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Book of Ra has a lot to look forward to when checking it out. Later on in the review, I will touch on some things that didn’t quite impress me during my testing. But for now, here are some solid perks.
✅ Continuation with multiple installments and respawns
✅ Classic design and simple gameplay
✅ It’s the pioneer of the popular “book of” slot category
✅ Big maximum reward of 5,000x the stake
Launched in 2005, Book of Ra was the first slot to introduce the iconic “book of” feature, setting a trend that reshaped the online slot landscape. This innovative approach laid the foundation for a wave of similar games, including Play’n GO’s Book of Dead, which elevated the concept to new heights. Over the years, countless developers have attempted to surpass Book of Ra, but it remains the gold standard for this genre and continues to inspire new game releases.
One of the first things players notice about Book of Ra is its dated visual presentation. That said, the graphics were competitive at the time of release in 2005, and today they carry a certain retro charm for players familiar with early online slots. The gameplay itself sticks to a classic 5×3 reel layout with 9 fixed paylines – a straightforward structure that’s easy to follow.
The setting leans into traditional Egyptian adventure themes, placing the reels inside a shadowy tomb filled with scarabs, relics, and pharaoh imagery. Symbols like the explorer and the Book help anchor the theme, giving the game its recognisable “book-style” identity that would later influence countless similar releases.
Audio design follows a similar path. Base gameplay is relatively subdued, with light reel sounds and win jingles, while the tempo lifts during free spins with more pronounced, thematic music. It mirrors the feel of the original land-based version and complements the slot’s overall retro presentation without becoming distracting.
The paytable in Book of Ra follows a traditional structure built around its 9 fixed paylines. Wins form by matching symbols across active lines from left to right, with the Book symbol acting as the exception – paying anywhere when enough land on the reels.
Because the paylines are fixed, every spin covers the full reel layout by default. This keeps the gameplay straightforward and ensures all potential line combinations remain in play, without requiring players to adjust line settings.
The playing card letters are the low-value icons. These symbols can pay out after matching at least three on a bet line. The 10, J, and Q symbols pay out the least. You can also find the scarab, golden statue, pharaoh’s head, and rugged explorer. These high-value icons pay out after matching at least two on a line.
True to the “book of” slot genre, the Book symbol is the most rewarding and versatile icon. It plays two roles by acting as the scatter and the wild symbol. This means it can help you unlock the free spins round while substituting for all paying symbols to create bigger winning combinations. It pays out for at least three of a kind anywhere on the reels.
Novomatic doesn’t give out much info about the RTP and volatility of this slot. However, Book of Ra has been around for two decades, so there’s enough information about how it pays out.
This slot’s theoretical RTP (return to player) is 92.13%, which is way below average. The volatility is also high. However, players weren’t too keen on these statistics back in 2005. So, it’s clear Novomatic was focusing more on entertainment than numbers.
Book of Ra is a high-risk slot that appeals to players looking to win big. I played Book of Ra with a $1.80 bet per spin using the Autoplay option. You can click the rabbit icon to enjoy faster or slower gameplay rounds.
Initially, payouts were infrequent, with a few spins required before matching two scarab symbols on a line. If you’re a budget-conscious player, I recommend sticking to the lowest possible bet limit to stretch your bankroll. Slowing down the game rounds is another great way to extend your playing time. Don’t miss out on maximizing casino bonuses and free spins to enhance your overall experience.
As I played, my focus was on landing enough Books to trigger the bonus game. While I occasionally completed winning lines with other symbols, the real excitement came when I hit three scatter symbols, unlocking 10 free spins. During these spins, the letter Q became the Expanding symbol, covering reels to create potential windfalls.
The game’s volatility seems to lean toward medium, but be prepared for occasional barren spells. Book of Ra is a slot where patience and strategy can pay off, especially during those thrilling bonus rounds.
I had no issues finding a casino to play the Book of Ra slot game. This game is available to play for fun or real money at Golden Star Casino. The site offers Book of Ra and other trending Novomatic titles like Sizzling Hot and 5 Sevens. Read our in-depth Golden Star Casino review to get more details.
Book of Ra’s appeal comes down to player preference around volatility, pacing, and presentation style. Its mechanics are simple and recognisable, but the gameplay loop leans heavily on bonus features for meaningful returns. Understanding that structure helps set realistic expectations before you spin.
Play this slot if you:
Skip this slot if you:
Book of Ra remains popular because of its legacy and simplicity, but it tends to resonate most with players who value classic gameplay over modern slot complexity.
Got a knack for adventure? Explore more tombs and ancient mysteries with our wide variety of expert-picked online slot reviews. Whether you’re looking for Egyptian-themed slots with RTP values, there’s a slot to suit every would-be Egyptian adventurer ready to uncover their fortune.
Book of Ra’s structure combines lower RTP with medium-high volatility, which can shape session behaviour in ways worth planning for. Long stretches between features are part of the design, so setting boundaries before play helps keep the experience enjoyable.
Approaching Book of Ra with clear limits and realistic expectations helps keep volatility from dictating session decisions.
Yes, you can play this Novomatic slot for free using casino bonuses and free spins. You can also play the Book of Ra demo on this review page without spending a dime.
The Book of Ra Deluxe game is the upgraded version of this slot. Released in 2008, it comes with sharper graphics and an increased RTP of 95.10%. The maximum payout potential is also 10,035x the stake.
The Book of Ra RTP is 92.13%, below the industry average of 96%. This means the maximum you can win a long period of time is theoretically $92.13 for every $100 bet. However, thanks to volatility, a regular gaming session can deliver very different results.
Despite being an old slot, Book of Ra is optimized to provide a smooth mobile gameplay experience. You don’t need to download this slot to play it on your Android or iOS device.
Yes, this Novomatic slot will reward you with 10 free rounds after landing three or more Book symbols on the reels. You can get 10 respins for landing more scatters during the free rounds.
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