Book Of Ra Slot
Book of Ra Slot Overview
Book of Ra is one of Australia's most iconic slot games, developed by Novomatic's Greentube division and first released on 7 March 2005. You'll find this Egyptian-themed adventure in nearly every pokies venue and online casino across the country. Step into the shoes of a daring explorer on the hunt for the legendary Book of Ra, a mystical artefact said to unlock pharaoh’s treasures hidden deep within ancient pyramids.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Novomatic (Greentube) |
| Release Date | 7 March 2005 (Classic Version) |
| Reels / Rows | 5 Reels / 3 Rows |
| Paylines | Up to 9 (adjustable) |
| Volatility | High |
| Key Feature | Free Spins with a Special Expanding Symbol |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Adventure, Exploration |
Egyptian Design Elements
The game's visuals are inspired by authentic Egyptian mythology. You'll see symbols like the adventurous Explorer, golden Sarcophagus, Goddess Isis, and scarab beetles spinning across the reels. The pyramids at sunset create a dramatic desert backdrop, while the classic arcade-style graphics keep that retro pokies feel. Novomatic’s signature sound effects from the era round out the experience – with simple reel spins and distinct win jingles that capture the real-life vibe of an Aussie casino floor.
Enduring Aussie Appeal
Book of Ra’s ongoing popularity in Australia comes from its high-volatility gameplay, offering a perfect mix of simple mechanics and the chance for big wins. Even first-time players can pick up the basics straight away. The highlight feature delivers 10 free spins with a randomly selected expanding symbol, opening up the potential for payouts that can fill the screen – a thrill that keeps Aussie players returning for more.
How to Play Book of Ra
Game Setup and Interface
Book of Ra gives you a classic five-reel, three-row pokie setup that’s easy to get around. The control panel lets you adjust your “Bet/Line” in Australian dollars and pick how many “Lines” you want active with each spin. Book of Ra Classic has up to 9 adjustable paylines, while Book of Ra Deluxe offers 10. More active paylines mean better chances of winning, but a higher total bet per spin.
Once you’ve chosen your preferred bet amount, press the “Start” button to spin the reels. You can also use the “Autoplay” feature if you want the reels to spin automatically without pressing spin each time. After any win, you’ll get the choice to collect your winnings straight away or try your luck in the “Gamble” feature, where you guess the colour of the next card for a chance to double your payout.
Winning Combinations
You win by landing matching symbols on active paylines, starting from the far left reel. The game only pays out the highest win per line if you score more than one combination. Here’s how it works:
- Land 2 or more high-value symbols like the Explorer or Pharaoh on a payline
- Get 3 or more card symbols in a row
- Symbols must appear consecutively from the first reel without any gaps
Symbol Values and Payouts
The pokie mixes traditional card symbols with Egyptian-themed images. The Explorer pays the most, while the Book of Ra symbol acts as both Wild and Scatter. If you land five matching symbols on a payline in Book of Ra Deluxe, here’s what you’ll pocket:
| Symbol | 5-Symbol Payout |
|---|---|
| Explorer | 5,000x bet per line |
| Pharaoh | 2,000x bet per line |
| Statue/Scarab | 750x bet per line |
| Ace/King | 150x bet per line |
| Queen/Jack/10 | 100x bet per line |
The Book symbol also pays out as a scatter if you land 3, 4, or 5 anywhere on the reels, awarding 2x, 20x, or 200x your total bet in AUD respectively, while also triggering the Free Spins bonus round.
Special Features and Bonus Rounds
Book Symbol Functions
The Book of Ra symbol acts as both wild and scatter, making it the most valuable symbol you’ll find. As a wild, it substitutes for any other symbol to help finish off winning combinations. As a scatter, landing 3, 4, or 5 Book symbols anywhere on the reels instantly pays out 2x, 20x, or 200x your total bet in Australian dollars, while also triggering the bonus round.
Free Spins Round
You’ll unlock the main bonus feature by landing three or more Book symbols on a single spin. This gives you 10 free spins straight away. Before your free spins kick off, the game randomly selects one regular symbol from the paytable to become your special expanding symbol for the feature.
During the free spins, you can retrigger the bonus by landing three or more Book symbols again. Each retrigger scores you another 10 free spins, keeping your bonus session going for longer.
