Book Of Ra
What is Book of Ra?
Book of Ra is an Ancient Egypt-themed slot by Novomatic, later released online through Greentube. It first became popular in land-based venues, then moved online with the same basic setup: five reels, a simple bonus feature, and a style that still feels close to the original cabinet version.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Novomatic |
| Online studio | Greentube |
| Release | 2005 |
| Format | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 9 in Classic, 10 in Deluxe |
| RTP | Classic is commonly listed at 92.13% |
| Volatility | High |
The theme follows an explorer searching for treasure and sacred texts inside an Egyptian tomb. The presentation is quite dated by current standards, with basic 2D symbols and simple sound effects, but many players still like that straightforward style.
Book of Ra is important because it helped shape the wider "book slot" format: a high-volatility game built around free spins and an expanding symbol. Many later slots copied that structure. In Italy, availability depends on which version an ADM-licensed operator has in its approved catalogue, and Classic and Deluxe do not always have the same settings.
Game Symbols and the Paytable
The Book symbol is central to Book of Ra. It works as a Wild for regular symbols and as a Scatter that starts the bonus feature. Regular wins are paid for matching symbols from left to right on an active payline, starting on the first reel. Book scatters pay anywhere on the reels.
The game uses a five-reel, three-row layout. In the classic version, the Explorer and Pharaoh can pay from two matching symbols, while Isis, Scarab, and the card symbols usually need at least three. You can normally choose how many paylines to play, with the original Book of Ra offering up to 9 lines.
Symbol Hierarchy
- The Explorer: The highest-paying regular symbol.
- The Pharaoh: The second-highest symbol and one of the few that can pay from two matches.
- Isis and Scarab: Mid-value premium symbols that pay from three or more matches.
- A, K, Q, J, 10: Lower-value card symbols.
In most classic versions, 3, 4, or 5 Book scatters pay 2x, 20x, or 200x the total bet and trigger the free spins round. Exact payouts can vary slightly by version or casino.
The Free Spins Bonus Feature
Three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels trigger 10 free spins.
At the start of the feature, the game randomly picks one regular symbol as the special expanding symbol for that round.
If that symbol lands as part of a win during free spins, it expands to fill the whole reel. Because it covers all three positions, it can create wins across every active payline, including combinations that would be harder to hit in the base game.
If you land three more Book symbols during the feature, you get another 10 free spins.
Classic vs Deluxe Versions
Book of Ra Deluxe keeps the same basic idea as the original game but adds a tenth payline and updated visuals. Novomatic designed it as a refreshed version rather than a completely different slot.
In practice, the biggest changes are visual. Deluxe has sharper symbols, smoother animations, and a cleaner interface, while Classic keeps the older 2D look.
| Feature | Book of Ra Classic | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines | 9 | 10 |
| Graphics | Retro 2D | Modernised |
| RTP | 92.13% on the official site | 95.10% on the official site |
| Bonus feature | 10 free spins with 1 random expanding symbol | 10 free spins with 1 random expanding symbol |
The bonus structure is the same in both versions: free spins start when enough Book symbols land, one symbol is chosen at random to expand during the feature, and more Book symbols can retrigger extra spins. Even so, the two games are not mathematically identical.
Pros and Cons of the Game
Book of Ra is easy to follow, but it's a high-volatility slot. That means long quiet spells are common, and most of the appeal comes from the chance of a bigger payout when the bonus feature lands.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple, easy-to-understand gameplay | High volatility |
| Strong payout potential in the bonus | Older graphics and basic sound |
| Optional gamble feature after eligible wins | Long losing stretches are common |
Bankroll control matters here. Book of Ra doesn't usually rely on frequent small wins to keep a session going, so it's best suited to players who are comfortable waiting for the main feature.
The presentation feels dated compared with newer online slots. It keeps the flat 2D look and simple cabinet-style sound of the original machine, which some players still like, but others may find basic.
Joining an ADM Casino in Italy
In Italy, you can only play legally at casinos licensed by ADM, the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli. These operators must follow national rules on identity checks, payments, and responsible gambling tools.
Registration is stricter than on many other sites, so your account details need to match your documents.
- Codice Fiscale: Usually required at sign-up, along with your name, date of birth, address, email, and mobile number.
- ID verification: Most operators will ask for a valid identity document. Until checks are completed, deposits, withdrawals, or full account access may be limited.
If the information on your account does not match your documents, the casino may restrict or suspend the account until the issue is cleared up.
Real Money vs Free Practice
Book of Ra demo play lets you try the slot without risking money. In most cases, the practice version uses the same layout, symbols and bonus features as the real-money game, so it's a useful way to get a feel for how it plays before staking your own funds.
Real money play is the only version that can produce cash winnings. On ADM-licensed sites in Italy, demo access depends on the operator: some let you open it straight away, while others require a login or age check first.
Mobile Compatibility and App Play
Book of Ra works on iOS and Android through mobile browsers and, at some operators, dedicated casino apps. The mobile version uses a simpler layout so the reels stay clear on smaller screens.
The touch controls are adapted for phones and tablets, with the main settings grouped in the game menu and a larger spin button placed for easier use. The game itself is the same as on desktop, though the surrounding interface can vary between ADM-licensed casinos.