Book Of Ra
Introducing Book of Ra
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Video Slot |
| Developer | Novomatic |
| Release Date | 2005 (Land-based), 2008 (Online) |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 9 (Classic), 10 (Deluxe) |
| RTP | 92.13% - 95.10% |
| Volatility | Medium-High |
| Max Win | 5,000x stake |
| Min/Max Bet | €0.01 - €45 per spin |
How Book of Ra Began
We see Book of Ra as a true classic that shaped the way many of us think about slots. Launched by Novomatic in 2005 for physical casinos and then brought online in 2008, it quickly made its mark across Europe. The ancient Egypt theme draws us in with pyramids, treasure, and an explorer searching for the legendary Book. That sense of adventure is easy to spot, with symbols and sounds that have become familiar even outside of slot gaming circles. Book of Ra’s journey from local slot halls to global online platforms helped it stand out and inspired a series of follow-up games. The “Book” concept now carries a reputation that many players trust when looking for a reliable gaming session.
Why Italians Choose Book of Ra
In Italy, we often look for games that blend a clear story with fast action, and Book of Ra delivers on both. Its style matches the spirit of Italian gaming rooms while being easy to enjoy on mobile or desktop during short breaks. Many of us started our slot experience here, drawn by the well-known Free Spins round and the excitement of special symbols. The visuals are straightforward, the rules are easy to follow, and the gameplay stays focused. Book of Ra is now a staple in all top ADM-licensed casinos, with sites like StarCasino, 888 Casino Italia, and Snai offering it to players across the country. The game continues to spark conversations among Italian players about big wins and those memorable, near-miss moments that make us want to play again.
What Awaits Players
We get a traditional slot setup with a 5x3 grid and clear, golden Egyptian symbols. The Book of Ra symbol acts as both Wild and Scatter, giving us a shot at 10 Free Spins if we land at least three. Once Free Spins begin, one symbol is chosen to expand and fill reels, which can lead to bigger payouts. The controls are simple and the design stays true to its roots, making Book of Ra a strong pick for both newcomers and those of us who prefer a game that sticks to the basics.
Novomatic: The Game Provider
We recognize Novomatic as a major influence in the casino world, with roots in Austria dating back to 1980. Founded by Johann Graf, the company began as a traditional supplier for land-based casinos. Over the years, Novomatic expanded far beyond its original market. Today, their presence stretches across more than 50 countries, and their team includes over 32,000 people. This growth reflects a commitment to both innovation and tradition, a balance that shows in every game they produce.
Book of Ra’s Development
When we look at Book of Ra, we see the result of Novomatic’s careful design process. The team focused on clear symbols, a steady rhythm between spins, and a pace that feels just right. Book of Ra features 5 reels and 3 rows, with 9 paylines. Players can bet from €0.01 up to €45 on a single spin. The soundtrack draws on Egyptian themes, and the timing of the reels still echoes Novomatic’s land-based cabinets. The single book symbol works as both Wild and Scatter, keeping the game simple but engaging. An RTP of 95.1% and medium volatility open the game to a wide range of players. The 5,000x max win adds excitement for those chasing bigger rewards.
Standing Out in Italy
In Italy, we often see Novomatic’s games under the ADMIRAL brand. Over 200 gaming venues across the country use their machines, and their online slots are certified by ADM, guaranteeing fair play. Italian players benefit from local language support and payment options tailored to the market. Novomatic’s titles, including Book of Ra, are regularly tested by eCOGRA and TST, and built on stable HTML5 tech. We find Book of Ra featured at respected Italian casinos like StarCasinò and Snai, a testament to the trust it has earned with players here.
Gameplay Basics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Video Slot |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 9 (fixed in most versions) |
| Min Bet | €0.01 per line |
| Max Bet | €50 per line |
| Max Win | 5,000x line bet |
| Volatility | Medium-High |
Reels and Layout
Book of Ra uses a familiar 5-reel, 3-row setup with a total of 15 positions for symbols to land. We spin the reels and aim to align matching symbols on active paylines, always from left to right. Most wins need at least three identical symbols in a row, but the Explorer symbol pays out with only two. Only the highest win on each line counts, and if we land scatter wins, those add on top. The interface is clear, showing buttons for changing bets, selecting lines, and spinning. For Italian players, all betting values display in euro.