Expanding Symbol Mechanics
Your chosen special symbol can expand to cover entire reels during free spins, but only when enough symbols land to trigger a win. High-value picture symbols only need two instances, while card symbols require three or more.
Expanded symbols pay out across all active paylines, even if they’re not directly next to each other. This opens up chances for massive full-screen wins that you wouldn’t see in the base game.
Gamble Option
After any win in the main game, you can opt to gamble your prize. The gamble feature shows a face-down card and you guess whether it’s red or black. A correct call doubles your win, and you can keep gambling as many times as you like. If you’re wrong, you lose the entire amount from that spin. This feature is completely optional for players who want a bit more risk and the chance for a bigger reward.
Book of Ra Versions and Variants
Novomatic has developed a range of Book of Ra versions since the original hit the scene. Each variant keeps the iconic Egyptian theme and core gameplay, but introduces different features. You’ll find these versions at licensed Australian online casinos, each offering a fresh take on the timeless classic.
| Version | Reels | Paylines | RTP | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Ra Classic | 5 | 9 | 92.13% | Original free spins with expanding symbol |
| Book of Ra Deluxe | 5 | 10 | 95.10% | Enhanced graphics and extra payline |
| Book of Ra Deluxe 6 | 5 (+1 optional) | 10 | 95.03% | Optional 6th reel for bigger wins |
| Book of Ra Magic | 5 | 10 | 95.03% | Multiple expanding symbols in bonus |
Classic Version
The original Book of Ra is still a favourite among Aussie players who enjoy simple, straight-up gameplay. It features 5 reels and 9 paylines with the classic explorer, scarab, and pharaoh symbols. The RTP is 92.13%, a bit lower than the newer versions, but the game makes up for it with its nostalgic charm and easy mechanics.
Deluxe Edition
Book of Ra Deluxe lifts the original with sharper graphics and smoother animations. The extra payline bumps the total to 10, and the RTP rises to 95.10%. The gameplay remains familiar, but you’ll get slightly better odds thanks to the added betting line.
Six-Reel Variant
Deluxe 6 introduces an optional sixth reel using the Extra Bet feature. When you turn this reel on, your bet doubles, but you can land 6-of-a-kind wins for much bigger payouts. This version is ideal for players who don’t mind higher bets and enjoy a bit more volatility.
Magic Version
Book of Ra Magic takes the bonus round to the next level. Every time you retrigger free spins, another symbol becomes expanding alongside the first. You can end up with several expanding symbols active at once, giving you a shot at huge full-screen wins during the bonus feature.
RTP, Volatility, and Payout Structure
| Metric | Book of Ra Classic | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Return to Player (RTP) | 92.13% | 95.10% |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Paylines | 9 | 10 |
| Maximum Win | 5,000x Bet | 5,000x Bet |
Understanding Return to Player Rates
Your choice between Book of Ra versions has a big impact on your long-term returns. The Classic version pays back 92.13% of all bets to players over time, while Deluxe offers 95.10%. This means for every $100 you wager on Deluxe, you can expect to get $95.10 back in theory over millions of spins. The Classic version’s lower RTP makes it a less attractive option for longer gaming sessions.
High Volatility Gaming Experience
Both versions offer a high volatility experience. You’ll notice longer dry spells between wins, but when you do land a win, it’s usually much bigger. This makes for an intense gaming pace where patience is often rewarded with larger payouts. Some sessions might see your balance drop quickly, while others can deliver big wins that easily make up for previous losses.
High volatility is ideal for players who like the thrill of big swings and can handle the emotional ups and downs. Make sure your bankroll can survive longer stretches without significant wins.
Maximum Win Potential
You can win up to 5,000 times your bet amount on a single spin in both versions. This massive payout happens when the Explorer symbol fills all positions during free spins with expanding symbols. During regular play, you’ll find smaller but more frequent wins through standard symbol combinations.
The highest-paying regular symbols are the Explorer, Pharaoh, Golden Statue, and Scarab Beetle. Lower-value card symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10) offer steady smaller wins that help keep your balance up between bonus rounds.
What This Means for Your Gameplay
These figures directly influence how you should approach Book of Ra. Set a budget that can handle the ups and downs of high volatility, and don’t expect consistent small wins like you might with lower volatility pokies. Your best bet is to prepare for longer sessions where the big wins may take time to arrive, but the potential payouts make the wait worthwhile.
