expands to cover its reel after normal wins are paid. These expanded wins pay on all lines from left to right even if the symbols do not sit next to each other. Book scatters never expand and do not count toward the number of special symbols needed.
Volatility and retriggers
With unlimited retriggers and expansions that can fill several reels, the bonus is highly volatile. You can face long dry stretches, but a single retrigger or a full screen expansion can produce payouts exceeding 5,000× stake in the original and Deluxe variants.
Gamble feature
After any win you can choose the Gamble option. Guess the color of the next card to double your prize. A wrong pick loses the amount. Some German-licensed online casinos disable this feature to meet local rules, so availability varies.
Feature differences across popular versions
| Version | Free-Spin Trigger | Key Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Deluxe | 3+ Books = 10 spins | Single expanding symbol |
| Book of Ra 6 Deluxe | 3+ Books = 10 spins | Optional 6th reel increases max win to 7,500× |
| Book of Ra Magic | 3+ Books = 10 spins | Up to 9 expanding symbols after each retrigger |
| Book of Ra Deluxe 10 | 3+ Books = 10 spins | Two reel sets with symbol transfer & Stacked Wilds |
Trusted Book of Ra Casinos
If you play from Germany, the safest place to enjoy Book of Ra is a site with an official virtual-slot licence from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Licensed operators must apply five-second spin intervals, a €1.00 maximum stake per spin, a default monthly deposit cap of €1,000, full player ID checks, and a real-time link to the OASIS self-exclusion register. The casinos below are among the few that legally host Novomatic/Greentube titles, including the original Book of Ra and its Deluxe and 10 versions.
Shortlist for German players
| Casino | Licence No. | Highlights for Book of Ra Fans |
|---|---|---|
| StarGames.de | GGL 22-002 | Greentube lobby; Book of Ra Classic, Deluxe, Deluxe 10; PayPal, Giropay & SOFORT; 24/7 German support |
| Novoline.de | GGL 23-005 | Official Novomatic brand; Book of Ra series plus Lucky Lady’s Charm; TÜV‑certified RNG audits |
| JackpotPiraten.de | GGL 23-008 | Greentube catalogue, daily free spins promos on Book of Ra Deluxe; payouts via Trustly within 24 h |
How to verify a casino
- Look up the domain on the GGL Whitelist für erlaubte Glücksspielangebote.
- Check the footer for the licence number and a clickable OASIS logo.
- Open any slot: RTP and game rules must show before you spin.
- On the deposit page, expect a German-facing method (Giropay, SOFORT, Trustly, paydirekt) and fees shown as €0.
Why licensing matters
With GGL oversight, every Book of Ra spin is capped at €1, autoplay is disabled, and a reality check appears every 60 minutes. Games are tested by independent labs such as GLI or TÜV, and player funds are ring‑fenced in German banks. If a title is temporarily unavailable due to content agreements, a licensed casino must state this on the game page instead of hiding it from the lobby.
If none of the listed sites currently show Book of Ra, wait for the provider to renew distribution rights or choose another operator on the official whitelist—never bypass geoblocks with a VPN, as this forfeits GGL protection.
Mobile Book of Ra
Ways to play on mobile
You can play Book of Ra on any recent smartphone or tablet in two ways. Open it in a mobile browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) via its HTML5 build, or install a native casino app for iOS (12.0+) or Android (5.0+). Google Play has allowed licensed real-money gambling apps in Germany since March 2021, while the App Store has done so for years. The browser route needs no extra storage and works on most devices from 2016 onward. An app gives quicker log-ins, push notifications, and smoother lobby navigation.
| Feature | Browser Version | Native App |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None | One-time download (~40–60 MB) |
| Updates | Automatic with site | Via App Store / Google Play |
| Offline Demo Play | No | Yes (where offered) |
| Push Alerts | No | Yes |
| Battery Usage | Lower | Moderate |
Controls and layout
The UI scales cleanly to 18∶9 and 20∶9 screens. The green Spin button sits at thumb height. Bet settings, Auto Play (up to 100 spins), the paytable, and the sound toggle sit behind clear icons. All core mechanics mirror desktop play: the Book acts as Wild/Scatter, 10 Free Games trigger with expansions, and the expanding symbol feature remains. RTP stays at 95.03% with medium volatility.
Portrait or landscape
Portrait fits one-handed play on the go. Landscape enlarges the 5 × 3 reels, making paylines easier to follow. The game remembers your last orientation and repositions balance and stake panels to match.
Performance and data
The mobile build uses about 2–3 MB per 100 spins. If bandwidth drops below 1.5 Mbps, animations step down from 60 fps to 30 fps to prevent lag. For longer sessions, switch to Wi‑Fi, lower reel animation in the settings, and mute audio to save up to 20% battery on OLED screens.
Apps, updates, and compatibility
Keep casino apps updated for security patches and new payment integrations such as PayPal or SOFORT. Browser players should use the latest Chromium-based version for WebGL support. Most licensed German casinos sync balances via the same Greentube backend, so you can start on desktop and continue the same session on mobile without re-authentication. Only install apps from official store listings of operators with a German GlüStV 2021 licence, and allow location access only while the app is in use.
Book of Ra - FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about Book of Ra for players in Germany, from core rules to fairness and safety.
How does Book of Ra work
You spin five reels and aim to line up matching symbols on active paylines from left to right. The Book symbol acts as both wild and scatter, so it substitutes for other symbols and also launches the bonus.
How do free spins trigger
Three or more Book symbols anywhere award 10 free spins. Before the round starts, one regular symbol is randomly chosen to expand and pay wherever it lands, even when not adjacent.
Can the bonus retrigger
Yes. Hitting three or more Book symbols during free spins adds another 10 free games, with no theoretical cap. The originally selected expanding symbol stays active throughout.
What is the difference between Classic and Deluxe
Classic (1998) uses a 5×3 layout with 9 paylines and an RTP of about 92.13% in land-based cabinets (94.26% in most online versions). Deluxe (2008) upgrades to 10 paylines, smoother visuals, and a 95.03% RTP. Both share the same volatility and a maximum win of 5,000× your stake for five Explorer symbols.
Is there a way to improve your chances
No strategy guarantees wins. Results are random. Set a budget, pick stakes that fit, and take regular breaks to manage risk.
Are results fair and random
At licensed German operators, Book of Ra uses independently audited RNGs certified by bodies such as TÜV Austria or eCOGRA. Each spin is independent and cannot be predicted.
Is Book of Ra legal to play online in Germany
Yes, when the casino holds a German licence under the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). You must be 18+, complete KYC, and follow the €1 maximum stake per spin.
What about RTP and volatility
The slot is high volatility, so dry spells can be followed by sizeable hits. RTP varies: Classic ~94.26%, Deluxe 95.03%, Book of Ra Magic 95.03%. Check the info panel at your casino.
Can you play for free
Many sites offer a demo. Under German rules, you may need to register and verify your age before using it.
Does it work on mobile
Yes. The HTML5 version runs smoothly in iOS and Android browsers with the same features, payouts, and rules.
Are payments and data secure
Use licensed casinos with TLS encryption, trusted payment options like SOFORT, Giropay, and Paysafecard, plus tools such as deposit limits and panic buttons. A padlock in your browser shows a secure connection.