Paylines
Book of Ra sticks to 9 fixed paylines in its classic version—these patterns can't be changed or deactivated. Each payline runs in a preset direction across the reels, always starting from the leftmost reel. We can check the exact layout of each line by opening the paytable. While most versions use 9 lines, Book of Ra Deluxe offers 10 paylines, giving us one extra path to collect wins. The payline patterns never shift, letting us keep good control over our bankroll as we play.
Betting Options and Features
We set our total stake by adjusting both the coin value and the number of coins played per line. The minimum bet begins at €0.01 per line, up to €50 per line, leading to a total bet range from €0.09 to €450 per spin on a 9-line game. Book of Ra includes an Autoplay option, letting us set a chosen number of automatic spins and decide when to stop. After any win, we can use the Gamble feature for a 50/50 chance to double our prize up to five times by guessing the color of a hidden card.
How Wins Work
Wins are calculated by multiplying the line bet with the symbol payout from the paytable. All combinations must start from the left and follow an active payline in consecutive reels. The Book symbol has two roles: it works as a Wild, replacing any other symbol, and as a Scatter, paying from any position. Landing three or more Book symbols anywhere triggers 10 free spins, with a special expanding symbol chosen at random for bonus rounds.
Symbols and Payouts
When we play Book of Ra, the symbols on the reels drive every win. Each icon has its own payout, most given as a multiplier of our line bet, while the special Book symbol pays differently. In Italian versions, names might shift, but the symbol order and values stay familiar across sites.
Main symbols and payouts
| Symbol | 2 of a kind | 3 of a kind | 4 of a kind | 5 of a kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 10x | 100x | 1000x | 5000x |
| Pharaoh mask | - | 40x | 400x | 2000x |
| Golden statue | - | 30x | 100x | 750x |
| Scarab | - | 30x | 100x | 750x |
| A, K | - | 5x | 40x | 150x |
| Q, J, 10 | - | 5x | 25x | 100x |
| Book (scatter) | - | 2x | 20x | 200x |
Payout details
The Explorer stands out as our highest paying symbol and is the only one that rewards us for just two matching icons. This gives us a chance for steady small wins. Medium-value symbols like the pharaoh mask, golden statue, and scarab deliver larger payouts when they land on active paylines from left to right. Lower symbols such as A, K, Q, J, and 10 hit more often, helping keep the game balance in motion.
Book symbol functions
The Book of Ra symbol is central to the slot. It acts as both wild and scatter. As a wild, it fills in for other symbols to complete winning lines. As a scatter, it can pay anywhere on the reels—not just along paylines. Hitting three or more Book symbols unlocks 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol that can lead to bigger wins. All payouts besides the Book scatter are based on the line bet, while Book scatter wins use the total bet.
Bonus Features
Book Symbol Wild and Scatter
In Book of Ra, the Book symbol takes on two roles at once. Acting as a wild, it steps in for any regular symbol, helping us complete winning combinations. At the same time, it serves as a scatter, triggering bonus rounds when it lands anywhere on the reels. With three Books, we unlock the free spins feature and receive a payout of 2x our total bet. With four, the reward jumps to 20x, and with five, we see a significant boost of 200x our total bet. This symbol keeps our sessions interesting, mixing base game wins with a shot at bigger features.
Free Spins Round
When we land three or more Book symbols, the game gives us ten free spins. These spins play automatically, using our current bet and paylines, so our chosen stake stays in play. It's possible for more Books to appear during free spins, adding another ten spins each time with no cap. This creates real excitement, as the round can continue well beyond the original ten spins, especially when retriggers keep coming. Italian players who appreciate straightforward, classic slots tend to enjoy this feature for its clear structure and potential for longer play.
Expanding Symbol Feature
Before free spins begin, the slot randomly selects a regular symbol to become the expanding symbol. When enough of these symbols land, they stretch to fill their reels, paying out as if they are lined up across the screen, even when scattered. For lower-value symbols, two reels are enough to trigger expansion, while higher-value symbols require at least three. We notice that low symbols provide more frequent wins, while premium symbols, though less common, can lead to larger payouts. The Explorer symbol as the expander is the most valuable, reaching up to 5,000x our line bet if it covers all reels.