Winning Strategies and Tips
Managing Your Bankroll Effectively
Smart bankroll management is crucial when you’re playing Book of Ra, especially given its high volatility. Set yourself a clear budget before you begin and never go over it. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your bankroll can cover at least 150-200 spins. For example, if you have $100 to play with, betting $0.50 per spin is a solid approach. This lets you weather the inevitable dry spells while you wait for those bonus features to kick in. Don’t get caught chasing losses by increasing your bets beyond your original plan.
Choosing Your Bet and Paylines
Book of Ra Deluxe allows you to adjust both your line bet and the number of active paylines, typically up to 10. It’s best to keep all 10 paylines active to give yourself the best shot at winning in the base game. Then, tweak your stake per line to set your total spin cost. Playing with all lines active ensures you won’t miss out on any potential winning combos, and it makes the free spins feature even more rewarding since the expanding symbol pays out across all active lines.
Leverage the Gamble Feature Wisely
After a win, Book of Ra gives you access to the Gamble feature, where you can try to double your prize by guessing the colour of a card. While the 50/50 odds are tempting, it’s a risky move. Use this feature strategically on smaller wins to give your balance a boost, but steer clear of gambling larger payouts, especially those from the free spins round. It’s smarter to pocket the bigger wins rather than risking them on a pure chance game.
Focus on the Free Spins Bonus
The real excitement in Book of Ra comes from the free spins, which are triggered by landing three or more Book scatter symbols. This awards you 10 free spins with a randomly picked expanding symbol that doesn’t need to be on adjacent reels to pay out. Your main goal should be to play long enough to unlock this feature, as it’s usually where the game’s biggest wins and top payout potential are found.
Payment Methods and Casino Transactions
Available Payment Options
When you play Book of Ra at online casinos in Australia, you'll find a wide range of payment methods. E-wallets are especially popular, with PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller leading the way thanks to their fast processing and added privacy. Traditional credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard are also commonly accepted at just about every casino site.
Australian players often appreciate local options such as POLi and BPAY, which cater specifically to Aussies' banking preferences and provide quick, secure transactions. Trustly is another reliable choice for direct bank transfers without having to share sensitive banking information.
| Payment Method | Type | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | E-Wallet | Instant | 0-24 Hours | High security; widely accepted at licensed Australian casinos. |
| Skrill / Neteller | E-Wallet | Instant | 0-24 Hours | Fast transactions; may not qualify for some welcome bonuses. |
| Visa / Mastercard | Credit/Debit Card | Instant | 1-5 Business Days | Available almost everywhere, but withdrawals can take longer. |
| POLi / BPAY | Instant Bank Transfer | Instant | Not always available for withdrawals. | Direct, secure payments from your Australian bank account. |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid Voucher | Instant | Withdrawals via My Paysafecard account. | Great for keeping to a budget and staying anonymous; no banking details needed. |
Transaction Processing
For most payment methods, deposits are processed almost instantly. E-wallets and instant bank transfers like POLi will update your casino balance straight away, and card deposits are usually processed within minutes.
Withdrawals require you to complete KYC verification before your first cash-out, as is standard under Australian gambling laws. You'll be asked to provide identification documents during this process. Once verified, e-wallets generally deliver your winnings within hours, while bank transfers and card withdrawals might take one to five business days.
Most Australian casinos don't charge deposit fees, but withdrawal processing times can depend on your selected method and the casino's own review period.
Legal Status and Licensing in Australia
Current Online Gambling Framework
Australia has shaped its online gambling environment through the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which regulates how online casino games like Book of Ra are offered to Australians. While online slots are restricted for local operators, many Australians access games via licensed overseas sites. Operators must be licensed by a recognised authority and comply with strict Australian guidelines to provide legal and safe gaming options. The focus is on player protection, ensuring fair play and transparent gaming conditions.
Key Gaming Restrictions You Should Know
Licensed operators offering Book of Ra to Australian players must adhere to important regulations that influence your gaming experience. These include responsible gambling requirements, such as enforced deposit limits and time-outs, though there is no national maximum bet per spin or universal monthly deposit cap like in some countries. However, many sites allow you to set your own limits in Australian dollars (AUD) to help manage your play safely.
