Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is an Egyptian-themed slot from Novomatic, with online versions delivered through Greentube. First released in 2005, it's one of the most recognised slot titles in Germany. The look is straightforward — desert ruins, ancient symbols, a treasure-hunting explorer, and the book that gives the game its name.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic / Greentube |
| Main layouts | Classic: 5×3, 9 paylines · Deluxe: 5×3, 10 paylines |
| Core bonus | 10 free spins with 1 randomly chosen expanding symbol |
| Volatility | High |
| Official game website | booksof-ra.de |
For German players, Book of Ra carries a kind of name recognition that most newer slots simply don't have. It's been around for years, the core design hasn't changed much between editions, and people know exactly what kind of slot they're getting before the reels start. That's why it remains a reference point when people in Germany talk about classic online slots.
How the game works
Book of Ra is a reel-based slot with adjustable paylines: the Classic version typically has 9, while Deluxe uses 10. The reels feature lower-value card symbols alongside higher-value themed symbols. One symbol drives most of the action — the Book. It works as both a wild (substituting for other symbols to complete wins) and a scatter (triggering the bonus round).
Land three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels and you get 10 free spins. At the start of that round, one symbol is randomly chosen as the special expanding symbol. When it lands as part of a win during free spins, it can spread to fill the entire reel — that's where the bigger payouts tend to happen. In Deluxe versions, landing 3 or more Books during free spins can retrigger another 10 spins.
Book of Ra versions compared
For most German players, the practical comparison comes down to four versions: Classic, Deluxe, Deluxe 6, and Magic.
| Version | Main difference | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Original 5-reel format, 9 adjustable paylines, old cabinet-style feel | Players who prefer the original without visual updates |
| Deluxe | Updated graphics and sound, 10 paylines | The standard version you'll find at most casinos |
| Deluxe 6 | Optional 6th reel via Extra Bet, otherwise 10 lines like Deluxe | Players who want six-of-a-kind potential |
| Magic | Retriggers can add more expanding symbols during free spins | Players who want a stronger bonus round |
Not every casino carries all versions — the exact selection depends on the operator.
Is Book of Ra legal in Germany?
Book of Ra is legal in Germany only when it's offered by an operator licensed by the GGL under the GlüStV 2021. What matters isn't the game title itself — it's whether the casino holds a valid German licence for virtual slot games.
To check, start with the official GGL whitelist, which shows all operators authorised for the German market. Then confirm that the casino displays its licensing details in the footer, and that the operator name matches the whitelist entry.
- The operator appears on the official GGL whitelist
- The site shows German licensing details in the footer
- The operator name on the site matches the licensed company
If those checks don't line up, don't treat the site as compliant. Availability can change, so check the current whitelist rather than relying on older sources.
Demo mode and browser play
Book of Ra is often available as a free demo on casino game pages or demo portals, so you can try the slot before playing for real money. On German-licensed sites, a demo option isn't always offered.
Where available, the demo usually appears on the same game tile as the real-money version, labelled "Demo" or "Play for fun." It uses virtual credits, which is handy for getting a feel for the reel speed, symbols, and bonus round.
The game runs directly in your browser — no download or plugin needed. It's built in HTML5, so it works on both desktop and mobile with a layout that adjusts to your screen size.
Stakes, RTP, and bankroll basics
Book of Ra isn't a high-return slot by modern standards. The RTP sits at roughly 92.13% for Classic and around 95.10% for Deluxe, though the exact figure can vary by operator — check the game info panel before you play. Volatility is high, so expect long dry stretches between meaningful wins, with a large share of returns coming from relatively few bonus rounds.
On licensed German sites, virtual slots are capped at €1 per spin with a minimum five-second spin interval. Bankroll management here is more about patience at small stakes than trying to scale up.
Similar games to try next
More book-style slots
The most natural next step is another book slot. Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, Book of Maya, and Book of Kingdoms all share the same expanding-symbol bonus structure and similar themes.
If you want a different pace
If you'd rather move away from the book formula, Lucky Lady's Charm Deluxe, Sizzling Hot Deluxe, Dolphin's Pearl Deluxe, and Lord of the Ocean keep the classic Novomatic feel but with simpler gameplay that's less dependent on a single free-spin feature.