Gamble Feature
After any win, we have the option to gamble for a chance to double our payout. The feature presents a card face down, and we guess if it's red or black. If we’re right, our win doubles. This can be repeated up to five times in a row, turning a single win into as much as 32 times the original amount. While it adds a burst of risk and excitement, we find it wise to set personal limits. The gamble option is available to Italian players looking for an extra thrill between spins.
Book of Ra Deluxe Edition
How Deluxe Stands Out
We consider Book of Ra Deluxe a true step forward from the original 2005 release. Launched in 2008, Deluxe keeps the beloved Egyptian adventure but brings it to life with sharper graphics and smoother animations. Symbols now show in high definition, and the improved lighting gives each spin a richer look. Sound design also gets an upgrade, with clearer audio and win sounds that change with the size of the prize. The controls are easier to use, with bigger buttons, clear bet displays, and a layout that feels more intuitive.
Extra Paylines for Better Wins
One noticeable change in Deluxe is the payline structure. We now find 10 paylines instead of 9, thanks to a new central line across the reels. This means more chances to win on each spin, raising the hit rate from about 28% to 31%. We can still pick how many lines to play—1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 10—while betting anywhere from €0.01 up to €100 per line. The total bet for a spin runs from just €0.01 to €1,000, matching the original. The extra line especially helps when landing four or five matching mid-value symbols.
Modern Play with Classic Roots
Book of Ra Deluxe keeps the original’s 95.10% RTP and high volatility, but the added payline means we see shorter losing streaks, now averaging 10 to 13 spins instead of 12 to 15. Free spins activate when three or more Book symbols appear, offering 10 free games with a random expanding symbol. Big wins look and sound more exciting with new effects like particle bursts and screen shakes for payouts over 50 times our bet. Autoplay lets us set up to 100 spins with detailed stop options.
Who Enjoys Deluxe
We see Deluxe as ideal for those who want updated visuals and smoother play without losing the original’s charm. It runs faster and uses less battery on modern devices. Italian players will notice improved translations in paytables and help menus. For those who miss the old style, the classic version remains available too.
RTP and Winning Potential
Understanding RTP
Return to Player, or RTP, reflects the long-term payout percentage of Book of Ra. In the classic version, the RTP sits at 92.13%. Book of Ra Deluxe raises this to 95.10%, giving us a bit more back on average. Book of Ra 6 offers a variable RTP from 95.03% to 95.05%, depending on whether we activate the extra bet feature. These numbers are based on millions of spins and show what to expect over time, not what happens in a single game. At Italian ADM-licensed casinos, the exact RTP is displayed in the info panel, so we always check that before we start playing.
Volatility and Win Patterns
Book of Ra is known for high volatility, meaning wins can be significant but may not come often. With a variance rating of 5 out of 5, we expect longer gaps between big wins. The classic and Deluxe versions both allow a maximum win of 5,000x our stake, and in Deluxe, that figure applies per line. While the hit frequency averages around one win in every 3.5 spins, it’s the free spins feature with an expanding symbol that truly raises the winning potential. Landing five explorer symbols during this round can pay out the top prize. Base game prizes help us keep playing, but most of the excitement comes when the bonus round triggers.
Factors That Influence Results
Several elements shape our experience and outcomes:
- Each version—Classic (92.13% RTP), Deluxe (95.10% RTP), and Book of Ra 6 (95.03–95.05% RTP)—offers different payout rates.
- The number of active lines and our bet size affect how often we see wins. We can choose to play from 9 to 10 lines, with minimum bets starting at €0.01 per line.
- The free spins round usually appears about once every 150 spins, so patience is key.
- Short gaming sessions can bring more unpredictable results, while longer play tends to reflect the published RTP more closely.
We set our expectations based on these factors and see big wins as possible, but not the norm.
Free Demo Play
Try Book of Ra for Free
We make it easy for everyone in Italy to check out Book of Ra with a free demo version. There’s no need to deposit or register—just open the demo in your browser and start playing right away. Using virtual credits, we can test every part of the game. The demo keeps the same 9 paylines as the original, and the return to player rate sits at 95.10%, identical to the real money version. This lets us get comfortable with the pace, layout, and bonus rounds, all without risk.