Every reputable site features a clearly visible "panic button" or self-exclusion option for immediate 24-hour or permanent self-exclusion. Mandatory identity verification and robust data security processes are also in place to ensure a safe and secure gaming environment.
Finding Licensed Casinos
When choosing where to play Book of Ra, always confirm the casino is licensed by a respected international regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or UK Gambling Commission, as Australian operators cannot legally offer online slots. Licensed sites typically display their official seal or licence details in the website footer. For added security, you can check the operator on the regulator’s official website.
Playing at licensed sites protects your rights, offers access to dispute resolution through regulatory authorities, and ensures games are independently tested for fairness.
Benefits for Australian Players
The regulated environment means you can enjoy Book of Ra with peace of mind. Licensed casinos offer trustworthy payment methods in Australian dollars (AUD), transparent bonus conditions, and effective responsible gambling tools. Choosing a properly licensed casino ensures you’re playing legally and safely, with operators that meet high standards for game fairness and player protection.
Where to Play Book of Ra Online
Finding Licensed Australian Casinos
Start your search with casinos licensed and regulated by Australian authorities or those that accept Australian players and adhere to local gambling laws. Reputable operators display their licence information and certification badges clearly on their homepage, usually down in the footer section. Licensed casinos in Australia follow strict security measures and fair gaming practices as required by law.
Don't just rely on seeing a logo. Australian regulators and independent bodies often maintain public registers of approved operators. Always check to verify a casino’s legitimacy before signing up for an account.
Essential Security Features
Your chosen casino should use the latest SSL encryption technology to keep your personal and financial details safe. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar while you’re on the site—this means your connection is secure.
Make sure the casino partners directly with Novomatic or Greentube to provide authentic Book of Ra games. If the partnership is genuine, you’ll find their official logos in the game library. Avoid any sites offering unofficial versions of the game.
Responsible Gaming Requirements
Licensed Australian casinos should provide tools for safe gambling, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. If your casino doesn’t offer these features, it may not be properly licensed or looking out for your wellbeing.
Check that the casino’s terms and conditions, bonus policies, and privacy information are clearly provided and easy to access. These documents shouldn’t be hidden or confusing.
Testing Before You Play
Many licensed casinos let you try demo versions of Book of Ra with virtual credits. This way, you can try out the game’s features and bonus rounds without risking real money. Demo play is a great way to get familiar with the gameplay before making your first deposit in AUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Book of Ra fair and safe to play?
Book of Ra is a completely fair and secure game. Novomatic (Greentube) develops this slot using certified Random Number Generator technology, which guarantees that each spin delivers random, independent results. You can be confident there’s no manipulation since licensed Australian online casinos must adhere to strict regulatory standards. These ensure your gaming experience is transparent and legitimate at all times.
Can I play Book of Ra on my mobile device?
Your smartphone or tablet is perfect for playing Book of Ra. The game is built on HTML5 technology, supporting both iOS and Android devices seamlessly. No downloads are needed, as most Australian casinos offer direct browser play. Some operators have dedicated apps, but the browser version provides the same graphics, gameplay, and bonus features no matter which platform you use.
What are the minimum and maximum bets?
Your betting options depend on the casino and the version of the game you choose. Book of Ra Deluxe usually starts at $0.10 per spin with all paylines active, while maximum bets can go up to $80 per spin. Different versions, such as Classic or Magic, might have different limits. Always check the paytable at your chosen casino, as operators may adjust these ranges to suit their platform.
What is the maximum win in Book of Ra?
Book of Ra Deluxe offers a top win of 5,000 times your total bet. You can hit this jackpot by filling all 15 positions with Explorer symbols during free spins when the expanding symbol feature is active. This results in the highest possible payout combination in the game.
When is the best time to play Book of Ra?
There’s no best time to play to increase your chances of winning. The RNG system ensures every spin is completely random, no matter the time, number of players, or previous results. The best time to play is simply when you can gamble responsibly and enjoy the experience without any pressure.
Are there restrictions for Australian players?
Australian players must follow local regulations set by government authorities. Licensed Australian casinos require identity verification and may impose gameplay limits, including maximum bet amounts per spin and monthly deposit caps, depending on the platform. These rules apply when playing at government-approved operators.