How the Demo Works
After clicking Play Demo, the slot opens and we set our bet using simple on-screen controls. Then we spin and watch for the Book symbol, which acts as both Wild and Scatter. Three or more Books trigger the free spins bonus, complete with the famous expanding symbol feature. The demo starts us out with 5,000 virtual credits and allows bets from 0.01 to 900 credits per spin. Since it’s just for practice, any winnings are virtual and can’t be withdrawn. If we run out of credits, a quick refresh restores the balance so we can keep playing.
Why Practice First
Trying the demo helps us understand how bets affect session length and volatility. We can change stake sizes, adjust sound or speed, and see how often features appear. Usually, the free spins round shows up about once every 150 to 200 spins. This kind of practice makes it easier to decide if we want to play for real money later on.
Demo and Real Money Compared
| Feature | Demo Mode | Real Money |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Balance | 5,000 virtual credits | Your deposit |
| RTP | 95.10% | 95.10% |
| All Features Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawable Wins | No | Yes |
| Registration Required | No | Yes |
Mobile Gaming Experience
Compatibility and Performance
We play Book of Ra directly in our mobile browser, no app download necessary thanks to HTML5. The slot runs smoothly on most modern iOS and Android devices, supporting everything from iPhone 6 and Galaxy S5 up to the latest models. The 5x3 grid adjusts to any screen size, with symbols staying sharp across common resolutions. Whether we connect on Wi-Fi or mobile data, loading times stay short. Even on older phones, spins remain steady at 60 frames per second and sound quality holds up. For sessions under half an hour, battery impact stays moderate.
Controls and Layout
Controls on mobile adapt for comfort, with larger buttons spaced for quick tapping. We can choose between portrait mode for one-handed play or landscape for a wider view. Bet sizes range from €0.05 up to €50 per spin, and all controls—paytable, audio, and bets—sit behind simple icons, so the reels remain the focus. Features like Quick Spin cut animation time from 3 seconds to just 1 second. Auto Play lets us set up to 100 spins in a row. The Book symbol’s animation keeps its detail even on the smallest screens, using scalable vector graphics.
On the Go in Italy
Book of Ra supports Italian language and shows euro balances when we play through ADM-licensed casinos. If our connection drops, the game session can recover within 10 seconds, so we don’t lose progress. Touch response is fast—usually within 100 milliseconds—and optional haptic feedback helps confirm actions in noisy places. We have the option to reduce sound quality or lower animation settings to save on data. Whether we launch Book of Ra from a casino app or a browser shortcut, the game loads in under 5 seconds on 4G, and remembers our last bet and device orientation through local storage.
Playing in Italy
We always choose Italian online casinos licensed by ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) when we want to play Book of Ra. Using these regulated sites keeps us within Italian law and protects our personal data and funds. The most trusted casinos, such as 888 Casino, StarCasinò, Snai, and Eurobet, offer Book of Ra with fair play, clear rules, and customer support in Italian. These platforms display certified games and provide a secure environment for all players in Italy.
Licensing and Security
We look for the ADM logo and the license number at the bottom of every casino site. A proper license for remote gaming starts with 15 and confirms the site is approved for Italian players. We also check that the site uses SSL encryption to keep our information safe. Independent tests by organizations like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, along with transparent terms in Italian, help us trust the fairness and payout rules of each game. ADM requires a minimum RTP of 90% for all slots, so we know Book of Ra meets these standards.
How We Find Book of Ra
On ADM-licensed casinos, we search for Book of Ra in the lobby or use filters by Novomatic or Greentube to find the game quickly. The info page for each slot shows the version and software studio, so we can avoid unofficial copies. If a casino cannot prove its ADM license or does not have a .it domain, we do not play there. We usually see Book of Ra Classic, Deluxe, and Deluxe 6 among the most popular options.
Payments and Customer Support
We choose payment solutions that work best in Italy, including Visa, Mastercard, PostePay, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, and bank transfers. Withdrawals are processed in one to three business days once our account is verified. Top operators provide live chat and email support in Italian, with answers usually within a day.
Responsible Gaming and Account Verification
We play responsibly by setting deposit and session limits, following Italian law that requires players to be 18 or older. If we need a break, we use time-out tools or self-exclusion through the ADM’s unified register. For account verification, we keep our codice fiscale and a valid photo ID ready. Many sites now accept SPID for fast identity checks. Completing KYC within 30 days helps us avoid issues with withdrawals and keeps our account active.